RE: Bangkok

[kyle at onebox_com]

I've spent a lot of time in Thailand but I didn't get seriously into aquaria until after I got back from my last trip a few months ago (i.e. I don't know specific good shops per se).  But I would very strongly recommend checking out the Chatuchak (sometimes spelled with J's instead of C's) weekend market.  This is a HUGE covered outdoor market (reputibly the largest in the world, I'd believe it!) which sells just about anything you could imagine.  For your purposes they have a big animals section with a lot of fish dealers.  I'm sure a number of them have aquatic plants.  I'll bet they have a better fish and plant selection than almost anywhere in the USA (of course your in Pakistan so that probably doesn't mean much), very likely to have things that haven't made it to the market in Europe or the US.  I'm basing this on the time I've spent going through the terrestrial plants section and reptile section finding really rare or choice plants and turtles.

I know you are mostly interested in plants, but the thing that I remember best about the fish market is finding several small stalls selling Bettas.  Not the run of the mill kind you get in fish stores everywhere else in the world, its row after row of the really fancy types (you name the color and shape and they have it!) that are so coveted by Betta hobbiests.  That's where Bettas originate (Thailand is the new name of Siam for those who don't know), and if you check Aquabid the majority of fancy Bettas are being sold by Thai companies so I guess it makes sense!

Everyone in Thailand knows Chatuchak (Bankok residents do much of their shopping there) and its in every guidebook.  So if you want to take a taxi there he will know exactly where to go (by the way, all taxi's in Bangkok are metered, don't let them try to negotiate the price, insist on the meter).  Alternatively, get on the Skytrain light rail system and take the line that goes to Mo Chit station, get off there, cross the road, go down to the street, turn left and walk about 2-3 blocks and you can't miss it (I promise!).  There are only 2 skytrain lines and Mo Chit is the last stop for one of them (meaning its on the sign at every station and you don't have to worry about missing your stop) so there is virtually no chance of getting lost.  Unfortunately once you get to Chatuchak you essentially enter a giant maze and may have to wander until you find it (if you are really lucky you may find a Thai that speaks some english there but don't count on it).  

One last point, the normal days the entire market is open is Saturday and Sunday.  BUT... I know that they have an animal specific day during the week (less crowded, best selection).  I'm not sure what day it is though (regular plants are Wednesday but aquarium plants will be with the fish so its whatever day that is).

Hope it helps!

-Kyle


-- 
Kyle Williams
kyle at onebox_com - email
(707) 583-2064 x2092 - voicemail/fax



Date: Sat, 2 Nov 2002 20:05:59 +0500
From: "yahoo" <paulalundberg at yahoo_com>
Subject: Bangkok

Hi,

I will be in Bangkok next week.  Since we don't have much in the way of
aquatic plants (let alone water) here in Pakistan I have been making do with
what I can get outside.  Does anyone have a good lead on a quality retail
outlet in Bangkok that can help on plants, ferts, and the like?

By the way, an Aquarium Pharm tapwater deionizer has helped alot in bringing
down my GH to more reasonable levels.

Thanks

Paul

 pub/aquaria/aquatic-plants.

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