Siam Paragon
(Siam BTS station, open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Located at the center of Bangkok’s shopping area, close to Siam Center, Siam Discovery Center, MBK, and Central World, Siam Paragon is easy to reach by BTS, and it is the place where Thai and foreign shoppers go looking for high-end international brands, such as Gucci, Armani, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton, among others.
But Siam Paragon is not only about shopping: there is a gourmet market and a food hall, plus Thai traditional art shops. In addition, the Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl bowling; Siam Ocean World, Asia’s largest and first giant city center aquarium; and a premium cinema complex will all bring your shopping experience in Paragon to another level.
O.P. Place
(30/1 Soi Charoen Krung 38, Charoenkrung Road, Bangkok, open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
A boutique shopping arcade housed in a neo-classical building, with more than 50 retail shops selling everything from Asian antiques to handicrafts, and form home décor items to fine jewelry and art.
The complex also houses the Aksra Theater and Ramayana restaurant.
Terminal 21
(Asok BTS station, open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Terminal 21 will make you feel as though you are constantly traveling. With architecture designed to resemble an airport terminal, each of its nine floors will take you to a different city, from Carnaby Street in London to San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Terminal 21 is the newest lifestyle shopping mall in Bangkok, and it will give you a slightly different shopping experience from that offered by other malls thanks to its numerous privately owned retail stores, as opposed to the big chains present elsewhere. There are also cozy cafés and restaurants, particularly on the top floors.
Pantip Plaza
(Rachatewi BTS station, open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Located in Phetchaburi road, close to the Platinum Fashion Mall, this shopping plaza is a paradise for all tech enthusiasts in Bangkok.
Laptops, cameras, smartphones, tablets, memory cards, and every other possible high-tech gadget can be found in its five-story building. The range of quality is also wide; it is possible to find both original products as well as “same same” ones. The best way to be certain of the authenticity of the goods is to buy from official resellers.
On the fifth floor, IT City offers quality products and, at a large open space on the ground floor, there is a promotion almost every day. A small food court is located on the first floor. Avoid Pantip Plaza during weekends if you don’t like big crowds.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
(Mo Chit BTS station, open Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
When the shopping experience in Bangkok starts looking repetitive after jumping from one shopping mall to the next, paying a visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market—also known as J.J. by locals—is worthwhile.
This is one the largest open-air markets in the world and, because if its intricate little streets and the variety of products it offers, it can easily compete with the world-famous Arab souks. Anything you can possibly imagine can be found in this market, from clothes and shoes to typical Thai handicrafts; from pets and vintage leather items to glassware and bed linen. Lose yourself in its alleys and enjoy every stand and corner, try the food, and remember that at J.J. bargaining is not only suggested, but compulsory.
MBK
(National Stadium BTS station , open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Mahboonkrong, or MBK, is the mall to go to and experience how Bangkokians like to shop. Once the largest shopping mall in Asia, MBK is loved by tourists and by Thais, who make up more than half its daily visitors. Conveniently located at the intersection of Phaya Thai Road and Rama I Road, it is easy to reach by BTS.
The first three floors are dedicated to clothes and shoes, but cosmetics and beauty products can be found, too. The fourth floor is dedicated to electronics, and many official stores can be found there. On the fifth and sixth floors, different cuisines can be tasted, close to where you can find high-tech, furniture, and souvenir shops. And the last two upper floors are dedicated to entertainment: cinema, bowling, and karaoke.
It’s no news that Thailand is one of the shopping capitals of the world. And from June 15 to August 15 it will live up to its promise by offering up to 80 percent discount on products in department stores, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tourist attractions nationwide, during the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2014 (www. thailandshoppingparadise.com).
Clothing, accessories, Thai handicrafts, electrical appliances and more will be on sale at discounted prices in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hay Yai, Koh Samui, Hua Hin, and Pattaya. Hotels and restaurants will also offer discounts on their products and services to cater for the shopaholics’ needs. Participating department stores in Ratchaprasong area will offer a diverse selection of products, especially brand names, at incredible bargain prices.
Tip: Check for promotions available with your credit card for this campaign.
Central Embassy
(Ploenchit BTS station, open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Paying homage to traditional Thai temples, Central Embassy’s 200 meters of stunning façade are constructed of shimmering shingles that punctuate the continuous, rippled frontage. Comprising an eight-story retail podium, verdant sky terraces and a six-star hotel tower, this luxury shopping mall offers bridge fashion and designer brands; watches and jewelry; cafes, bakeries, and restaurants; spas; home, décor and technology stores, and much more.
Erawan
(Chiltom BTS station, open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; restaurants open from 8 a.m. until midnight)
Erawan Bangkok is a new concept “boutique mall” specifically designed to cater to and service the needs of sophisticated urban chic lifestyles. Located in the major shopping district on the corner of Ratchaprasong Square, which attracts several million tourists and office workers a year, the mall includes Urban Kitchen, a meeting point where city dwellers can enjoy selections of 13 ethnic cuisines and tastes; luxury fashion and accessories; and wellness and beauty centers.
Gaysorn Shopping Centre
(Chitlom BTS station)
Gaysorn is a luxury mall that offers international lifestyle brands, from flagship stores to luxurious brands from around the world, and stylish fashion and accessories by luxury Thai brands. To enhance the visitors’ shopping experience, Gaysorn has a dedicated team of valets and concierges. It offers apparel, shoes and handbags, jewelry and accessories, gadgets, home accessories, food and wine options, and more.
River City
(23 Trok Rongnamkhaeng, Si Phaya Pier, Yota Road, Sampantawong, open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; restaurants open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
River City describes itself as a “picturesque shopping experience.” Located by the Chao Phraya River, this shopping complex offers lifestyle shops; river cruises dinner cruises, and cruise tours; arts and antiques; an auction house; performances and exhibitions; a sky walk, and a grand hall that integrates both Thai and European architectural styles.
King Power Downtown Duty Free Mall
(Victory Monument BTS station, open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Located in Rang Nam Road, not far from Victory Monument BTS station,
King Power Complex is the downtown duty-free store of the King Power
International Group. It is the place to go for famous international brands, such as
Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, and Lacoste, among others.
Besides shopping, the complex is also worth a visit for its modern
architecture, made of glass and steel. Promotions and discounts are offered to
guests of the Pullman hotel, and a pick-up service is provided to and from many
hotels, mainly in the city center.
The complex also houses the Aksra Theater and Ramayana restaurant.
Asiatique The Riverfront
(2194 Charoenkrung Rd., Wat Prayakrai, Bangkoleam, open daily from 5 p.m. until midnight.)
Located by the Chao Phraya River on what use to be a pier that started international trade between the Kingdom of Siam (Thailand’s former name) and European nations back in the 1900s, Asiatique The Riverfront has shops that offer Thai handicrafts, fashion accessories, and furniture, among other products, and it has bars, restaurants, and entertainment.
