Escape tropical heat in the plush air conditioned malls of Sukhumvit where Bangkok is seen at its most sophisticated and everything from Ferraris to designer wear is available.
One of the most thrilling aspects of a visit to Bangkok is shopping, which can keep you happily occupied for days. If the jostling frenzy of street markets is not your thing, Bangkok’s malls are an oasis of air-conditioned comfort. The ongoing battle for mall supremacy sees newer and bigger malls continually introduced, leaving tourists with an excellent choice of shopping experiences.
They offer great value for money on everything from electronic goods to high-end fashion. Frequented by tourists and locals, the malls are lively, exciting locations filled with multiplex cinemas, bowling alleys, music and dance studios and of course, some of the best shopping in Asia. At Siam Square you’ll find a virtual air-conditioned world where Central World, Siam Paragon, the Siam Centre, Siam Discovery and MBK all adjoin each other in an endless bubble of sophistication and retail.
From leather goods to souvenirs, inexpensive footwear to world-class clothing and accessories, there’s something for everyone at Bangkok’s malls. When you’ve had your fill of shopping, soothe your tired heels at the many cafes and restaurants offering great food and an upbeat atmosphere. Or scour for exciting culinary finds at the many food courts offering a wide choice of cuisines at very affordable rates.
Here’s a list of Bangkok’s most popular malls:
CentralWorld Shopping Complex
The current and undisputed winner of the battle of sizes, CentralWorld is the largest lifestyle mall in all of Southeast Asia, with a total area size of 830,000m2 which includes a whopping 550,00 m2 dedicated to retail. There are over 500 shops and about 50 restaurants at Central World, with both famous international brands and Thai brands showcased. Rama I Road (Siam Square BTS station).
Siam Paragon Shopping Centre
An opulent, upscale mall, the Siam Paragon in Pathumwan, is unparalleled in all of Southeast Asia for its selection of luxury goods. From plush, imported cars to designer outlets for clothing and accessories, the centre boasts five floors of retail, dining and entertainment space, including a multiplex cinema, bowling alley, state-of-the-art gym and an IMAX theatre. The international food court in the basement is one of Bangkok’s most chic venues for casual eating. Rama I Road (Siam Square BTS station).
Siam Discovery
Despite the burgeoning repertoire of malls in the city, Siam Discovery remains popular among Bangkok’s young and hip crowd, with its trendy shops, fashions outlets, cinemas, cafes and restaurants. Guess? DKNY, Swarovski and Mac all have outlets here, and you can also chill out at popular cafes like Au Bon Pain and Starbucks. Rama I Road (Siam Square BTS station).
MBK Shopping Center
The sprawling Mah Boon Krong shopping mall on Phayathai Road, Pathumwan is nothing short of a legend in Bangkok. MBK is big on bargains and short on opulence, with eight floors crammed with shops selling everything from mobile phones, electrical appliances, clothing, accessories furniture, leather products and DVDs. A swirling hive of activity, the shopping centre has been attracting locals and tourists for years, though it does get busy and is a cheaper choice. Corner Phayathai and Rama I (Siam Square/National Stadium BTS stations).
The Emporium Bangkok
The Emporium on Sukhumvit Road is the ultimate destination for fashionistas, with three floors dedicated exclusively to clothing and accessories. International brand names for clothing, from Louis Vuitton to Versace are housed on one floor, exclusive world-class accessories including jewelry and leather products on another and trendy, modern fashion for the young and hip on a third. The mall also has a food court, supermarket and a big section on home appliances, besides a multiplex cinema. It’s the closest to the Landmark and perhaps more refined and quiet. Sukhumvit Road (Phrom Phong BTS).
Pantip Plaza
The IT hub of Bangkok, Pantip Plaza on Petchaburi Road is a multistory shopping centre dedicated exclusively to computers and related technology. Find some great bargains on computers, USB sticks, printers, MP3 players, cameras, PDAs and a range of other accessories. However, counterfeit versions of software and DVDs abound, and if you want to make sure you’re buying the real stuff, IT City located on the 5th floor of Pantip Plaza is the place for credible bargains. Phetchaburi Road (5 min walk from Ratchatewi BTS).
