subscribeThe Major Shopping Areas of Bangkok
The shopping areas are dotted all over central Bangkok. The majority are in the Siam and Silom districts--Top brands, haute and expensive. Those are designed for tourists and the upper class of Bangkok. So on a budget, just where is that Bangkok shopping paradise? The secrets of Bangkok shopping are revealed here.
Ratchaprsong Intersection Shopping District
Ratchaprsong is the name of the intersection of Ratchadamri and Rama 1. It abounds in upscale shopping and 5 star Hotels. Central World, which houses Zen shopping mall and CenterPoint Entertainment Complex, face Big C and Gaysorn. Ratchaprasong also encompasses the less popular Chitlom area, which consists of Amarin Plaza, Maneeya Center, and Central Department Store.
Central World
Anchored by Isetan Department Store, Mid-range, with some upscale shopping, it's the hangout for Thai teenagers, Centerpoint being a main draw. There's a cinema and upscale eateries on the 7 floor. The fun shopping and eating in the area is on the sidewalks in front. Big C is a mega supermarket with cinema and food court.
Siam
Siam Paragon is the flagship of Bangkok shopping. Massage and extremely upscale, most Thai dress up to peruse its walks. It has its own direct exit link from the BTS. Ocean World aquarium is in the basement. Siam Discovery Center, adjacent to Paragon, is trendy, fun shopping and eating. both have cinemas and global brand outlets.
Siam Square
The jewel of the Siam Area. Siam Square is more about trendy boutique shopping and homegrown designers, sprinkled in with hip restaurants and bars. It's two parallel sois directly across from Siam Paragon.
MBK, Mah Boon Krong
Just a short walk from Siam, you actually can't miss MBK. It is the bargain hunting mecca for tourists and Thais alike. Who couldn't spend a day in MBK? 6 floors of shopping, chain restaurants, a world class cinema, bowling alley, video games, coffee shops. The entire 4th floor is dedicated to the mobile phone and related products. Prices are usually marked but you can bargain somewhat, especially if you are buying in quantity.
Night Bazaars
There are three. Most are not worth your time, touristy, overpriced, low quality goods. Literally the same stuff can be found in Pratunam and MBK. There is a good one. Along Ratchaprlop Rd. in Pratunam there's a nightly and also behind Indra Square, near Baiyoke Tower. On weekends, the venue changes a bit with weekend only vendors, slightly different goods. The Suan Lum Night Market has one draw, the open air food court has nightly entertainment and great eats! In Silom, the Patpong night market is infamous, way, way overpriced, the draw is the red light entertainment along it's sides. Patpong is at Silom Soi 5 and 6. It's near Sala Daeng Station on the BTS, or take the bus.
Pratunam Area
The Pratunam area is the garment district of Bangkok. It starts at the Indra Regent Hotel, to its side and rear, and continues all the way down to Petchaburi Road. It encompasses Pratunam Market, the shops of Indra Square, Pantip Plaza, Pratunam complex, the new Platinum Fashion Mall. It would take days to explain the shopping in this area. It has absolutely everything and is the cheapest retail shopping in Bangkok. However, a good majority of the businesses there are wholesale garment. Each shopping complex has its specialty.
- Pantip Plaza, an electronics mega complex.
- Pratunam Market, covered outdoor shopping, mainly garments, closes at sundown.
- Pratunam Complex, load up on silver jewlry here.
- The Platunum Fashion Mall, pleasant indoor shopping, and cheap. Mostly Thai designers.
- Indra Square, indoor wholesale and retail bargain shops.
- City Complex, another wholesale and retail shopping mall on Petchaburi Soi 19./li>
- Baiyoke I, located just behind Indra Square.
Chatuchak Market
It has many names, Jatujak, JJ market. It's Thailand largest market, 35 acres and over 15,000 stalls selling everything, meaning EVERYTHING. Get there early in the day or you'll be a hot sticky mess and it's only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Get there by BTS or MRT.
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