Where to go shopping in Bangkok
Images adapted from: @quirky_juliana, @alibeby21, @enzopabs, @pebeeefm
Many first-time visitors in Thailand’s capital might see the city as a vibrant nightlife hotspot with countless street food dishes to try.
But seasoned travellers will know that Bangkok is also a shopaholic’s heaven, with tonnes of shopping malls growing like grass everywhere. Many of these malls sell things for cheap too, making it perfect for a shopping spree.Â
If it’s your first time in BKK, here are 12 go-to shopping malls that serial-shoppers from all around the world can’t miss out on. Â
1.Siam Paragon –Â group of malls in the central Bangkok
Image credit: Grandsukhumvithotel
Located right by the BTS sky train hub, Siam Station, Siam Paragon is a luxurious mall that many Bangkokians frequently visit.
It’s full of upscale brands such as Hermès, Dior, and Balenciaga – but that doesn’t mean you have to splurge. There are lots of restaurants and cafes to chill at. Plus, it also hides a little fun for the kids – SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, an aquarium situated in the basement floor of the mall.
Breathtaking aquarium with sea creatures
Image credit: @great_ngamlamai
This perfect for shoppers who don’t want their kiddos – or themselves – to get bored from all that shopping.Â
Younger crowds can make their way to Siam Discovery and Siam Center, which are connecting malls located on the other side of Siam Paragon.
The photo-worthy glass tunnel that connects Siam Discovery to Siam Center
Image credit: @chutchapol
Both malls have a modern vibe and youthful energy with their edgy interior and cool decor. They also sell a lot of fashion items designed by local designers like bags and clothes, which are more affordable than the luxury brands you’ll find in in Siam Paragon.
Image credit: @veronica.pretty
At Siam Discovery, you and your family can have fun visiting Madame Tussauds Museum – a life-sized wax museum with replicas of international superstars and characters like Michael Jackson, Captain America, and Jackie Chan.
Siam Paragon
Address: 991 1 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: Directly accessible from Siam BTS station by foot
Telephone: +66-2-610-8000
Website
2.Terminal 21 – Airport-themed mall
At Terminal 21, you can visit different countries just by coming to a single mall.
The Golden Gate Bridge, baby!
Image credit: @_imjao_pann
As you step into the mall, you’ll feel like you’re in an airport. Each floor is a gate to different cities around the world, from a bazaar in Istanbul (3rd floor) to a Hollywood theatre (6th floor).
Nope, this is not London’s underground but a way to toilets in the mall
Image credit: @zolaocity
Despite being in an upscale neighbourhood like Asok, shopping here isn’t too expensive. The mall is popular for its eateries, and Terminal 21’s food court serves surprisingly low-priced tasty food.Â
Pocket-friendly food court with a fantastic city view
Image credit: @jenn.st
How low, you may ask. Well, you can get a dish of braised pork with rice for only ฿40 ( ~USD1.33) and mango sticky rice for ฿70 ( ~USD2.32)!
The mall is well-connected to both BTS and MRT stations and is really convenient to get to.
Terminal 21
Address: 88 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: Direct access from Asok BTS and Sukhumvit MRT station by foot
Telephone: +66-2-108-0888
Website
3.ICONSIAM – riverside mall with Thailand’s only Takashimaya outlet
Opened in 2018, ICONSIAM is a newbie among others. But this swanky riverfront mall is packed with cool decor, shops, and awesome eateries that will keep you busy.Â
Image credit: @lo_mein88
On the ground floor, you’ll find a colourful Thai food court called Sooksiam, which offers a variety of regional Thai food from the north to south. For a fancier meal, head to the 6th floor where Tasana Nakorn is. This is an open-air eatery terrace overlooking the Chao Phraya river that serves international food and beverages.
Image credit: Prestigeonline
For all the ladies, don’t forget to visit Maison Christian Dior Boutique, the biggest Dior makeup and fragrance store in South East Asia. It offers an exclusive collection of Dior perfumes that you won’t be able to find at any regular beauty store.
Image credit: @i_omsin
If you’ve heard of Takashimaya, the famous Japanese department store, you can now visit its first and only branch in Thailand that is situated inside ICONSIAM called ‎SIAM Takashimaya. Get lost in a selection of Japanese goodies like home decorations, food, and clothes.
ICONSIAM
Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: 15 minutes from Krung Thon Buri BTS station by taxi or Grab
Telephone: +66-2-495-7000
Website
4.Central World – Huge central mall with cool events
Image credit: Coworker
Central World is a super big mall that sits right in the heart of Bangkok, near Siam and Chidlom BTS stations. The mall tailors to everyone’s needs with all types of shops – from high-end brands to affordable fashion and accessories.
Image credit: @thet_hnin2904
Aside from name-brand retail stores, there’s also a huge open-air space in the front that often hosts events like food fairs to seasonal markets. Food and goods from all over Thailand will be on offer for visitors to browse and buy. Â
The Christmas light installation in front of Central World in 2016
Image credit: Thaiticketmajor
Everyone’s favourite shopping season is definitely the December holidays, and Central World transforms into a winter wonderland with its enormous Christmas tree and other jolly decorations.
Central World
Address: 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: 5 minutes from Chid Lom BTS station by foot
Telephone: +66-2-021-9999
Website
5.Platinum Fashion Mall – affordable wholesale fashion items
Image credit: Bangkok
Platinum Fashion Mall is the ultimate shopaholic’s heaven. This 6-storey mall has 2 connecting buildings is known for selling cheap wholesale fashion goods and accessories.
What you can expect here are cheap fast-fashion items like clothes, leather goods, accessories, and many more. Although buying wholesale items are much cheaper, buying individual items here is still not too pricey.
Image credit: Timessquare21
To all shoppers’ delight, the mall is divided into specific sections for women, men, and kids – you’ll spot a directory at each escalator in the building.
After a long shopping session, there are tons of food stalls and carts in front of the building to fill your tummy up.
And for your convenience, the back of Platinum Mall is connected to the skywalk that leads to Central World, making it easier to walk between the two malls.
Platinum Fashion Mall
Address: 222 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 9AM–8PM | Sat & Sun: 8AM–8PM
Nearest Train Station: 15 minutes from Ratchathewi BTS station by foot
Telephone: +66-2-121-8000
Website
6.Samyan Mitrtown – 24/7 stalls and alternative theatre
There’s an outdoor garden on the roof overlooking Bangkok
Image credit: @wbmilk
With overwhelming feedback from Bangkok youngsters, Samyan Mitrtown quickly became one of the hottest destinations to visit although it had just been opened recently. Besides all the hype, the mall is very accessible since it’s directly connected with an MRT station.
Iconic MRT tunnel connecting the mall to the station
Image credit: @ypyui
Located next to Chulalongkorn University, Samyan Mitrtown has a 24/7 co-working space on the 2nd and 3rd floor for uni students and freelancers who want to work with ease.Â
Hungry while working? Don’t worry. There’s 24/7 zone with light munchies such as 7-11 or Starbucks to some more filling meals like KFC or Shabushi buffet – sounds nice. To see all the restaurants and service that open 24 hours, click here.
House Theatre
Image credit: @erebero
One of Bangkok’s most famous alternative cinemas, House, also found its home here. So if you’re looking for an artsy night out, head here and get away from the mainstream theatre scene.
Samyan Mitrtown
Address: 944 Rama IV Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM (Regular zone) | 24 Hrs. (24/7 Zone), Daily
Nearest Train Station: Direct access from Sam Yan MRT station by foot
Telephone: +66-2-033-8900
Website
7.Mega Bangna – giant shopping complex with IKEA
Afterdark, the mall will turn on the light fountain
Image credit: Siamfuture
Situated on the edge of Bangkok, Mega Bangna is one of the largest malls in South East Asia with both indoor and open-air areas.
In here, you can find anything you need in a mall – from name-brand stores like The North Face, Zara, and Levi’s to numerous restaurants and cafes.
Image credit: Khunbaobao
Connecting to the main building is the famous Swedish furniture house IKEA. Take your time to find some cute trinkets for your bedroom or browse endlessly from room after room.
The stocking area is arguably the hottest photo spot in IKEA
Image credit: @ohm9929
End your day with delicious Swedish meatballs at IKEA’s cafeteria and take home some snacks from their marketplace.
Megabangna
Address: 38-39 Bangna – Trad Road, Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan 10540
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: 30 minutes from Udomsuk BTS station by taxi, Grab, or free shuttle bus
Telephone: +66-2-105-1000
Website
8.Central Festival Eastville – Pet-friendly mall
Green, open-air area of the mall with a running track on top
Image credit: @kadook_talok
While most malls don’t allow pets, Central Festival Eastville welcomes all animal lovers and their furry buddies to roam free.
You can visit retail stores with household names like JASPAL, Uniqlo, and Havaianas. For more leading brands like Calvin Klein or Chanel cosmetic, check out the department store area.
Image credit: @s.stylesirin Â
Aside from a children’s playground, there’s also one for you and your canine friends to play together. This play area is situated at the back of the mall, near Starbucks.Â
There are some rules to follow, including putting your small doggo in a cart while you’re in the mall area. If you don’t have any, you can register and borrow a cart for free. For animal lovers who don’t own any pets, being surrounded by many in the mall is definitely heaven. But keep in mind, do ask for permission before playing with other people’s pets!
Central Festival EastVille
Address: 69/4 Pradit Manutham Road, Lat Phrao, Bangkok 10230
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 10.30AM – 10PM | Sat – Sun: 10AM – 10PM
Nearest Train Station: 30 minutes from Lat Phrao MRT station by taxi and Grab
Telephone: +66-2-102-5000
Website
9.Nightingale Olympic – retro mall from the 60s
Image credit: @thehappiestarty
Getting away from mainstream and modern shopping centres is Nightingale Olympic, an actual retro mall that will take you to the time when your grandparents were still youngsters. This shopping complex was built in 1966 and is one of Bangkok’s first malls.
You’ll be able to find kooky vintage appliances like vibrating massage belt machines and steam tents, along with musical instruments and sports equipment.Â
A time capsule of the 60s
Image credit: Plainmagazine
Needless to say, Nightingale Olympic is a perfect memory lane to walk down because it has hardly changed after all these years.
Nightingale Olympic
Address: 70 Tri Phet Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 9AM – 5.30PM | Sat: 9AM – 6PM. (Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Train Station: 15 minutes from Sam Yot MRT station by foot
Telephone: +66-81-844-6248
Website
10.Donki Mall Thonglor – 24/7 Japanese mall with karaoke
Image credit: Don Don DonkiÂ
To all Japan lovers, Don Don Donki is a 24-hour supermarket that sells all sorts of Japanese products, ranging from food and knick-knacks to cosmetics and toys.
On the 3rd and 4th floor, more than 20 restaurants serve delicious Japanese dishes such as green tea drinks and desserts, ramen, and rice bowls.Â
Note: The restaurants don’t operate 24/7
Image credit: Praw
Once you’re done shopping, the fun has only just begun. You and your friends can sing your hearts out on the 4th floor, which houses Karaoke Manekineko.
Image credit: Karaoke Manekineko Thailand
Starting from ฿160/person for 2 hours, you’ll get a private room with free-flow drinks and soft-serve ice cream. No need to worry about the time too, because the karaoke zone only closes at 3am.
To check out more promotions, click here.
DONKI Mall
Address: 107 Soi Sukhumvit 63 (Thonglor Soi 10), Khwaeng Klongton Nua, Khet Wattana, Bangkok, 10110
Opening Hours: 24 Hrs, Daily
Nearest Train Station: 10 minutes from Thong Lo BTS station by taxi or Grab
Telephone: +66-2-301-0451
Website
11.Asiatique –Â Riverfront marketplace with amusement rides
Image credit: @heelip_
If you fancy a stylish market with an open space rather than a typical air-conditioned mall, Asiatique is definitely the go-to place.
Sitting next to the Chao Phraya River, the market is a beautiful shipyard-themed space. On top of that, it offers a magnificent view that works perfectly as an awesome photo backdrop, especially in the evening.
Ride on the iconic giant ferris wheel for ฿300/person (children and seniors: ฿250)
Image credit: @rannersworld
Aside from rows and rows of shops, Asiatique’s riverfront area is lined up with eateries and bars for you to chill after long hours of shopping.
And if you’re with children, worry not – you can take them to a mini amusement area which has a cute carousel, ferris wheel, and even a haunted house.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Address: 2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120
Opening Hours: 4PM – 12AM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: 15 minutes from Saphan Taksin BTS station by taxi, boat, or Grab
Telephone: +66-92-246-0812
Website
12.Mixt Chatuchak – air-conditioned mall in ChatuchakÂ
The food court area overlooking Chatuchak Market
Image credit: @itsara.photo
For people who have never visited Bangkok before, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a huge outdoor market and super popular among the tourists and locals alike.Â
But not so many know about Mixt Chatuchak, a newly-opened mall inside the market, where shoppers can make a pit stop and cool down after a hot day of shopping.
Image credit: @rosachingg
This, however, is no typical mall that just happened to pop up next to the raving market. A number of shops from Chatuchak have been carefully selected to be in the mall as well!
Now you don’t have to wait for the weekends to explore the market’s popular stores. And even better – you’ll get to do so in a much cooler environment instead of walking around under the hot sun.
Mixt Chatuchak
Address: 8 Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Opening Hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: 5 minutes from Mo Chit BTS station by foot
Telephone: +66-2-079-4888
Website
Go on a shopping spree in Bangkok malls
Whether you’re looking for special souvenirs for your friends back home or branded goodies for cheap, Bangkok’s malls have everything in store for you.Â
Now put on some comfortable shoes and get your credit cards out for some non-stop shopping.Â
Enjoying The Smart Local Thailand? Follow us on Instagram at @TheSmartLocalTH for more things to do in Thailand!
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
