Bangkok shopping malls guide
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 Bangkok shopping malls sell things for cheap too, making it perfect for a shopping spree.
If it’s your first time in BKK, here are 14 go-to Bangkok shopping malls that serial-shoppers from all around the world can’t miss out on.
Is Thailand cheap for luxury shopping?
It depends. Luxury shopping malls like Siam Paragon can have products with prices that’ll break the bank for most young travellers.
However, these shopping malls will often also have ongoing promos for travellers. That might mean you spending even more however.
So if budget is a huge deal for you, we still recommend you checking out places like Platinum Mall and Khlong Thom Center. At these malls, you’ll find cheaper products with vendors that you can bargain with.
What should I shop for in Bangkok?
Unless you just want to compare prices, we’d recommend you avoid looking at brand name items in the huge shopping malls. Instead, we’d recommend you check out the local specialties.
These include Ecotopia which sells environmentally-friendly products in Siam Discovery or Iconcraft which feature products from local artisans in ICONSIAM.
You’d be kicking yourself if you didn’t check out our food, with ICONSIAM’s Sooksiam being a great destination for checking out street food from all the 4 Thai regions.
Finally, Platinum Mall has one of the best fashion shopping experiences on the planet. You can even bargain with vendors for an authentic experience.
1. Siam Paragon – the luxurious crown jewel of Siam
Image credit: Grandsukhumvithotel
Located right next to BTS Siam is Siam Paragon. Known for its glamour and luxury, this is one of the the go-to shopping malls for Bangkokians looking for a little hi-so get together.
The multiple award-winning mall is also 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 via Instagram
This perfect for shoppers who don’t want their kiddos – or themselves – to get bored from all that shopping.
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 via Instagram
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 via Instagram
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.
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
Contact: +66-2-610-8000 | Google Maps
2. Terminal 21 Asok – Airport-themed mall where each floor is a gate to a famous travel destination
At Terminal 21, you can visit different countries just by coming to a single mall.
The Golden Gate Bridge, baby!
Image credit: @_imjao_pann via Instagram
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 via Instagram
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.
Pocket-friendly food court with a fantastic city view
Image credit: @jenn.st via Instagram
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.
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 | Google Maps
3. ICONSIAM – luxury riverside mall with an indoor floating market
Having opened its doors in 2018, ICONSIAM is one of the younger malls. But this swanky riverfront mall is packed with cool decor, shops, and awesome eateries that will keep you busy.
Image credit: @lo_mein88 via Instagram
On the ground floor, you’ll find a colourful Thai food court and indoor market 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 via Instagram
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.
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
Contact: +66-2-495-7000 | Google Maps
4. centralwOrld – formerly Thailand’s World Trade Center
Image credit: Coworker
centralwOrld is a Thailand’s 2nd biggest mall. It sits right in the heart of Bangkok, near Siam and Chit Lom 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 via Instagram
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.
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.
Address: 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Nearest Train Station: 5 minutes from Chit Lom BTS station by foot
Contact: +66-2-021-9999 | Google Maps
5. Platinum Fashion Mall – affordable wholesale fashion items
Image credit: Bangkok
Platinum Fashion Mall is the ultimate destination for clothes shopping. This 6-storey mall has 2 connecting buildings and is known for selling cheap wholesale fashion goods and accessories.
What you can expect here are extremely budget-friendly 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.
Address: 222 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
Opening Hours: 9am-8pm, Daily
Nearest Train Station: 15 minutes from Ratchathewi BTS station by foot
Contact: +66-2-121-8000 | Google Maps
6. Samyan Mitrtown – 24-hour mall next to Chulalongkorn University with an indie movie theatre
There’s an outdoor garden on the roof overlooking Bangkok
Image credit: @wbmilk via Instagram
With overwhelming feedback from Bangkok youngsters, Samyan Mitrtown quickly became one of the hottest destinations to visit despite the fact that it had just opened recently. Besides all the hype, the mall is very accessible since it’s directly connected with the Samyan MRT station.
Iconic MRT tunnel connecting the mall to the station
Image credit: @ypyui via Instagram
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.
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 via Instagram
One of Bangkok’s most famous alternative cinemas, House Samyan, 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.
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
Contact: +66-2-033-8900 | Google Maps
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 via Instagram
End your day with delicious Swedish meatballs at IKEA’s cafeteria and take home some snacks from their marketplace.
Address: 38-39 Bangna – Trad Road, Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan 10540
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Nearest Train Station: 30 minutes from Udom Suk BTS station by taxi, Grab, or free shuttle bus
Contact: +66-2-105-1000 | Google Maps
8. Central Eastville – Pet-friendly mall
Green, open-air area of the mall with a running track on top
Image credit: @kadook_talok via Instagram
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 via Instagram
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.
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!
Address: 69/4 Pradit Manutham Road, Lat Phrao, Bangkok 10230
Opening Hours: 10.30am-10pm, Weekdays | 10am-10pm, Weekends
Nearest Train Station: 30 minutes from Lat Phrao MRT station by taxi or Grab
Contact: +66-2-102-5000 | Google Maps
9. Nightingale Olympic – Thailand’s oldest operating mall
Image credit: @thehappiestarty via Instagram
Getting away from mainstream and modern shopping malls is Nightingale Olympic, an actual retro mall that was to our grandparents what Siam is to us today. 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.
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.
Address: 70 Tri Phet Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening Hours: 9am-5.30pm, Mon-Thurs | 9am-4.30pm, Fri | 9am-6pm, Sat (Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Train Station: 15 minutes from Sam Yot MRT station by foot
Contact: +66-81-844-6248 | Google Maps
10. Donki Mall Thonglor – 24/7 Japanese mall with karaoke
Image credit: Don Don Donki
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.
Note: The restaurants don’t operate 24/7
Image credit: Praew
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 via Facebook
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.
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
Contact: +66-2-301-0451 | Google Maps
11.Asiatique – Riverfront marketplace with amusement rides
Image credit: @heelip_ via Instagram
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 via Instagram
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.
Address: 2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120
Opening Hours: 11am-12am, Daily
Nearest Train Station: 15 minutes from Saphan Taksin BTS station by taxi, boat, or Grab
Contact: +66-92-246-0812 | Google Maps
12. Mixt Chatuchak – air-conditioned mall in Chatuchak
The food court area overlooking Chatuchak Market
Image credit: @itsara.photo via Instagram
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.
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 via Instagram
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.
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
Contact: +66-2-079-4888 | Google Maps
13. Khlong Thom Center – historic electronics mall with a reputation for hidden treasures
Image credit: @eskebiiyrchaang via Instagram
Khlong Thom Center is well-known among older Thais as the place to go for electronics and spare parts. Even today, there are plenty of vendors open and ready for you to strike a bargain on wholesale electronics.
If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a Saturday night market that has a reputation for having rare toys you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Address: 499 Worachak Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm, Daily
Contact: +66-2-222-1100 | Google Maps
14. Gaysorn Amarin – old Roman-style mall given new life as a luxury mall
Image credit: @phenocalypse via Instagram
Gaysorn Amarin used to be known as Amarin Plaza. To our parents and grandparents, it was known as the shopping mall with the first ever branch of McDonald’s in Thailand.
But to us, it’s much more well-known for having LV The Place, the Louis Vuitton cafe.
Address: 496 502 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Opening Hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
Contact: +66-2-650-4703 | Google Maps
Which shopping mall should I go to in Bangkok?
That depends entirely on what you’re looking for!
If you’re looking to find the go-to hangout spots with pretty much everything you could want to do or buy, then checking out the Siam area would be your best bet. That’s because it’s home to Siam Discovery, Siam Center, Siam Square One, and Siam Paragon. The 2nd largest mall in Thailand, centralwOrld, is also within walking distance.
But if you’re looking for something that’s unique, we recommend checking out Nightingale-Olympic or Khlong Thom Center. These are the historic malls that’ll give you a glimpse of what Bangkok malls were like before we became known for having some of the world’s best malls.
Go on a shopping spree in Bangkok shopping malls
Whether you’re looking for special souvenirs for your friends back home or branded goodies for cheap, Bangkok’s shopping malls have everything in store for you.
Now put on some comfortable shoes and get your credit cards out for some non-stop shopping.
Cover image adapted from: Grandsukhumvithotel, Plainmagazine, Timessquare21, @lo_mein88 via Instagram
Originally published by Eddie Jirayu on 19 November 2019. Last updated by buranond on 5 April 2024.
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