Siam Discovery hidden gems
Though we all love having multiple malls at our disposal, those who have lived in Thailand for long enough will know that the different complexes eventually start to blend together in our minds.
That is, except for Siam Discovery, a uniquely hip shopping centre sandwiched between BTS Siam and National Stadium.
As the festive season rolls around and holiday shopping climbs higher on our list of priorities, we’d recommend heading to this underrated mall where there’s less crowds but more cheer within.
Here’s a list of hidden gems you can find at Siam Discovery, from a Madame Tussauds’ wax museum, to a dress rental boutique, and perks especially reserved for foreign residents.
Lesser-known spots around Siam:
- Daruma Sushi has a salmon buffet for less than $10
- Food + Plus is a food court near BTS Siam with meals for less than $2
- Gram Cafe has fluffy souffle pancakes from Osaka
1. Brave Roasters – a hidden cafe with skytrain views
Brave Roasters is a socially conscious artisanal coffee powerhouse from Thailand.
With over four locations scattered around Bangkok, we’d be willing to bet the only branch you’d be easily able to snag a seat at is this one in Siam Discovery. That’s also because it’s tucked away behind a design concept store.
This coffee joint has top-notch refreshments as well as a wall floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to contemplate life while watching the BTS Skytrain whizz past.
Brave Roasters’ rustic-with-a-modern-twist furniture also contributes to the hipster coffee shop vibe. From Stout Beer Cake (฿165, ~USD4.87) and Lemon Cake (฿150, ~USD4.42) to Dark & Stormy (฿145, ~USD4.28) and Salted Caramel Latte (฿140, ~USD4.13), the quaint cafe has it all.
We’re sensing Music-Video-like vibes, especially on cloudy days, for sure. Here’s the deets on how to get there.
Brave Roasters: Siam Discovery
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM, Daily
Address: 3rd Floor, Siam Discovery
Telephone: +66 9 5947 2813
Brave Roasters website
2. Objects Of Desire Store – home decoration store with award-winning items by Thai artisans
Objects Of Desire Store is a home decorative store that features award-winning items designed by Thai artisans.
The setup – and excitement we felt from seeing everything available – of the store reminded us of the Scholastic Book Fair from our primary school days – So. Many. Counters.
Shelves, countertops and surfaces were teeming with ultra aesthetic items – with little gaps just small enough to walk through separating them.
Every time we picked up an object, we observed that most pieces were made-to-order or unique hand-crafted plates, cups, bowls and accessories.
Right after making a mental Pinterest board of what your home could look like with what you found at the Objects Of Desire Store, you’ll probably be torn at which saucer to take home.
Or which ‘Secret Santa’ gift to get the office colleague you haven’t seen in ages. Anywho, here’s how to check out their wide selection of artisanal ware yourself at Siam Discovery.
Objects Of Desire Store
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM, Daily
Address: 3rd Floor, Siam Discovery
Telephone: +66 2 658 1000 ext. 4021
Objects Of Desire Store Facebook
3. Loft – Japanese-style stationery and other lifestyle items
If you’re someone who’s so highly organised that you’ve got different tabs for your binder tabs, Loft will be your safe haven. FYI, Japanese-style stationery fans, you’re in luck.
Hidden behind the escalators next to the mall’s Digital Lab, Loft presents a wide array of lifestyle items that you never knew you needed.
From washi tape, to animal-shaped post-it notes and pet-themed calendars, they have it all.
Loft’s other offerings include home gadgets that are bound to make your workspace and kitchens more homely. Take these induction MOKA Pots, for example.
Buying one for yourself – or a loved one – means you’ll never suffer the pain of drinking your office’s instant coffee ever again or spending extra on Starbucks runs.
Loft is open from 10AM to 10PM daily, and yes, we estimate you’ll need that long to browse through their offerings. But after long hours of shopping, you’d probably be looking for a change of pace. Our next reco’s something a little more chill.
Loft
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM, Daily
Address: 2rd Floor, Siam Discovery
Telephone: +66 8 1987 1287
Loft Facebook
4. Madame Tussauds – Interactive wax museum with figures of celebs
If you’ve had your fill of Christmas window shopping, but still wanna feel entertained, we’d suggest heading over to Madame Tussauds.
Madame Tussauds is a wax museum that features lifelike figures of famous celebrities and politicians you’ve always wanted a photo with. If you don’t recognise certain figures, be sure to check out each plaque situated next to each “person”.
Snap a pic with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
The museum also has interactive displays that remind us of the ones we played with on our elementary school field trips.
For instance, this installation with a magnetic board for you to create your own Picasso-style drawing with the artist sitting right next to you.
Mr. Picasso himself will be giving little-to-no feedback on your art, so there’s no need to feel self-conscious when creating your masterpiece.
At the moment, the museum is offering bundle tickets that allow guests to visit Sea Life at Siam Paragon for ฿1,390 (~USD41).
If impeccably crafted work, such as the figures at Madame Tussauds, are right up your alley, we’re sure you’ll be excited for what’s next.
Madame Tussauds
Opening Hours: 10AM – 8.30PM, Daily
Address: 6th Floor, Siam Discovery
Telephone: +66 2 2658 0060
Madame Tussauds Bangkok website
4. ICONCRAFT – Thai-designed crafts and knick-knacks
ICONCRAFT is an entire section dedicated to showcasing work designed and produced in Thailand by locals.
If you’re looking for something to bring home after a Bangkok trip, we really can’t recommend this place enough. When it comes to uniquely Thai gifts, think rattan stools, floral umbrellas and ceramic tea sets with quirky designs, this store is literally stacked.
ICONCRAFT offers such a wide range of Thai-crafted goods that aren’t your typical lacquer bowls or salt-and-pepper shakers that everyone else takes home as souvenirs..
Plus, the objects here are something you’d be proud to display at home – without having to confirm you actually got it from Thailand.
Adorable cushions with traditional floral motifs
Of course, with so much shopping hauls to lug home, you may worry there’s not enough space in your luggage. But we may just have the solution for you.
ICONCRAFT
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM, Daily
Address: 3rd Floor, Siam Discovery
ICONCRAFT Facebook
6. BCHU Runway – Rent formal wear so you don’t have to pack your NYE outfit
Something that makes holiday travel a little harder is the amount of outfits we need to bring. It’s like the last week of the year is sprinkled with events: Christmas Eve dinners, Boxing Day brunches and New Year’s Eve Galas.
We love a good party as much as the next person. However, what we don’t love is how much room the outfits for each event takes up in our suitcases.
If you’re reading this and nodding along, then we have a solution for your next trip to Thailand: a clothing rental service at Bchu Runway.
The clothing store carries garments like pant-suits, evening gowns and mid-length dresses from local designers as well as labels like Off-White, Valentino and Issey Miyake.
Rental prices start at ฿1,500 (~USD45)/4 days and can be higher depending on the length of time as well as the original cost of the piece.
Bchu Runway
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM, Daily
Address: Grd Floor, Siam Discovery
Bchu Runway website
7. Hidden deals for tourists at Siam Discovery
The final hidden gem on the list isn’t a place, but rather a system that’ll enhance your entire experience at Siam Discovery.
ONESIAM, including Siam Discovery, Siam Center and Siam Paragon, have a VIZ Card for expats and a Tourist Card for foreign visitors in Thailand.
WIth the VIZ card, expats can accumulate points that can be redeemed for cash at participating stores like ICONCRAFT, Loft, Objects Of Desire Store and Bchu Runway.
Short-term visitors, however, are given the Tourist Card. The Tourist Card can be used to redeem discounts as high as 30% with partnering vendors – most of them are in the mall’s Open Spaces which are between built-in shops.
Image credit: ONE Siam
For travellers flying into Thailand with Singapore Airlines until 31st March 2021, you can snag extra Siam Gift Card worth ฿300 (~USD9).
All you have to do is apply for a VIZ or Tourist Card, and bring your passport and boarding pass to redeem your gift card at the VIZ Counter, G Floor.
Through the VIZ and Tourist cards, shoppers can get rewarded for simply doing what they were intending to do in the first place.
Get into the holiday spirit at Siam Discovery
Siam Discovery is a place where you can treat yourself – and your loved ones – without having to worry about elbowing your way through the holiday crowds.
FYI, the mall’s decked out in massive gift box photo walls covered in stars, and holographic stripes. There’s also Santa-esque present delivery service, Hypebox located on the G floor, is a fun service where customers can place a gift in their box of choice. The Siam Discovery team will then surprise your loved ones by informing them to look for the gift.
Get into the holiday cheer by strolling through this lesser known mall that’s minutes away from both BTS Siam and National Stadium.
Siam Discovery
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM, Daily
Address: 194 Phayathai Rd, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330
Telephone: +66 2 658 1000
Siam Discovery website | Google Maps
With the most festive time of year – and our bonuses, hopefully – coming around to mark the end of a very eventful 2021, we’re willing to bet you’re overdue for some retail therapy.
Register for your VIZ or Tourist Card here
This post was brought to you by Siam Discovery.
Cover images adapted from: Siam Discovery
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