If you’re wondering where to shop in Bangkok you’re no going to have too much trouble finding the answer. Bangkok’s one of the best shopping cities for pretty anything you can imagine and there’s hundreds of malls, markets with something for everyone. For the sake of this post, I’m going to concentrate on the Sukhumvit area and specifically the one area here where you should start – Siam.
Head to the Siam Sky Train or get a taxi there. Many of the best hotels in Bangkok are around this area or not far away. Start at Siam Paragon which is a massive mall with department store carrying all the usual high-end, in between brands as well as electronics, homeware, toys, stationary and all the usual shit that malls have. Of note, there’s a Ferrari and Lamborghini dealer inside the mall, the best Movie Theatre I’ve ever been to (I used to live here), with beds and waiter service to watch movies, an aquarium, an amazing food court and the best supermarket ever.
Also in Siam Paragon is Kinokuniya Books. I’ve just been to New York and Boston and went to Barnes and Noble, and Kinokuniya blows this away. It’s huge and has the best selection of books I’ve ever come across at any bookshop in the world. The kids books are awesome and they have pretty much all the best and usually hard to find Photography books. I would go as far to say that I’d consider flying to Bangkok JUST to shop at this bookshop. Don’t miss it!
If I was going to recommend one place where to shop in Bangkok, this would probably be it. You can easily spend an entire day in here and it’s got pretty much everything you can imagine. Right next door to here is Siam Discovery Centre. When I lived here 8 years ago, Siam Discovery was a bit of a sleeper, not much happening but it’s been upgraded into a rather trendy enclave of local designers and well, trendy shops for hipsters. Not really my scene, but if you like your fashion you’re going to enjoy this.
Opposite Paragon and Siam Discovery Centre is Siam Square, this has long been the hangout for the Thai teenager who shop for cheap clothes and hang out in little cafes. I didn’t go take a go look around here this time because it doesn’t open until afternoon, but it too seems to have had a bit of an upgrade with a lot of new shops opened. If you’re a young and looking where to shop in Bangkok, check out Siam Square.
From here, head across to MBK, which is home to the largest selection of mobile phone shops I’ve ever seen. It used to be an old decaying floor of little tiny shops. It’s since been upgraded and looks rather nice but keeps the local feel. If you’re looking where to shop in Bangkok for mobile phones and accessories, MBK is the place. It’s on the 4th floor. The other shops in MBK aren’t that great but it’s worth a look. There’s a massive games center on the top floor but overall the mall is a bit easier on the wallet and doesn’t carry any of the big fashion brands. (Dior, Gucci – that type of thing).
If you haven’t been impressed by any of these there’s no much hope for you but if you’re still looking where to shop in Bangkok, head to Chitlom and to Gaysorn Village, Central World or Central Chidlom. Basically more mall shopping but incredible mall shopping at that. There’s other shopping places around here, central Chidlom is alright, it’s always been a bit tired and behind the times and only worth going if you’re around the area (Patpong is nearby).
For computers, head to Pantip Plaza, this is several floors of computer shit that can get very busy in the afternoon and evening and walkable from Siam or a quick motorcycle taxi ride away. Further up Sukhumvit near the Asoke junction is Terminal 21 and at the next station Prom Pong is Emporium which has a new building(s) opposite called Emquarter, not sure how to describe this, more trendiness under a roof. If you’re staying near here it’s worth going but probably not if you’re around Siam area because it’s not any better than Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery and around that area.
Whatever area you’re staying in Bangkok though, you’re not going to be far from some where to shop in Bangkok that’s decent. Shopping and food are probably the best things about Bangkok, along with the service. I used to live here for 10 years and go back quite often so if you need any more info about where to shop in Bangkok near where you’re staying, let me know and I’ll be happy give you some advice, but really, head to Siam, there’s something for everybody there and the food options are incredible.
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