Joanna James
Be it for great bargains or the latest in designer fashion, Bangkok offers plenty of shopping satisfaction at its many malls. Here are some of the city's best shopping malls for retail therapy.
A true "legend" in the Bangkok shopping scene, the MBK Centre is one of the most well known retail hubs in the Thai capital. Home to around 2,000 shops and stores, this eight storey mall is packed with a huge range of items be it fashion, luggage, mobile phones, DVDs, cameras, handbags or accessories. The fifth and sixth floors have a food court each, while the top floor consists of a multi-screen cinema, games arcade and karaoke for some fun entertainment.
If you are in the mood to splurge and are looking for places to shop that match the style of luxury hotels Bangkok has to offer, Siam Paragon is well worth visiting. Featuring more than 250 shops, this popular mall is famed for its designer brands with names like Prada, Chanel, Versace, Jimmy Choo, Bvlgari, Louis Vuitton, Armani and Prada all found here. It is home to a Cineplex (including an IMAX theatre), the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia and car showrooms offering everything from Lamborghinis to Ferraris.
A world of shopping literally awaits you at Terminal 21 which features unique zones themed after famous world destinations. The entrance is designed to give one the feeling of being in an airport terminal and specific floors are themed after areas in cities such as Tokyo, San Francisco, London and Istanbul. This nine storey mall has about 600 shops selling everything from fashion to beauty products and toys to jewellery. Also of note is the special Gourmet Market and food court offering all manner of local and international favourites.
Providing a different kind of shopping experience, Asiatique The Riverfront combines elements of a mall with a night market. Located near the Saphan Taksin BTS station and riverfront properties owned by hospitality brands such as Chatrium Hotels & Residences this shopping hub opens at five each evening. Featuring more than 1,500 shops and boutiques selling jewellery, handicrafts, fashion, souvenirs and more, Asiatique is also well known for its extensive dining options and entertaining shows which add to its appeal.
A mega mall in every sense of the world, sprawling CentralWorld is home to over 500 shops not to mention around 100 dining options including cafes and restaurants. The largest mall in Thailand, it offers fashion, designer furniture, electronics and more, while names such as Marks & Spencer, Massimo Dutti, Charles & Keith, Calvin Klein, Lacoste, The Body Shop and Mango can be found within. CentralWorld also has 15 cinemas, a special zone for kids and even an ice skating rink!
A must visit for fashionistas, Central Embassy is a luxury lifestyle mall that is home to many international brand name designer stores and boutiques. Names such as Versace, Prada, Vivienne Westwood, Gucci, Michael Kors and Chanel are amongst the designer brands one can find at this mall which also has fine dining options and luxurious movie watching experiences.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
