Joanna James
If you are a shopaholic or just looking for some retail therapy, then the malls of Bangkok will definitely not disappoint. Of course, there are many such shopping havens to choose from. Here are five of the best, which are well worth adding to your itinerary.
One of the largest malls in the country, CentralWorld combines both retail and entertainment that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Those into fashion will find brand names like Mango, Charles & Keith, Marks & Spencer, Zara, Massimo Dutti, Lacoste and Timberland. Shops that sell designer furniture can also be found here along with beauty salons and bookshops amongst many other stores. Kids will love exploring Toys 'R' Us and there's always good fun to be had taking in a film at the 15-screen movie theatre or skating at the indoor ice-skating rink. As you would expect, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes too.
Also known as "Mahboonkrong", the MBK Centre spans a massive eight floors and is one of the most well-known shopping hubs in the city. Exploring the mall is one of the best things to do around Bangkok especially for those who love to shop and look for bargains. Thousands of shops can be found here catering to diverse needs; be it clothing, mobile phones, accessories, jewellery, leather goods, DVDs & CDs, cameras, watches, luggage or homeware you will find it here! Two food courts offer plenty of dining options, while a multi-screen cinema showcases the latest Thai and Hollywood releases.
For something different, head to Asiatique which is ideally located beside the Chao Phraya River. It is easy to get to especially if you're staying at properties by the river including the likes of Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel which offers a complimentary shuttle boat to this popular attraction. Combining elements of a mall as well as an open-air night bazaar, Asiatique opens around 5pm and features more than 1,500 boutiques selling all manner of items; the latest gadgets, souvenirs, clothes, handicrafts, jewellery and more. It also offers eclectic dining options and hosts live shows too including one with Thai puppets.
Bringing a truly global feel to your shopping experience, Terminal 21 has a rather unique design concept; areas of the mall have been designed to resemble famous cities in the world. In one moment you could be wandering in an area of Tokyo and in another, you may be hunting for bargains in Istanbul! Paris, San Francisco, London and Rome are some of the other themed areas here. Designer brands, trendy fashion and dining options including 5 star restaurants are all on offer and make this one of the must-visit malls in Bangkok.
Fashionistas will love visiting Siam Paragon for here one will find designer brands the likes of Versace, Chanel, Bvlgari, Salvatore Ferragamo, YSL, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Prada and Burberry. Apart from high-end fashion, the mall also offers luxury cars, home furnishing and the latest audio equipment for the discerning audiophile. A Cineplex with 16 screens is one of the key attractions along with the massive SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World and plenty of dining options serving cuisine from around the world.
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