Joanna James
Tipped to be one of Asia's premier shopping hotspots, Bangkok offers visitors a host of exciting retail spaces. Here are five of the city's most vibrant shopping venues.
Ranked among the largest malls in all of Asia, it should come as no surprise that CentralWorld is the mall to beat when in Bangkok. Although countless sky-piercing malls and departments stores occupy the Thai capital none are quite as impressive as this mammoth retail space dedicated to all things luxury. Spread out across 550,000 square meters, Central World is home to a whopping 500 shops and nearly 100 restaurants. The mall's best known as a hub for internationally renowned brands and fashion labels as many globally recognized designer stores are found here. From tech accessories, furnishings and books to beauty products, groceries and gourmet food outlets, shopping in CentralWorld is an experience one should not miss.
While most city shops close up once the sun goes down, the after-dark hours are when Bangkok's vibrant night markets come to life. From the Rod Fai Market and Patpong to Khao San Road's night time thoroughfare, the city's night markets take bargain shopping to the next level. Sprawled across extensive areas, Bangkok's night markets are ideal for picking up collector's items, cheap souvenirs and counterfeit goods that are well made. Find everything from clothing and accessories to old movie posters and pop culture paraphernalia in these busy markets which also double as food hubs thanks to the many kiosks and street food vendors that frequent the markets.
Described as the mother of all Bangkok markets, the Chatuchak Weekend Market offers tourists the ultimate bargain shopping encounter in Thailand. The sheer size of the market will overwhelm most travellers as it is impossible to cover the entire space in a single night. Retailing everything under the sun from handicrafts, Buddha images, fashion pieces and accessories to vinyl records, suits or armour and home decor items, a shopping spree in Chatuchak Weekend Market is an overwhelming but ultimately worthwhile experience.
Those looking for a popular retail hotspot on Bangkok's riverside will find no finer alternative to Asiatique: The Riverfront. As a series of warehouses that have been converted into a prime retail hub, Asiatique: The Riverfront encompasses a mall and a night bazaar. Easily accessible from the Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain Station, the massive warehouse shopping spaces are now occupied by a whopping 1500 shops and nearly forty restaurants. After shopping in the mall and night bazaar's stores visitors can also catch live Muay Thai combat or enjoy a cabaret show.
As a one of a kind novelty market scene in Bangkok, witnessing the Chao Praya River's floating markets is a must for first-time visitors. The Damnoen Saduak market is the easiest floating market to reach from Bangkok where travellers will find boats selling everything from noodle soups fruits and beverages to vegetables. Travellers based at Avani Atrium Bangkok or any similar hotel in Asoke can book a tour of the floating markets via their accommodation provider.
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