Joanna James
Ranked among Asia's top shopping destinations, the Thai capital can be described as one large retail landscape lined with malls, markets and street vendors. Whether you're heading to Bangkok for a brief weekend shopping spree or a lengthy holiday, here are 7 retail hubs you can't afford to miss.
As some of the city's unique retail spaces, the floating markets in Bangkok offer visitors the chance to enjoy a river-bound shopping spree. Located along the channels of the Chao Praya River, the longtail boat vendors occupying floating markets including the Damnoen Saduak Market, Taling Chan Market, Tha Kha and Bang Ku Wiang Market sell everything from fruits and veggies to Pad Thai noodles. Most of the meals sold by longtail boat vendors are prepared on the spot similar to street food hubs in the city. The best way to explore one of Bangkok's floating markets is on a guided tour as you will have to rent a boat to shop in these water-based bazaars in any case.
Whether you're based at Maitria Mode Sukhumvit 15 or any other conveniently located hotel, a holiday in Bangkok would not be complete without exploring its iconic malls. Most shopaholics consider a property's proximity to Central World and Siam Square when considering where to stay in Bangkok as these mammoth compounds exemplify the pinnacle of luxury retail experiences. Some of the top malls in Bangkok include Siam Paragon and EmQuartier while Platinum Fashion Mall, MBK Center and Icon Siam are equally impressive.
Often described as the market to beat all markets in the Thai capital, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is a labyrinthine budget shopper's paradise. With literally hundreds of stalls lining its confines, you can find everything from clothing, shoes and handbags to souvenirs, vinyl records and suits of armour in this busy thoroughfare. Bargaining down the price of items is a time-honoured tradition at Chatuchak Weekend Market although it's important to maintain a positive attitude during the exchange.
Doubling as an entertainment hotspot after sundown, Asiatique – The Riverside is a series of warehouses that have been converted into a massive shopping centre. With stylish cafes, restaurants and pubs sharing space, it is the perfect destination for a night out on the town.
The wholesale district of Pratunam is another must-experience highlight for avid shoppers. Although the market the area is named after is a sizeable outdoor bazaar, the entire area has converted to a fashion district full of apparel, footwear, cosmetics and every type of consumer ware imaginable.
Bangkok's Chinatown is a bargain hunter's dream come true. The little alleyways that make up the area are famed for their traditional shophouses and street markets. Apart from digging into Chinese delicacies, shoppers can also find an array of gold shops and TCM vendors in this region.
Shopping is a national pastime and it's not unusual to see locals wandering the night markets of Bangkok in the hours after dusk. The Patpong Night Market is not the only after-dark bazaar in the city but its stalls offer the most diversity in terms of products on sale.
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.
