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Revered as Asia's shopping Mecca Bangkok is a city brimming with retail possibilities. From quirky local markets to luxurious malls here are the Thai capital's top highlights for shopaholics.
Often compared to Fifth Avenue in terms of exclusivity Siam Square is Bangkok's incarnation of Bond Street, with the highest rental rates in the city the boutiques and flagship stores in this commercial hub are global brands and local giants. Ideal for luxury shoppers in search of world renowned labels and local fashion icons the trendy part of town is a favourite hang out place for the young and fabulous residents of Bangkok. Those based in a city hotel Bangkok counts among its luxurious rests can take the Skytrain to this part of the city to enjoy shopping in Siam.
As Asia's mall capital mall fanatics touring Bangkok will truly be spoilt for choice when it comes to towering department stores and shopping complexes. From mega malls such as CentralWorld and The Emporium to more budget friendly mallscapes such as MBK Bangkok's popular malls also include Gaysorn, Platinum Fashion Mall, Erawan Bangkok and Seacon Square. Visitors based in AVANI hotels and resorts will have easy access to the top malls in Bangkok thanks to the strategic location of its rests.
Often described as one of Bangkok's most intriguing retail experiences Asiatique the Riverfront packs in the value of a department store in a setting that resembles a sprawling bazaar. A mere 10 minutes away from Saphan Taksin the waterfront retail hub is home to over 40 eateries and a whopping 1500 shops making it one of the largest shopping hotspots in the capital.
Tipped to be Bangkok's market to beat, the ever busy Chatuchak Weekend Market is the quintessential Thai local thoroughfare. Larger than life in scale the venue is a hotbed of activity all year round with the sheer variety of goods on offer as its chief attribute. Find everything under the sun from clothing to vinyl records and antiques in this haggle=friendly bargain shopper's fair and experience local culture like never before.
A favourite stopover for tourists and locals alike the Pak Khlong Talad Flower Market is one of Bangkok's finest fresh goods markets. Littered with hundreds of stalls selling everything from aromatic jasmine bouquets to colourful garlands a visit to this breathtaking corner of Bangkok is a must-have experience for all. As a night time market the venue is abuzz till the wee hours of the morning so visitors can quite literally stop by to "smell the roses" at their convenience.
As the city's most popular wholesale market Pratunam is a veritable shopping district all unto itself. Selling everything from clothing to accessories the main draw for shoppers here are its super low price points and bargains for bulk purchases.
Located in Petchburi Pantip Plaza is the best place in the city to pick up electronics and gadgetry of every variety imaginable. Ideal for techies and novelty accessory hunters Pantip Plaza houses dozens of stores selling everything from cameras, computers and mobile phones to state-of-the-art electronics. As the city's premier IT mall no visit to Bangkok would be complete without an evening at Pantip Plaza.
Jam-packed with shop houses Chinatown is a bargain hunter's haven in Bangkok. Find Chinese cultural curios such as martial arts paraphernalia to roasted chestnuts in this crowded street thoroughfare where budget shoppers find unique treasures for unbelievable prices.
