Malls are already part of the culture of the city. Many even avail cheap flights to Bangkok in order to just shop until they drop. Among the most renowned malls are as follows:
1. Siam Paragon
Named after the old name of Thailand, Siam Paragon is one of the biggest malls in Asia. Located in the Pathum Wan District, this splendid shopping venue opened on December 2009. It gives home to hundreds of local and international specialty stores, 15 movie theaters, and the Siam Ocean World, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. Numerous dining venues can also be found there.
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2. MBK Center
MBK is the shorter term for Mahboonkrong. It is a large 8-storey shopping mall in the Phatum Wan Area which is home to more than 2000 stalls selling fashion items, household materials, delicacies, and more. A favorite hub among local Thais, this shopping mall is also famous among foreigners. It is located near hotels and other city attractions and is easily accessed via Bangkok Sky Train.
3. Central World
One of the most prestigious and the sixth largest mall in the world, CentralWorld is a definite shopping destination in Bangkok. Nestled in a strategic area in Ratchadamri Road, it is within a large complex that has hundreds of specialty stores, dining facilities, amusement amenities, and more. It also has a hotel and a tower, emphasizing its status as one of the bests.
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waymarking.com
4. Terminal 21
Located at the Sukhumvit Road, Terminal 21 is an interesting shopping mall that is often visited by foreigners. It is set within a 9-storey building and features a one floor-one concept scheme. It is designed to make shoppers feel like they’re in cities like Rome, Paris, Tokyo, London, etc. Aside from the stores, Terminal 21 is also known for having the longest escalators, which reach up to 36 meters long.
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5. Central Chidlom
The flagship store of Central Group which opened on 1973, the Central Chidlom is considered an institution already. It is an 8-storey luxury mall that features designer boutiques like Gucci, Burberry, Ferragamo, Paul Smith, and more. It is a favorite destination among many splurging shoppers because of the variety of items sold there.
6. The Emporium
One of the most famous shopping venues is in Klong Thoei District. It is The Emporium, a luxurious shopping mall owned and operated by the owners of The Mall and Siam Paragon. It is a lifestyle mall which offers upscale shopping experiences, thanks to its designer specialty stores, and dining and entertainment venues. It is located along Sukhumvit Road and is easy to reach via public transportation.
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fashiontraveler.com
7. Gaysorn Plaza
Gaysorn (/gay-sawn/) Plaza is a sophisticated shopping mall located within the Ratchaprasong Shopping District in Bangkok. Set within its 5-storey building are different luxury brands like Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Celine, Louis Vuitton, and more. It is often visited by foreigners as it has direct link to nearby hotels like InterContinental, Grand Hyatt and Holiday Inn.
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8. Siam Discovery
One of Bangkok’s first shopping malls, Siam Discovery is a popular shopping destination for many locals and tourists alike. It has four floors, each concentrating on different themes. Within the mall can be found flagship stores globally acclaimed brands, international specialty stores, local brands, and food havens. Even if people aren’t shopping, the mall is a great place to do some sightseeing.
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tour2siam
9. Platinum Mall
Specializing in fashion clothes and accessories, Platinum Mall is a huge complex that features numerous boutiques where people come for an extensive shopping spree experience. Located at Phetchaburi Road, stores here even sell items for wholesale prices. The building has six floors, topped with an 11-storey condominium.
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wonderfly
10. Pantip Plaza
Another spectacular mall in the Pratunam Area is the Pantip Plaza. It is a rather simpler mall compared to the others but it is sure a success because of the people’s preferences for pirated DVDs and software. However, it is also known for being an IT mall, as most stores there sell computerware and other gadgets.
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panoramio
These shopping malls are located in conspicuous areas and are easily reached by public transportation. Getting there is definitely an ease even to first timers in the city. For those who do not wish to venture out on their own though, it is ideal to book a Bangkok tour package which includes shopping in their itinerary.
See other Bangkok Top 10 List
Related Reads:
* Shopping in Bangkok, Made More Fun
* How to Avoid Scams in Bangkok
