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Famous for its smooth and glossy texture, Thai silk comes from the cocoons of silkworms raised in a strict diet of mulberry leaves. As the silk industry in Thailand continues to evolve across the globe, products made of silk have become one of the must-have souvenirs from the country.
If you’re wondering where to get affordable and high-quality silk, we’ve picked some of the most sought-after Thai silk shops throughout the city.
Jim Thompson’s Thai Silk Company
Perhaps the most popular Thai silk shop in Bangkok, Jim Thompson was founded by an American entrepreneur James H.W. Thompson. The company is an international manufacturer of excellent-quality hand-woven silk products like curtains, neckties, bedsheets, handkerchiefs, and more.
J. Thompson worked with artisans to help them sustain their livelihood and preserve the art of silk weaving by keeping them acquainted with the freshest ideas, designs, and techniques. He also played a role in introducing Thai silk to the European and American fashion industries.
At present, the company has various collections made from silk fiber, including wall coverings, furniture collections, and decorative trimmings such as refined cords, braids, fringes, frogs, and tassels.
Location: 9 Surawong Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok
Narai Phand
Narai Phand Company is a partnership between the Ministry of Industry and the private sector, Naraiphand. They successfully expanded this joint venture into an enormous handicraft center in Thailand.
This is the perfect destination for those who are looking for exotic Thai handicrafts and decorations such as assemblage, brass and bronze, lacquerware, pewter, and Thai silk.
Narai Phand features a handmade and hand-painted collection of the finest Thai silk that comes in rich colors and woven patterns. On top of that, they also offer ready-to-wear silk blouses, dresses, shirts, scarfs, and bags.
Commonly called the Little India of Bangkok, Pahurat Textile Market is home to all your fabric needs, complete in different colors and prints. Displayed in rolls of textiles, the available fabrics are cotton, wool, cashmere, and of course, Thai silk. However, curb your expectations as the materials they use are synthetic.
This is an ideal place for fabric-lovers who produce DIY clothing and accessory sewing projects.
Location: Little India Bangkok, Phahurat Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
Queen mother of Thailand Sirikit Kitiyakara is the brains behind the transformation of the Grand Palace into a new museum of textiles. After a full-service renovation, the museum now exhibits modern facilities
including art galleries, an educational studio, a lecture hall, a library, a reception area, and the first textile conservation laboratory in Thailand.
The Museum of Textiles also opened their own shop where silk lovers can purchase items like jewelry boxes, silk hairpins, Khon table runners, clutch bags, and many more. Meanwhile, their silk collection features Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s Evening Ensemble and shoes, a Thai National dress, a full-cut coat, and an evening gown.
Location: Ratsadakorn-bhibhathana Building, The Grand Palace, Phra Nakhon Bangkok
Shinawatra Thai Silk
As one of the oldest factories and Thai silk shops in Thailand, Shinawatra Thai Silk has a founding principle that goes, “give priority to and control the quality of the materials used.” This has been the Shinawatra family’s practice for decades since 1911, helping them sustain the ancient heritage and craftmanship of silk weaving.
Through years of continuous innovation, their creative and state-of-the-art products have made the Shinawatra brand popular in the silk textile market.
Some of their luxe silk products are categorized into fabric, clothes, home décor, and accessories.
Location: 145/1-2 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road., k.m.7 Sankampaeng, Chiang Mai
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Renowned fashion brand URBAN REVIVO (UR) is opening their largest store in Thailand this December.
Following the successful launch of its new artistic conceptual store in Bangkok in November 2024, the fashion brand is moving to open their largest store in Thailand at One Bangkok Mall on Dec. 6, 2024.
URBAN REVIVO
URBAN REVIVO’s newest space will be joined by its sister brand BENLAI, debuting its first overseas store in Thailand on Dec. 10, 2024. Both openings promise interactive experiences and tasteful gifts for customers for their never-ending support.
Richard Tang, the CEO of URBAN REVIVO’s International Business, said that BENLAI’s introduction to the Thai market was a noteworthy development. With URBAN REVIVO focusing on creating fashion-forward pieces, and BENLAI emphasizing providing comfort, the two brands create a complementing variety under Fashion Momentum Group (FMG).
URBAN REVIVO is a global brand that elevates affordable fashion with its creative, high-quality, and sustainable designs. Rivaling brands in the west, UR delivers the latest runway-inspired ready-to-wear (RTW) trends at affordable prices.
BENLAI, on the other hand, redefines casual wear with functionality and sustainable fabrics. Comfort and style go together at BENLAI, with their products seamlessly ranging from leisure to outdoor activities.
For more information and updates, you can find URBAN REVIVO on their website here, or follow them on Facebook, or Instagram.
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Are you a local looking for a unique experience or a tourist craving an authentic cultural escape? Luxury Thai silk house Jim Thompsonhas officially launched its first Lifestyle Store at the prestigious One Bangkok, and it's calling your name.
"This new store aligns with Jim Thompson's mission to offer our customers an immersive shopping experience that combines a wide range of products, dining options, and cultural experiences. This opening marks another milestone in our transformation journey to become Asia's first global lifestyle brand," Frank Cancelloni, Group CEO at Jim Thompson, said.
Spanning 550 sq. m. with a chic duplex design, this concept store has been transformed into a luxurious and immersive retail experience. Imagine high-end shopping, a touch of culinary indulgence, and a deep dive into Thailand’s rich silk heritage, all under one stylish roof.
The store is divided into distinct zones, including a Silk Exhibition that takes you on a fascinating journey through the history of Jim Thompson’s iconic fabrics.
Instagram/ Jim Thompson
Savor local bites from Jim’s Terrace, the brand’s first-ever integrated dining concept, and sip expertly crafted drinks while soaking in lush views of One Bangkok and The Wireless House—a nod to Thailand’s first telegraph station, which has been remade into a modern contemporary display.
Instagram/ Jim Thompson
In classic Jim Thompson style, walls of the interior are dressed in luxurious silk yarns, gleaming metallic cinnabar mirror accents, and fabrics from the Jim Thompson Home Furnishings collection.
To find out, visit Jim Thompson’s website, or follow them on Instagram.
Location:Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store, GF, One Bangkok, The Storeys, Bangkok.
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URBAN REVIVO is back and better than ever! The renowned fashion brand is reopening its revamped store at ICONSIAM on Nov. 9, 2024, inviting customers to join the celebration.
Urban Revivo, known for its creative, high-quality, and eco-friendly designs, is set to elevate affordable high fashion with this unique store renovation. This reopening promises an exciting experience as customers get a firsthand look at the upgraded store and its fresh offerings.
Courtesy of URBAN REVIVO
The new design features a striking artistic installation themed “Growing,” inspired by the orchid—a symbol deeply rooted in Thai culture, which represents luxury and rarity. The flower motif reflects URBAN REVIVO’s commitment to connecting with the local community.
And the revamped store is not just a shopping destination, as it has been envisioned as an urban art center. With beautifully designed arches adding visual interest and softer lighting creating a welcoming ambiance, the space invites visitors to linger and explore.
The grand reopening will showcase the innovative theme “Fashion Station,” which playfully positions URBAN REVIVO as a fashion train that has just arrived at ICONSIAM, encouraging customers to pause while they discover latest fashion trends. Attendees will enjoy special commemorative gifts and the chance to snap IG-worthy photos at the “Fashion Station” installation.
For more information, find URBAN REVIVO on their website here, or follow them on Facebook, or Instagram.
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Are you a design house, an established independent designer, or an aspiring talent eager to launch your label? Or perhaps you’re simply looking to witness contemporary, cutting-edge designs on a professional runway?
Thailand Fashion Week is taking place from Nov. 29 to 30, 2024, at Benedict Studio from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, offering an unforgettable fashion experience.
Photo by Tanik Prasopsorn | Courtesy of Thailand Fashion Week 2024
The bi-annual international trade runway show brings a thrilling lineup of runway presentations, exhibitions, and activities, welcoming designers of all sizes and attracting thousands of fashion enthusiasts from the region and beyond.
It is one of the largest fashion events in the Land of the Golden Temple, showcasing immense global appeal.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, when the Spring-Summer '25 Couture collection from global design houses will take center stage on the official runway in Bangkok, starting at 12:00 PM.
Photo by Chungkang University | Courtesy of Thailand Fashion Week 2024
This date also features a host of other shows throughout the day, including the Avant-Garde Spring-Summer '25 collection, promising to be a highlight of the event, and the SS25 Gen-Next Show on Nov.29 and 30. The Gen-Next Show
will feature fresh talent from university graduates and brands under 2 years old as well as Fashion Academies, offering a unique opportunity for international exposure.
Tickets for the SS25 show are now available. You can grab yours here. Additionally, designer applications for Thailand Fashion Week SS25 are still open, but quickly filling up, so make sure to act fast! Designers can register here to sign up as a designer and receive your invitation to the show.
For more information, visit their website, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
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When you look up things to do in Bangkok, almost instantly shopping
comes up on top of the list. The city is packed with hundreds of markets and massive shopping malls that cater to all kinds of shoppers’ needs and preferences, making it a prime shopping destination.
If you’re visiting for the first time, it can get overwhelming with so many options. On one side is a plaza with hundreds of stalls selling local fashion wear and right next to it is a mall with a Louis Vuitton. It’s a cacophony of shops and boutiques, providing travelers with a fascinating mix of contrast and variety.
From shopping malls with luxury
brands to night markets where you can find cheap eats and local designs, we’re listing down some of the most popular shopping hubs in the city.
Quick travel tip: Many of the popular shopping malls offer free tourist or privilege cards that give discounts. Make sure to have your passports on you and check with information counters before shopping.
Siam Paragon
Photo from Flickr/by Mark Fisher
If you’ve got cash to burn, Siam Paragon is more than happy to accommodate you with its massive eight-floor structure filled with over 250 shops, dining spots, and entertainment hubs. And when we say entertainment, we’re not just talking about its multiplex cinema and IMAX theater, but also the bowling alley, karaoke rooms, fitness clubs, and spa. There’s also Paragon Hall, which hosts regular events such as concerts and conferences, and Sea Life Bangkok on the basement floor. Imagine shopping atop a massive underground aquarium!
More than the entertainment activities it offers, you can find most high-end fashion brands on the mezzanine floor from Hermes, Prada, and Versace to Loius Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci.
The mall also has an expansive Department Store that sells just about everything you can think of including clothing, cosmetics, electronics, homeware, stationery, and children’s toys. You can also find antiques, Thai handicrafts, and home décor items on the fourth floor.
On the other hand, fast fashion brands like H&M and Zara can be found on the first floor. The mall also has a Kinokuniya bookstore for all your bookish needs, as well as various dining options.
You can learn more about the mall’s establishments here.
Another fantastic shopping destination for those looking to splurge on their trip is EmQuartier, a colossal shopping complex dubbed as the fashion mecca of Bangkok. This mall houses some of the world's most well-known luxury houses from your MK’s down to your Dolce’s, and is part of the multi-billion retail project comprised of three malls: EmQuartier, Emporium, and EmSphere.
The mall boasts epic architectural designs and is divided into three realms: the Helix Quartier, the Waterfall Quartier, and the Glass Quartier. You can be sure that’s more than enough space to lose yourself in a shopping spree. This lavish establishment boasts a sky garden, an eight-theater cinema complex and IMAX theater, and six stories of dining terraces. If that wasn’t impressive enough, it also has a stunning indoor waterfall that’s over 40 meters tall!
This is one shopping adventure you won’t want to miss. Check out the mall’s shop directory here.
What sets this massive shopping center apart is its unique design. The travel-themed shopping complex contains nine floors, each designed based on the concept of famous shopping streets. You’ll find that they’re decorated with replicas and images from these cities, so it feels like you’re shopping around the world; along London’s Oxford Street or even Paris’ Champs-Élysées.
The mall houses a range of shops from high-end to mid-range brands, both local and international. It also has small food outlets and a Gourmet market, along with a gym and a supermarket.
Terminal 21 is conveniently located at the heart of Sukhumvit Road next to the Asoke intersection. It has a walkway access from BTS Asoke station and the luxurious Grande Centre Point Hotel, which is one of the most affordable 5-star accommodations in the area.
When we say this mall is big, we really mean it! Central World is Thailand’s biggest shopping mall and is included in the top 10 in the world! It was originally the World Trade Center before being renovated into a shopping complex in 2006. Central World houses hundreds of stores, restaurants, cafes, and fifteen cinemas, making it the prime entertainment and shopping destination in Bangkok.
Additionally, the mall has two department stores, a kid’s zone, and an indoor ice skating rink. It’s important to note that the mall has an emphasis on international brands so if you’re looking for local designs, this may not be the place. However, Central World also hosts a night market right outside where you can find delicious Thai food and bargain items.
Location: Central World, 999/9 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330
Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM
Chatuchak Weekend Market
The largest of its kind in the world, this is the place to be for bargainfashionfinds. Covering more than 11 hectares, the market boasts over 15,000 stalls within 27 sections filled with art, clothing, souvenirs, vintage finds, home goods, and more! This place is huge so make sure you have your comfortable shoes on and be prepared for a long day of walking!
If you get hungry along the way, the market houses various food stalls where you can experience authentic Thai food for a good price. And don’t worry about shopping too much, because there are various courier services available that can ship your items overseas.
The market is only open on weekends but if your itinerary doesn’t include a weekend, Chatuchak is also open on Friday nights from 6 PM 'til midnight. Expect a scaled-back version though as most of the stalls remain closed on Friday nights. Art lovers, however, would find Friday nights the best time to visit because they can enjoy the market’s art section without the usual crowds.
Make the most of your visit by checking out our guide here.
Locals have deemed this night market the most accessible and convenient one. The Ratchada Train Market, which was known for its iconic colorful tents used to be the go-to place for locals and tourists but when the pandemic hit, businesses were forced to shut down. When Thailand re-opened its borders, the organizers relocated, revamped, and renamed the market Jodd Fairs.
Although the market has lost its colorful roofs; it got an upgrade in terms of quality. Most of the stalls in the previous Ratchada are still up and running, and a lot of new vendors have also joined the mix. The market has an eclectic mix of over 600 stalls
selling a wide range of items from trendy fashion pieces to unique handicrafts.
More than a shopper’s paradise, you won’t ever go hungry in Bangkok’s night markets with the wide selection of food stalls and restaurants available. You can also enjoy a few drinks at the bars offering live music performances.
Location: Jodd Fairs, Rama IX Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310
Open daily from 4 PM to 12 AM
Srinakarin Train Night Market
Photo from Website/Rod's Antiques
This is Bangkok’s original and popular train night market run by the same organizers of Jodd Fairs. Remember we mentioned how the old Ratchada Train Market relocated after the pandemic? Well, Srinakarin has taken over it now and offers visitors a unique night market experience.
Although it’s farther from the city, it’s well worth the travel because it’s less crowded and has a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Jodd Fairs. Locals love to visit this sprawling market, so if you’re looking for a truly authentic Thai experience, it’s worth considering making the trip here.
The market welcomes you with an array of food stalls, but as you go deeper inside, you’ll find vendors selling a variety of goods from clothing and accessories to gadgets and souvenirs. One thing Srinakarin is famous for is its vintage section. The market is brimming with
antiques and retro shops located in old buildings that take you back in time.
There are three sections: Rod’s Antiques, Warehouse Zone, and Market Zone. The first two zones are where you can find antique stores selling stuff like vintage cameras, classic cars, motorbikes, and even Japanese anime toys. Meanwhile, the Market Zone offers a more contemporary selection of apparel, toys, and other souvenir items.
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Thailand’s fashion space has become more vibrant, as Singaporean multidisciplinary design studio Beyond the Vines has opened its very first store in Bangkok!
Located at the shopping complex CentralWorld, Beyond the Vines’ new store boasts a 3,500-square-foot space, adorned with colorful decorations and shelves showcasing the brand’s identity.
Its highlights include the “Dumpling” area, sitting in the middle of the store, which displays Beyond the Vines’ line of signature Dumpling bags in multiple colors, including their newly launched Denim Dumpling Bags. The store also showcases the brand’s clothing pieces, accessories, hats, and more.
Aside from these, there’s also a BTV-To-Go section, which features pieces crafted by local Thai designers, and a colorful kids’ section that looks just like a playground.
Beyond the Vines’ new CentralWorld store marks the brand’s third international expansion, following the opening of its stores in the Philippines and Japan.
Founded in 2015, Beyond the Vines was established by husband-and-wife Daniel Chew and Rebecca Ting from Singapore. The brand is known for their minimalist approach to designing products that are “available to a wide audience.”
Check out Beyond the Vines’ new store at CentralWorld’s Groove Zone, open from 10 AM to 10 PM. To learn more about Beyond the Vines Thailand, follow them on LINE or visit their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages.
Location: Beyond the Vines, 2/F, G207, Groove Zone, CentralWorld Bangkok, 999/9 Rama I Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
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Want to achieve BLACKPINK member and HERA brand ambassador Jennie’s fierce yet effortless look? Run, don’t walk, because the South Korean luxury beauty brand has a new pop-up in Bangkok!
Running from Aug. 8 to 14 at the Central Chidlom, HERA’s sleek, black-hued pop-up features the brand’s latest collections, as well as various experiences that beauty lovers will enjoy.
One of the highlights of the event is the “Jennie Look Makeup Show," happening from now until Aug. 14, where HERA’s Makeup Pro Team hailing from South Korea will do demonstrations on how to nail Jennie’s makeup look. The team will also give lucky customers a chance to get a free touch-up service after the show.
If you would love to enjoy a full makeup service from HERA’s professional team, all you need to do is purchase HERA products worth a minimum of THB3,500! You can book this service by messaging HERA Thailand on Facebook.
BLINKs are also in for a treat, because HERA is giving away photocard sets until Aug. 13 for those who will purchase Jennie-inspired makeup sets, priced at THB4,550 (Effortless Look), THB4,800 (Glow Natural Look and Sensual Nude Look), and THB5,700 (Classy Look). These photocard sets are limited to only 100 per day, so make sure to get your hands on them!
The pop-up is also offering a 5% and 10% discount on various items, including makeup, skincare, and the Signia collection.
All of these and more await at the HERA pop-up! For more information, visit HERA’s website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Location: G Floor-Beauty Galerie, Central Chidlom, 1027 Phloen Chit Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
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