Shop 'Til You Drop: Top Shopping Destinations in Bangkok
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
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.
Location: Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330
Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM
EmQuartier
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.
Location: EmQuartier, 693,695 Sukhumvit Road, 10110
Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM
Terminal 21
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.
Location: Terminal 21, 88, Soi Sukhumvit 19, Sukhumvit Road Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM
Central World
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 bargain fashion finds. 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.
Location: Chatuchak Weekend Market, 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Open weekends from 6 AM to 6 PM
Jodd Fairs
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
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.
Location: Srinakarin Train Night Market, 51 Srinagarindra Road, Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok 10250
Open Thursday to Sunday from 5 PM to 1 AM
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