Affectionately known as the Big Mango, Bangkok is a vast, bustling metropolis of over 8 million people. Often serving as the first stop on the itineraries of those travelling across Thailand, the city is home to a wide selection of incredible restaurants, temples, bars, coffee shops and cultural attractions. As though its tourism star wasn’t already shining brightly enough, it also happens to be one of the best shopping destinations on the planet. From street vendors selling every form of clothing and accessory imaginable to markets packed with artisanal handcrafts, discount emporiums and mega-malls filled to the brim with high-end goods, Bangkok is a gold mine for even the most difficult of shoppers to please.
Whether you’re on the hunt for affordable trinkets or one-of-a-kind luxury finds, here are our top picks for where to shop in the City of Angels.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Located outside of the downtown core near the Don Muang airport, Chatuchak is the largest weekend market in the world. Once only popular with wholesale vendors and traders, this cluster of over 8000 stalls comes alive with activity every weekend and welcomes over 200,000 visitors daily. Here, shoppers can find everything from home décor to clothing, pets, antiques, art, furniture and accessories – at incredibly affordable prices. The sheer size of Chatuchak Weekend Market can be overwhelming at first, so the best approach is to get lost in its chaos and spend the day browsing its many lanes while sampling the delectable street food on offer. Try to arrive early, as the experience is more pleasant in the early morning before Bangkok’s notorious heat settles in. A map of Chatuchak market can be viewed here and vendors are open to bargaining.
Siam Center and Siam Discovery
Positioned next to each other in Bangkok’s lively Siam Square, Siam Center and Siam Discovery are two fantastically unique malls that stand out from the pack. While most of Asia’s glittering modern shopping centres are filled to the brim with brand name stores that can be found in any major city, Siam Center and Siam Discovery highlight emerging Thai designers, quirky housewares and charming gift shops. These two neighbouring malls are a must-visit destination for shoppers who are enamoured with a unique point of view. The clothing, accessories, trinkets and furnishings that can be found here are unlike anything else sold in Bangkok and will undoubtedly stand out in shoppers’ wardrobes or homes.
Platinum Fashion Mall
To put it simply, Platinum Fashion Mall is inexpensive clothing heaven. Towering over an entire city block in Bangkok’s urban centre, Platinum is the absolute mecca for fast fashion. Thousands of vendors are packed into its aisles, selling every form of clothing and accessory imaginable for men and women. While the quality may not necessarily be of the highest standard, shoppers are all but guaranteed to find the trend of the moment they’ve been lusting after here. If you’ve seen a style you like in brand name stores, a slightly altered version at a fraction of the usual price will be on offer at Platinum Fashion Mall. Vendors will often offer discounts if shoppers buy in bulk, and it’s advised to visit on a weekday.
Rod Fai Night Market
For those enamoured with vintage finds, antiques, collector’s items and anything kitschy, Rod Fai Night Market will be an unforgettable shopping experience. Known affectionately to locals as the “hipster paradise” of Bangkok, this is one of the city’s most creative hubs. Browse through over 2000 stalls selling everything imaginable before admiring the colourful graffiti decorating the market’s warehouse walls or the old cars decorating its landscape. Visitors will feel like they’ve stepped bac
The Emquartier
Recently completed in 2015, the Emquartier is an awe-inspiring, multi-million dollar shopping complex in Bangkok’s bustling Phrom Phong neighborhood. Revered by luxury lovers around the city, this is the ultimate destination for those seeking high-end brands and a 5 star shopping experience. Gape at the mall’s 40 foot tall man-made waterfall, eat lunch in its stunning food court or head upstairs to experience its rooftop garden. Visiting the Emquartier is an all-encompassing sensory experience which will cater to architecture and design lovers in particular. Spend a leisurely afternoon here to witness Thai creativity and modernity in all of its glory.
MBK Mall
MBK Mall is your one stop shop for almost anything on the planet. From refurbished iPhones to discounted beauty products, clothing, gadgets, appliances and more, the prices here will be much less expensive than anywhere else in the city. What sets MBK apart from other discounted malls (such as Platinum) is that it focuses more on tech, with a reputation across Bangkok as the place to go spot for those seeking inexpensive electronics. That being said, head here with an open mind and you’ll stumble across everything you never knew you wanted: half-priced brand name shampoos, knick knacks for your home, lawn chairs, knock-off handbags and more. Happy hunting!
What to know:
Directions to and from these shopping destinations can be found by visiting each of their websites.
Be sure to carry cash when visiting Platinum mall, MBK mall and Bangkok’s markets, as credit cards are not widely accepted.
Always be conscious of your purse or wallet when navigating markets, as they are the preferred areas for pick-pocketers.
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