So you are in Bangkok and want to shop ’til you drop. Grabbing a bite to eat or just experience a very different mall (shopping centre) outside your own country…. Here I will give you the best 5 malls in Bangkok that you should visit if you get the chance.
One good thing about this is list, 3 of the Malls are located next door to each other so you can kill 3 birds with 1 stone……..
1. Terminal 21
Terminal 21 – Located next to the Asok Metro stop
I don’t think the location can get any better to be in the heart of the action within Bangkok!
The concept is pretty straightforward: you are in a terminal ready to depart, but in this case it’s all around a shopping / eating experience. Even security are dressed in airline style captain / cabin crew attire and each area is a homage to different country’s / cities around the world.
There are mainstream shops here like your H&M, Mango etc and also local stores and even independent shops, which are worth a look around and are cheaper with some quirky items.
At the summit of the building there is a cinema, perfect if you need something to do if it’s raining (mainly during the rainy season).
There is so much choice for food in here so you certainly won’t go hungry, as you would expect Western cuisine and local food court is located in the basement then mainstream food/ restaurants are on levels 4&5.
88 Soi Sukhumvit 19,
Khlong Toei Nuea,
Thawi Watthana,
Bangkok
10110
2. CentralwOrld
CentralwOrld – Chit Lom stop, SkyTrain
Second on our list we have CentralwOlrd, they have a lot more shops than Terminal 21 with some unique brands there. This place is the 9th largest shopping centre in the world.
When you approach from the Sky Train you’ll more than likely see crowds gathered who are visiting a very famous shrine – Erawan, they will pay their respects then most likely head into CentralwOrld for shopping / eating.
They often have events, concerts in front of the mall to draw people and these can be seen from the Sky Train and when this isn’t the case they’ll have a market that has food stalls.
This is the start of our 3 malls that are all located basically next to each other.
4, 5 Ratchadamri Rd,
Pathum Wan,
Bangkok
10330
3. Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon – Siam Metro or SkyTrain stop
In most lists you will probably find this as number 1 but the reason it’s number 3 in ours is because of price, it’s certainly a flagship vibe but there is a price that comes with it. Obviously a must visit but I would recommend window shopping here rather than engaging in spending your hard earned cash.
It’s famous for being top and luxury and is very popular with locals to get their Louis Vuitton bag but it comes at a much higher cost than the Western world with the taxes added on (as a tourist you can claim back). They even have a supermarket where you can buy all your imported food/ groceries if you need some home comforts.
You will always find the beautiful interior and decoration within Siam Paragon as they keep standards high given the type of customer they are trying to impress.
If you have kids then you could take them to the onsite aquarium which is a nice feature but there is a cost for this.
This mall is neighbouring CentralwOrld and MBK Center.
991 Rama I Rd,
Pathum Wan,
Bangkok
10330
4. Asiatique Riverfront
Asiatique Riverfront – BTS to Saphan stop, then free boat shuttle
Take the boat shuttle from the end of the pier and you’ll be there in 10 mins.
Asiatique is a hotspot located next to Chao Phraya river and is more like a venue with a heavy focus on food/ restaurants and a family friendly atmosphere.
You might say they are trying to replicate on a smaller scale Pier 39 in San Francisco.
There is the opportunity to ride the ‘big’ wheel or even visit the living museum and find out more about the Siamese which was the old name of Thailand.
You could also take a boat cruise down the river and have food and drink onboard while you take in the many amazing views of Bangkok’s skyline.
2194 Charoen Krung Rd,
Wat Phraya Krai,
Bang Kho Laem,
Bangkok,
10120
5. MBK Center
MBK Center – National stadium, SkyTrain stop
Last on our list is MBK Center, it’s actually located just a stones throw from Siam Paragon and this can be 1 of 3 malls you visit in that area.
As we mentioned luxury above, MBK is where you can get your ‘fake’ luxury along with gadgets and technology that is not official and is reflected with a much cheaper price so can be appealing to tourists.
This place is neighbours with CentralwOrld and Siam Paragon and certainly worth checking out if you are in that area anyway!
444 Phaya Thai Rd,
Wang Mai, Pathum Wan,
Bangkok,
10330