Shopping in Bangkok

Bangkok is a shopping paradise. It has everything to surprise even demanding tourists: huge shopping malls, outlets and stores for every taste, expensive boutiques, specialized showrooms, atmospheric markets.

When are there promotions and discounts in stores?

The sale season in Bangkok lasts from the end of May to the end of August. During this time, discounts on clothes, accessories, and shoes in the city's shopping centers can reach 70%, and even more in the outlets near Bangkok.

Where to shop in Bangkok

There are several hundred shopping outlets in Thailand's capital. It's difficult to navigate where and what's practical to buy in Bangkok without training.

Bangkok's main shopping centers

It's quite easy to distinguish a standing mall in Bangkok - you can recognize it by the number of floors. The largest malls in Bangkok, with a decent selection and relatively low prices, have a minimum of 5 floors, and are located in the Siam, Pratunam, and Sukhumvit districts.

OneSiam shopping complex

OneSiam brings together three of Bangkok's largest shopping malls in the capital city - Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery. The buildings of these malls share common passageways. Thus, OneSiam shelters more than a thousand individual stores under a common roof. In general, all three shopping centers follow the concept: one floor - one type of goods. The components of the complex are shopping centers such as:

• Siam Paragon.

A shopping center where you can buy branded clothes and accessories from Prada, Dolce&Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bvlgari, Hugo Boss, Nina Ricci, Chanel, Calvin Klein, Kenzo. Every month Siam Paragon holds sales. The underground level of the shopping center is occupied by the largest in Thailand oceanarium. There are three food courts on five floors in addition to the stores.

• Siam Center.

The oldest shopping mall in Bangkok, known since the 1970s. Today, it has three hundred stores, two dozen cafes and restaurants, and a food court. Among other things, this is the place to go for electronics shopping.

• Siam Discovery.

This shopping mall in Bangkok has its own highlight: a huge ice skating rink and Madame Tussauds wax museum.

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Address: 989-991 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan District.
How to get there to the shopping centers: by BTS subway or bus to the station of the same name (Siam Station), or by car or cab.

Pantip Plaza

The Pantip Plaza shopping center will delight with a variety of digital and computer equipment. According to reviews, it sells the cheapest gadgets in all of Bangkok. Pantip Plaza has everything from flash drives to software, and both quality fake goods (consultants will tell you about it) and original production. The fourth floor is dedicated to selling used equipment.

Open hours: 10:00 to 21:00.
Address: Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Ratchathewi.
How to get there to the Plaza: BTS overground subway (Chit Lom station).

Terminal 21

This is the youngest of all Bangkok's shopping malls, built only in 2011. According to the architect's idea, each floor of the shopping center is made in the style of one of the capitals, for example, Rome, London, or Istanbul. The elevators and escalators between floors resemble airplanes.

Thereby, in general, Terminal 21 is similar to an airport. It houses several hundred stores with goods from world-renowned and local Asian manufacturers, as well as a cinema and a food court.

Opening hours: 10:00 to 21:00.
Address: 88 Soi Sukhumvit 19.
How to get there to Terminal 21 Shopping Center: you can take the BTS overground subway (ASOK station).

Central World Outlet in Bangkok

The 7-story Bangkok outlet has an area of more than 800,000 square meters. Brands represented in the mall include Esprit, ZARA, Castro, Benetton, Guess, Once Upon a Time, Jira&Gunyah, Harnn, and Chivadol. The outlet is also known for its excellent children's entertainment complexes.

Operation schedule: 10:00 to 21:00.
Address: 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan District.
To get to the center, you can take the BTS (Chit Lom Station) overground subway.

Emporium

Emporium is an iceberg mall, with about the same number of ground and underground floors. It has everything that other malls have: stores, a children's entertainment complex, a movie theater, and a food court.

Opening hours: 10:00 to 21:00.
Address: 622 Sukhumvit 24 Alley, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei.
To get to the Emporium, you can take the overground metro (Phom Phong station).

Silom Complex

A relatively small shopping center, occupying only about 11,000 square meters. meters. It is located near Patpong 1 and 2, known for its 24-hour establishments, as well as the picturesque Lumpini Park.

Operation schedule: 10:30 to 21:30.
Address: 191 Si Lom, Silom, Bang Rak.
The complex can be reached by both overground and underground metro (Si Lom station).

Bangkok Markets

The Saphan Phut Night Bazar, Chatuchak Market, and Pratunam Market are the most noteworthy of Bangkok's markets. The capital's markets are characterized by low prices aimed primarily at locals. You can and should bargain, but don't expect a discount of more than 30% off the original price.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Market is first and foremost a weekend market. Throughout the weekend, there is continuous trade from over 15,000 tents and marquees divided, for convenience, into 27 zones.

Besides clothing, food, and souvenirs, the market offers a rich selection of antique items, books, and goods created by local artisans. Chatuchak Market also has a zoo corner that sells puppies, kittens, parrots, chickens, and many other animals.

Operation schedule: from 10:00 to 21:00.
How to get there: The market can be reached by bus, overground or underground metro. The stop is called Chatuchak Park.

Live from Chatuchak Market: Expats Bangkok

By the way, check out this issue of Expats Bangkok, which was filmed by our founder Andrew Burenok. One of the characters is just selling unique hand-painted shoes on Chatuchak. It's really beautiful!

Explore Other Shopping Destinations in Bangkok

When it comes to shopping in the capital, you'll find a variety of options, many of which are concentrated around the famous shopping streets such as Sukhumvit Road, Silom Road, Ratchadaprop, Ratchawithi, Ratchadamri, and Phetbury. These streets also offer pedestrian-friendly sections, ensuring a safe and convenient shopping experience for both tourists and locals.

In addition to these well-known areas, Bangkok boasts a plethora of unique outlets that you won't find elsewhere in Asia. For instance, keep an eye out for the intriguing 'makashnis'—mobile canteens that not only serve delicious noodles and rice but also provide freshly peeled and cut fruits.

What to Buy in Bangkok

Eatable Souvenirs

Thailand's warm and sometimes hot climate allows for the harvesting of crops 2-3 times a year. With many of the country's unique fruits unfamiliar to Europeans, local fruits make for some of the best gifts from Thailand for both yourself and your loved ones.

Fruits

When looking for sweet gifts, be sure to explore the variety of local fruits:

• Familiar

In Europe and the US, fruits like tangerines, oranges, bananas, coconuts, and lemons are common. However, in Thailand, they come in unusual sizes, flavors, and aromas—for instance, a banana may be no bigger than a finger.

• Exotic

Discover the exotic flavors of passion fruit, mangoes, and papaya.

• Unknown

Explore unique fruits like carambola, lychee, jackfruit, mangosteen, rambutan, and pitahaya.

Durian, known as the "king of fruits," is a delicacy for connoisseurs. If you manage to find a good ripe fruit, it offers an amazing dessert-like taste with hints of vanilla and cream, as well as berry tones. However, it's worth noting that the taste can vary significantly depending on the variety. The challenge with durian is that once its pulp is exposed to the air, it starts to emit an incredibly strong odor, often described as resembling dirty socks and cesspools. As a result, it's prohibited in hotels and on airplanes.

Spices and Seasonings

Thai cuisine is renowned for its sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, thanks to a wide array of spices. Thailand is home to approximately 40 species of peppers, and many tourists bring these flavorful ingredients home from Bangkok:

• Spices

Look for Thai curry, chili peppers, hot black and red peppers, basil, sesame, and coriander.

• Sugar

Consider bringing back cane and palm sugar.

• Sauces

Explore the diverse world of Thai sauces, including soy, fish, meat, and oyster sauces.

• Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is also a popular gift choice for many.

Unique Gifts and Souvenirs from Bangkok

A distinctive reminder of Thailand is the alcohol tincture infused with exotic animals such as vipers, beetles, and lizards. These concoctions can be found in markets and are sometimes used for massage. While their effectiveness may be uncertain, the jars certainly make for a striking souvenir.

Travelers returning from Bangkok often bring back a variety of goods, including:

• Black Bronze and Silver:

Explore the beauty of black bronze and silver crafts.

• Ceramic and Pewter Wares:

Discover the intricate ceramic and pewter products available.

• Chinese Cotton and Silk Clothing:

Shop for elegant Chinese cotton and silk clothing.

• Local Cosmetics and Balms for Musculoskeletal Treatment:

Find local cosmetics and balms for treating musculoskeletal issues.

• Latex Bedding, Toys, Jewelry, and Other Latex Goods:

Explore a range of latex products, from bedding to jewelry.

• Handcrafted Jewelry:

Admire handcrafted jewelry, including items made from beads, metal, wood, and stone.

• Trinkets:

Don't forget to pick up small souvenirs like refrigerator magnets or Buddha figurines.

Shopping in Bangkok is a diverse and enriching experience, mirroring the multifaceted nature of Thailand itself. Make the most of your shopping adventure!