Shopping in Bangkok

Bangkok’s newest Mecca for shoppers, Siam Paragon, is being touted as Southeast Asia’s largest upscale shopping mall. Standing on 500,000 sq m of prime land, it houses 300 high-fashion brand boutiques, an exotic-car gallery, fancy food outlets, a 1,800-seat opera house, a 15-screen cinema with seating capacity for 5,500. On its ground floor and basement are two levels of Siam Ocean World, Southeast Asia’s largest indoor oceanarium. Here are not only sharks, electric eels, giant groupers and manta rays but also penguins, otters, monstrous water rats. And imagine a school of piranhas passing just a little above your head.

Computer Software and VCD

There is really only one place to buy this and that is at Phantip Plaza, on Petchburi road near the Amari Watergate Hotel. Everything under the sun and computer related can be found here. With seven floors of shopping heaven for computer buffs, copy is very much the thing here. So if you are buying something at regular prices be very careful. The shop on the top floor is very reliable, and offers mainly original soft and hardware. Due to a lot of police restrictions, which seem to change month by month, the shops sometimes will refuse to sell you copy software directly instead they have to send it to you by EMS (registered post) there is not normally any problems with this. However this does mean that you should visit this computer heaven early in your trip, if you plan to buy some software, so that the sellers have enough time to send it to you. Three days should normally suffice at the most. Having said that please note that these restrictions change all the time, and you will even see vendors removing all the latest DVD's, CD's, VCD's and software very quickly only for it to reappear minutes later once we presume the inspection is finished.

VCD's and DVD's are also available here with all the latest blockbusters available even before they are out in the cinema. Watch out here as quality, especially on VCD's does vary enormously. Always ask one question at a time. Is the picture quality good ? Is the sound quality good ? This will avoid any misunderstanding although this very much depends on the honesty of the vendor and also the vendors understanding of quality. Quality would normally be described in percentage terms. So for example if you wanted to buy the latest blockbuster movie which is not even out in the cinemas yet then the quality will normally be less than 100%. Some shops may even let you see the quality if you ask nicely. VCD's are now roughly 50 Baht or so but can be had a cheaper if you shop around. DVD's are also readily available and cost anywhere from 100 Baht. You should note that original DVD's can cost as little as 240 Baht and there is one shop at Panthip Plaza, Scorpion on the second floor, where you can buy such original movies in DVD, video and VCD format.

Shopping Centers / Mall

Chatuchak Weekend Market 
It would be no exaggeration to say that hardly any especially Bangkok doesn't know Chatuchak Market. This is The Worlds Biggest Weekend Market selling practically everything under the sun, from the smallest nails, to foods, trendy fashions, antiques intricate wooden carvings, masks from far-off lands, adorable fluffy dogs, colorful fish of every hue and singing birds. You can find all this and more at amazing Chatuchak market. There are almost 9,000 individual booths overflowing with every imaginable type of wares to catch your fancy. Once inside the market, you will be catch up in a world of bursting crowds and stalls stretching as far as the eye can see. If you are thinking of decorating your home, searching for that perfect piece of furniture or decoration, be it antique, modern, Thai or Western? Or perhaps a lovingly created ethnic handicraft to brighten up your space? Ceramic products, whether they be tea cups, coffee mugs, pots, traditional Thai Benjarong or ceramic dolls. Well, come to Chatuchak Market and chances are you won't go home empty-handed. Feeling a little hot and weary from your journey ? A bit hoarse from all that bargaining ? Then its time to seek out some cool, refreshing drinks or something light and tasty to re-charge your batteries before another round of shopping. Chatuchak Market has and endless selection of food and drinks, ranging from small beverage stalls on almost every soi or corner , iced refreshments, noodles, rice & curries, rice with roast pork, chicken rice and Thai-style fast foods. Apart from bringing together interesting products from all corners of Thailand.

Patpong Night Market offers a wide range of fake goods such as watches, clothes, bags etc. Located in the heart of Patpong (skytrain station Saladaeng), with Bangkok's famous bars on either side this night market offers many distractions, and perhaps an excuse for many to visit this famous night spot. Haggling is expected, and to be honest unless you really want to go to Patpong we would recommend the Night Bazaar mentioned below.

Suan Lum Night Bazaar is an absolute must and a viable alternative to visiting the Patpong Night Market and even Chatuchak as it is not as cramped, has good quality entertainment and food stalls, and sells almost everything you could want from your trip to Thailand. The Night Bazaar is a quick taxi ride away from Silom road, next to Lumpini park. The Bazaar opens around 6 and closes around midnight, it normally has live entertainment such as a live band and a wide variety of food stalls so you can enjoy an evening of fun and shopping at the same time. A definite must for anyone with a shopping list.

Emporium Sukhumvit Soi 26, is an absolutely amazing shopping centre and some would say the best in Bangkok, it has a cinema, and a lot of quality designer wear. They also have an excellent food court at ridiculously cheap prices, which offers diners a lovely view over the adjacent small park. They regularly have very good sales, which are always worth checking out with discounts anywhere from 15 - 80% off at times. This is a must visit on your shopping spree in Bangkok. A tourist card which you can apply for at the store will give you 5% or 10% discount off regular priced items.

Emporium Suites Serviced Apartments Bangkok  With a prestige location on Sukhumvit Road, Emporium Suites places residents in the heart of one of Bangkok's major business, shopping and entertainment districts. The hotel's location offers easy access to the Phrom Pong BTS Skytrain station and the green oasis of Benjasiri Park. The facilities at the Emporium include a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and many more. The Emporium Suites offers a total of 378 units, all luxuriously appointed with a full choice of stylish and modern facilities. All suites command panoramic city views and are elegantly decorated in contemporary style and furnished for the utmost comfort. Guests can dine at the Emporia Restaurant while some can relax in the poolside bar. A business centre is also provided for guests visiting on business purposes. >> click here for last minute offers | >> click here for year round hotel reservation Click here for more Hotels near Phrom Pong BTS Skytrain station

Siam Paragon - For years the Emporium has enjoyed the position of the leading Shopping Mall in not just Bangkok but Thailand, followed very closely by some of the Central Department Stores such as the Central Chidlom. The Siam Paragon however is a very serious contender for that prestigious title and offers everything, if not even more, than the Emporium. The Siam Paragon opened its doors in December 2005 and is quite literally enormous. This is an absolute must for travelers to Bangkok in search of high quality merchandise. As with most other Malls and Department Stores do remember to take your passport so you can enjoy the 5% Tourist Discount, and also make sure you claim VAT.

Central Chidlom Again wow, this is another beautiful shopping mall with everything available and some great sales. If you do go to this shopping mall make sure you try the new and quite amazing food court on the sixth floor. This is definitely worth a visit especially being so close to the World Trade Centre (see below) (skytrain station Chidlom).

Central World Plaza (formerly known as World Trade Centre) This centre which recently changed its name is still more commonly known through Bangkok as the World Trade Centre. It comprises of the ZEN, Isetan and Duty Free shopping centres, with hundreds of additional small shops to go with it. It is opposite the Grand Hyatt Hotel and is the most central of all the shopping locations.

Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok  The Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, a premier deluxe business hotel with resort-style facilities is strategically located on Rajdamri Road right in the heart of Bangkok. The hotel is close to one of Bangkok's most important landmarks, the Erawan Shrine in the business and commercial district of Bangkok and just a few minutes from Bangkok International Airport. A fully equipped and efficient business centre is provided for its business clients. Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok presents 387 totally redesigned guest rooms, featuring a modern new look with innovative elegance and every convenience. This hotel feels proud to demonstrate how style and elegance are redefined in the exotic world of South-East Asia. The exceptional cuisine in its wonderful restaurants offers the best dishes for its guests to feast on during their stay. Click here for more information and Booking Details » Click here for more Hotels near skytrain station Chidlom

Gaysorn Plaza Reopened after a lengthy close and renovation in July 2002. It is a relatively upscale shopping centre, opposite the World Trade Centre and the Grand Hyatt Hotel, with a variety of shops.

Siam Square This is a small area with lots of excellent shops can be found. The Hard Rock Cafe and CM2 disco is also in this vicinity.

MBK (Mahanakorn) is 6 floors of little shops that sell assorted goods. Everything can be bought here at very good prices. It is hectic and busy especially at the weekend, but if you are looking for a bargain this is a great, if not a tiring place to start. They have two shops that we can strongly recommend, and deserve a mention simply because a lot of people look for this and don't find them. The first is on the sixth floor and is called Seven Sis, here you can have words printed on to pretty much anything, hats, t-shirts, shirts, you name it. The beauty is that not only is it great value, but it is also stitched and not screen, this means that your t-shirt or whatever will not fade out in the wash or even start peeling. You can either buy the t-shirt there, or take your own. Take a look at the picture of the shop by clicking here. The other shop too mention will do any form of printing for you, name cards (although they are cheaper on the sixth floor near SevenSis, stickers and posters. The stickers really are very well done, and can be designed any way that you want. The shop is called Number One DESIGN, and is on the third floor. Take a look at the picture ? Click here. You should also not miss the food court on the sixth floor, it must be one of the biggest in Bangkok, the food is great, and everything is amazing value. Yes ALL the pics of Bangkok the food court included are here take a look ! MBK basically has everything you could ever need, from unique items mentioned above to Mobile Telephones (be sure to ask whether the phone is 'second hand' or not) to excellent fake Louis Vuitton bags, to originally made local shoes and such. If the fake Louis bags interest you then all we can say is that you will need to ask and look around as they are not on display and we prefer not to mention the shops that carry them. MBK is a shopping must on any visit to Bangkok.

Tesco Lotus Located on Rama IV Road, close to Sukhumvit 26 (although there are many all around Bangkok), is an enormous supermarket which has other shops adjoining. It is definitely worth a visit when you are in Bangkok, if only for the food court which is encircled with a multitude of things for children to enjoy. Including miniature roller coaster rides, a children's theatre with song and dance, miniature cars. A wonderful place for children.

Happy shopping !