Thailand is the heaven for shopping and it can be a very pleasant experience, as long as you know what you want and where to look for it. Whether it’s one of Bangkok’s many shopping malls – and some of them will truly blow your mind – or one of Bangkok’s more authentic street markets, you’re sure to find something you like and have a good time, enjoying good food or drinks along the way.

Enjoy Shopping in Bangkok

You can find pretty much anything in Bangkok, there are so many malls selling the latest international fashion that most cities in Asia would find it hard to compete, and yet there’s also a great selection of cheap, quality products to be found. Most big malls will have a cinema and bowling complex to boot, and the usual “food court” – a whole floor dedicated to fine food and drinks and often very international cuisine. As for the street markets, they provide a very different atmosphere. There are usually more diverse people in the markets, since you’re more prone to find people from different social classes and of different ages. In that sense, one could say the street markets are more “authentic”, since they give a great feel of what the local culture and lifestyle is. Also, markets are usually better places to look if you want to buy pirated goods, and the prices tend to be cheaper if you know what you’re getting into; you shouldn’t be afraid of asking for a lower price. Nonetheless, most hip young people are to be found in one of Bangkok’s many malls when it comes to shopping, and both shopping experiences have to be experienced in order to truly have a feel of Bangkok.

Many famous Shopping Malls such as Siam Paragon, Gaysorn or the Emporium are all conveniently located around the city centre (Siam) and can be easy accessed via the BTS Sky Train (Sky Train Map). Genuine fashion goods and other famous brand names can be found there. If you are more into a Thai-style market with air-conditioner that offers nearly everything you can think of, you definitely should have a look at the mega-mall MBK which is located at the National Stadium BTS Sky Train Stop (One stop from Siam by Silom Line). Most shopping centers and department stores are open from 10am – 10pm, while markets are open around the clock.
 

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Every guide book mentions to visit Chatuchak weekend market at least once before you leave and proclaim it the “king” of all markets throughout the world– and so do we! Each weekend roughly 200,000 people come to visit Chatuchak which holds up to 15,000 stores with an estimated 30 million baht spent every day. The range of products sold is absolutely incredible which include household accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, religious artifacts, art, antiques, live animals, books, music, clothes, food, plants, flowers and much more. Nobody that ever went in came out with empty hands! read more

 Shopping Malls

Bangkok has one of the biggest and most beautiful shopping malls worldwide such as Siam Paragon - the pride of Bangkok and Erawan – a stylish shopping mall with an ancient Greek style architecture. Mostly genuine goods and fashion brand names are offered.
 

Department stores in Bangkok are plentiful and can be found throughout the capital. Most are a combination of brand name stores with other smaller stores that sell market type goods. Restaurants and fast food chains are always located within.

Bangkok’s colorful and vibrant markets are one of its landmarks. All sorts of goods can be found starting from fake designer wear to delicious and mouthwatering street food. It’s a unique and authentic shopping experience for everybody.

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Shopping Tips

Make the most of your shopping experience in Bangkok with our simple and useful shopping tips. We list and explain the most important things you should be aware of such as: bargaining, VAT refunds for tourists, shipping your goods, cautions and many other useful tips. You also can share and discuss your shopping tips and experience on our Shopping Forum.

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