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Top Shopping Spots in Bangkok, Thailand

By: Kenny Tang

After spending time strolling in the following places, you will catch a totally different shopping experience and understand why Bangkok can enjoy her lengedary honor as an international shopping hub.

Shopping by the Chao Phraya River enjoys an eternal quality and perfectly complete the shortcomings emerging in some new modern malls in other areas. Along the river, there are lots of sites and numerous shopping malls.

A must-see for those first visitors by the riverside definitely is Asiatique - a place full of food and shopping malls. The river used to be a main channel for the sale of goods. A bustling scene in Bangkok happens in follower markets, especially in the morning. There are other markets for the sale of statues of american tales and Saphan Phut night markets for locally operated second-hand goods and new clothes.

So enjoy your trip and it is waiting for your exploration with the following shopping tips for Bangkok.

10 Riverside Shopping Spots in Thailand

Asiatique

The popular shopping experiences in Asiatique is the combination of a night market and a shopping mall. It is about ten minutes away from the Saphan Taksin BTS station. Asiatique was transformed from a thriving international trade port in the past, which houses more than 1,500 stalls and 40 restaurants. The night bazaar starts from 17:00, you can stroll in the boutiques buying gifts for your friends or yourself. You are guaranteed to taste something that you like; besides, there is also the Calypso ladyboy cabaret and classic Thai puppets performances etc. (these shows are performed nightly).

  • Opening Hours: 17:00-24:00

  • Location: Chareonkrung Soi 74-76

  • How to get there: The easiest and fastest way to get there is via boat. Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and jump on the free shuttle at the end of the pier. It only takes ten minutes, and the boat runs until 23:00. Taxis are not recommended as the traffic can be terrible in this area.

OP Place, Oriental Plaza

Even if you aren't interested in buying an antique elephant stone in Bangkok or contemporary art in the northern tribes of Thailand, OP Place is still worth visiting. Oriental Plaza is more like an art gallery or museum than a shopping mall, with about 50 boutiques offering all kinds of fantastic pieces and you can take all of them home. Some well-known tailors and jewelers have been rooted here as well as art shops. It is well-known for luxury and you can shop there without worry as all antiques have been issued certificates.

Siam Square One

Siam Square One, Bangkok’s fashion center, is newly opened near Siam Square. In Siam Square One, you won’t miss any fashion elements. The seven-floor shopping mall is opposite of Belvedere, home to a fashion clothing store, a living room and a digital technology discount store, and a large dining area at the top.

Many fashion designers starting from Siam Square will set up booths in the lower floors of this mall. If you have taken fancy to their unique style, Siam Square One is a good place to collect their fresh ideas. On the top of Siam Square One, you will find an air hall and Roof Garden, which provides a good view of surrounding scenery.

River City

River City is a four-floor shopping mall and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Chao Phraya River from there. River City is a favorite for antique lovers and collectors and each floor provides high quality antiques and collectibles. In addition to antiques and collectibles, the River City shopping center also sells Thai silk, jewelry, leather jewelry, and fashion. You can also find home decoration products, including wood masks, bronze sculpture and Thai crafts. When you enjoy the scenery of the Chao Phraya River, you can also enjoy delicious food in the river city with an outdoor terrace restaurant on the promenade.

  • Opening Time: 10:00 – 20:00

  • Location: Charoen Krung Soi 30

  • Tel: +66 (0) 2237 0077-8

  • How to get there: Take BTS to Saphan Taksin Station, and you can take free boat in Sathorn Station to River City at daily 10:00-20:00.

Robinson Bangrak

Located in the Old City, Robinson Bangrak is a modern shopping mall. Different from other places, Robinson is convenient for locals and visitors who want to shop for international brands. You can not only find plenty of high-end shops but many restaurant chains and a food court. Another funny place is those small markets outside shopping mall, where there are many street vendors selling fresh fruit.

  • Opening Time: 10:30 – 22:00, every Monday to Friday;10:00 – 22:00, Saturday to Sunday& Holiday.

  • Location: Corner of Silom and Rama IV Roads

  • Tel: + 66 (0)2 380052-61

Bangkok Flower Market-Pak Klong Talad

Pak Klong Talad is the biggest flower wholesale and retail market. A variety of popular flowers and plants are sold here, including roses, forget me nots, orchids, lilies and much more. Most flowers are sold in packs of 50 or 100 flowers and the price is surprisingly cheap.

Located on Chak Phet Road, a part of the old town, next to Saphan Phut or the Memorial Bridge. Inside, there are two to three-story shop-houses on both sides of the main street, including flower shops and vendors. Flower market in the south of Wat Pho, connecting the pier there. There are also other historical monuments of the old town, so it makes for a great one-day trip.

  • Opening Time: 24 hours, more popular during nighttime

  • Location: Chak Phet Road, the Memorial Bridge or Saphan Phut Chao Phraya pier

  • Transportation: Taxi or Tuk Tuk

Chinatown Shopping

Shopping in Chinatown is an endless and timeless experience and perfectly complete the shortcomings of modern large shopping malls. Here, tradition is prior to many things, you may lose yourself in the intricate alleyways with all sorts of goods sold by shoppers’ ancestors after several generations.

The price of the goods here may be the lowest in the city, but bargaining is essential in your purchase process. It may be too excited for some visitors, so we recommend that you should slow down your pace and stop frequently to taste local food and drink (there are even food tours for this!). Enjoy yourself in the craziness of shopping process basing on the top ten tour guide.

Amulet Market

Amulet Marketis is one of the oldest markets in Bangkok and also a place where you can buy religious amulets, such as small portraits that Thai people often hang around their neck or in the waist buckle. On both sides of the road, there are many stalls selling commodities-holy bone, holy teeth and Buddha statues and much more. The main customers are local religious believers rather than visitors but it is worth visiting.

  • Opening Time: daily 9:00-18:00.

  • Location: Trok Wat Mahathat, Th. Maharat, Phra Nakhon

  • How to get there: near Thammasat, Sanam Luang,so you can visit there together.

Night Markets Bangkok

Wandering in Night Market, Bangkok city is just like throwing yourself in a furious party. The most joyful and happy moments include walking through streets selling all sorts of goods and sampling local dishes in some street food stalls. Live music from bars blend together into music waves overwhelming the whole night. However, you will not find any international brands or chain restaurants, it is a heaven offering local goods, made by skilled craftsmen or mass-produced by factories or second-hands from Europe or Japan. Many visitors, including local Thai, like shopping here to buy some discount goods.

Saphan Phut Night Market

Saphan Phut Night Market is located near the Memorial Bridge and lighted up at night, from Tuesday to Sunday. Visitors can enjoy it freely. It opens at 18:00 and only gets lively around 20:00 and runs until mid-night. Saphan Phut Night Market mainly sales new, old or even second-hand clothing and less expensive than other markets and you can also sample plenty of plates of food.

Ta Tian Market

Ta Tian Market is a large fresh market, lying opposite Wat Pho. Actually, it is often ignored by many visitors and they like to rest in an elegant cafe under a Chinese – Portuguese shape building, but few can focus their attentions on the small door in the middle of the U-shaped building. It is funny to walk through the market, similar to walking through a maze, and you may lose your direction. If it is your first time in Thailand, you may think 80% of things there are mysterious. It is impressive when you see dry fish of different shapes and tastes and all kinds of dried shrimps.

The Chao Phraya River Shopping Street

This shopping street is an ideal place to buy high quality Thai products such as silk garments, teak, furniture, artwork, handbags and antiques. The environment there is quiet, it is amazing to walk through the streets and appreciate the exquisite goods sold. Though don’t plan to buy anything, you may be surprised by the high-end quality of products and excellent technology.

Oriental Plaza

Commodities in Oriental Plaza are as luxurious as its hotel. Opposite the main entrance of the hotel, it is home to LV, Lotus de Vere and Heritage International Limited where the prices match to the top luxury goods.

Floating Markets Bangkok

Almost every visitor wants to go to a floating market in his or her first Bangkok trip. Some have made it a reality but most visitors end in disappointment about a floating market trip. Nobody can bear getting up at 5:00 in holiday. Actually , there are five floating markets open 24 hours everyday, and one of them is just away from Paragon Siam (about 12 kilometers), so you can get there after noon without loosing your sleep time. You can join a floating market tour to enjoy the best there is to offer.

Platinum Fashion Mall, Pratunam

Platinum Fashion Mall is like an indoor version of Chatuchak Weekend Market, specializing in wholesale fashion clothing and accessories, with four- storey shopping space and over 1300 stores installed there. Here, bargaining is part of the fun and the more you buy the cheaper goods are.

Located in the heart of Pratunam, it’s around ten-minute walk from either Ratchathewi or Chidlom BTS Skytrain, so it is easier than other clothing market.

  • Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00

  • Location: Petchburi, Ratchathewi (next to Pantip Plaza)

Pantip Plaza Bangkok

Pantip Plaza is the mother of all IT shops in Thailand, enjoying a legendary status. In Pantip Plaza,you can buy all kinds of new or old computers and accessories. Located in an ordinary building on Pittori Road, notorious for pirated software, DVD and filthier information. What attracts buyers are the incomparable specials and cheap technical experts.

IT City

IT city on the fifth floor is the largest IT shop in Pantip Plaza, selling the latest equipment. Some staff can speak fluent English and give details about each item and if you need some information about particular goods, it is a good place to go. Most IT brands can be found there and IT city is the best choice as it is a trusted and well-known retail store in Bangkok. Some employees are fluent in English and can introduce all kinds of products in detail, so if you need specific information about a specific product, this is the ideal place to go

  • Opening Time: daily 10:00-19:00

  • Location: Petchaburi Road, opposite Pratunam’s City Complex

  • How to get there: Start from BTS Chidlom, take a tuk-tuk/taxi or walk 10 minutes along Ratchadamri Road and past Central World on your left, over Saen Saeb River and turn left on Phetburi Road, then after two blocks and Pantip Plaza on your left.

Chatuchak Market

Before Chatuchak Market was just popular among wholesalers and businessmen, but it has been a must-visit place during visitors’ Bangkok trip. Many visitors are brought and attracted here by its fame and the diversity of goods - where you can have an unforgettable shopping experience.

Covered more than 35-acre(68-rai), Chatuchak Market offers a mind-boggling range of goods spread over 8,000. Usually, there will be more than 20,0000 visitors come here to select cheap and affordable commodities. Veteran shoppers would agree that every items are on sale here. If you have one weekend in Bangkok, spend one-day searching Chatuchak Market and you won’t be disappointed.

Ten Best Shopping Malls

The city has several of the world’s largest shopping malls, which one will you choose? If you would like some specials, MBK is the best choice for you; if you prefer fashion and big brand, CentralWorld is waiting you; if you want to sample more traditional dishes, The Emporium welcomes you! Of course, if you are looking for something of high-end grade, Siam Paragon - a distribution center in Bangkok, will meet your requirements.

Bangkok has enough shopping centers to meet a variety of lifestyles and budgets. But the top ten shopping malls surely provide the best shopping experience, including the diversity of products, the transport convenience or shopping satisfaction.

Good preparation for your Bangkok trip is of great importance. The information we have provided may help you out to some degree. Shopping in Bangkok will impress you and give a fresh shopping experience

There are countless tourist attractions on both sides of the Chao Phraya River as well as its shopping malls here. The most popular market is the night market Asiatique -- it is definitely a must-visit for first visitors.

So,if you are planing a shopping trip, shopping in Bangkok is a good choice for you.



The original content (article & images) is owned by Kenny Tang. Visit the site here for other interesting stories.

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