5 Bangkok shopping malls you shouldn’t miss

by Paphada Apimonton · Published October 9, 2014 · Updated September 23, 2015

People know Bangkok for many things – friendly locals, delicious foods and of course shopping venues! There are many shopping malls in Bangkok but if you aim to score the best known and most popular ones, I would suggest you not to miss these 5 shopping arcades in the city.

Siam paragon

Siam Paragon

Located in the centre of Bangkok and connected to BTS Skytrain Siam Station, Siam Paragon tagged itself as the top-class luxury shopping mall which can offer everything that will suit your lifestyle – which of course if you can afford it!

What to see there?

It houses hundreds of Thai and International designers’ brand shops. Fine dining restaurants and cafes including Harrods Tea Room, Four Seasons Restaurant and etc., are packed inside this mall.

What else to do?

Apart from a thrill from shopping at designer brand’s shops, you can enjoy some quality time with your partner at its luxury cinema or with your kids at the on-site underground aquarium – Siam Ocean World.

How to get there?

Take a skytrain to Siam Station and at its doorstep you will find Siam Paragon.

Tips

You can easily shop for Thai souvenirs like Thai spices, herbs and Thai snacks at the Gourmet Market on the Ground floor.
For dining tips, I suggest you to go to the Food Passage zone on 4th floor if you like to dine in peaceful and spacious areas.
You can also visit nearby malls like Siam Centre and Siam Discovery which are located just next to Siam Paragon Mall.

MBK

MBK

A station away from Siam Paragon, MBK offers a more intimate and less formal touch for both tourists and locals. Here you will find thousands of shops selling everything from dry seafood, brand and not-so-brand name but very much look-alike products (if you know what I mean..) with a top-notch quality.

What to see there?

This place is like a heaven for all shoppers. There are many shops that sell various kinds of products – clothes at competitive prices, Thai souvenirs, Thai snacks, dry seafood and etc., A handicraft zone is also one of the must see here.

What else to do?

MBK has several dining options including a huge international food court where it offers many western tasty cuisine. MBK has a certified restaurant serving halal food for Muslim guests.

Apart from Bowling, movie and karaoke, this tourist-friendly mall also holds MBK Fight Night every Wednesday. This Thai boxing show is a free event that you should see.

How to get there?

Take BTS Skytrain and change the line at Siam Station to National Stadium Station which is the terminal station – you can’t miss it. There you will find MBK Mall sits just next to the National Stadium.

Tips

If you are a tourist and you have a passport…well obviously, head to 5^th floor at The Fifth Food Avenue to get free Thai tea welcome drink.
You can enjoy a bargain spree here. Shops here are welcomed for bargaining but be reasonable on that!
If you like to exercise, it is possible to walk on a skywalk from Siam Station. You can take this chance to see the city from the skybridge.

Central World

Central World serves well for being a modern shopping mall as well as an attraction itself. Similar to Siam Paragon, Central World is bigger but less formal. It is also best known for the biggest venue in Bangkok for New Year Countdown Celebration.

What to see there?

Of course it has hundreds of both international and Thai brand stores, cinemas, restaurants and etc., but the highlights of Central World are the beautiful shrines of Ganesha and Trimurti gods situated in front of the mall.

What else to do?

The famous shrines attract thousands of believers daily. Apart from shopping and dining at Central World, you can pay a visit and make a wish to these Hindu gods for good fortune or good love.

How to get there?

Even Central World does not located next to any BTS station, you can still go there by BTS. Take Chidlom or Siam Station as you like, as Central World is in the middle of these two stations. After that it will take you around 10 – 15 minutes easy walk on a skywalk from each station.

Tips

If you like to drop by Erawan Shrine where it houses Phra Phrom (Brahma), you can take Chidlom Station and walk up along skywalk.
But if you feel like shopping, drop by Siam Station where there are many malls around there then walk down the skywalk to Central World.

Terminal 21

Terminal 21 is a theme mall where you will find yourself in different destinations every time you change floor! As the name suggested – terminal – it welcomes guests with an airport-like atmosphere at the ground floor. As soon as you take an escalator to another floor you will descend to the new destination.

What to see there?

Many down-to-earth, casual fashion outlets selling clothes, tees and other cool stuffs at reasonable prices. Also you can enjoy shooting photos with props and characters on each floor – check out the Sumo and the Kimono girl on the Tokyo floor or Golden Gate Bridge on San Francisco Floor.

What else to do?

The highlight? – restrooms here are one of the best and amazing bathrooms in the city. Each floor will feature different decoration, maid’s uniform and a genius electric flush that has an adjustable temperature as well as auto “self-cleaning” feature– adding fun and pleasure for your private time.

How to get there?

Terminal 21 provides the best connection of all other malls in Bangkok. Why? this is because it is right in the middle of Asoke Intersection where BTS Skytrain (Asoke Station) and MRT subway (Sukhumvit Station) met.

Tips

Terminal 21 offers the cheapest and most delicious food at its chic food court. I do recommend the juice shop where you can find fresh blend healthy smoothly and dessert shop with the famous Khao Niew Mamuang (sweet sticky rice with mango).
Free WiFi is offered in this mall with a validity of a year! You need to register at the Information Counter on M floor with ID card or passport.

Mega Bangna

If you like a more western style mall and you are also a big fan of IKEA furniture, head to Mega Bangna – the relatively new mall in the suburb of Bangkok.

What to see there?

Located on a 100-acre land, Mega Bangna is a low-rise but quite big department store(as the name suggested). Tagged as “a mall to many”, Mega Bangna promises to offer “everything under one roof” which is actually quite true. This mega mall consists of 5 anchor partners: Major Cineplex, Home Pro, Big C, Robinson and IKEA. So of course you can find everything here – from home improvement products and groceries to fine jewelry.

What else to do?

Mega Bangna boasts a great outdoor dining options where you will find both Thai and Western foods complimenting with fine wine and beer. Those who love movies, ice skating and bowling are also welcomed here.

How to get there?

Even the mall doesn’t connect with any BTS or MRT but Mega Bangna provides free shuttle bus to commute its customers from the closet BTS Udomsuk Station – you will find more info here.

Tips

If you miss the shuttle bus don’t worry – there are plenty of taxis at the mall’s stand.
You can get free welcome drink, just show your passport at the information counter.

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