Bangkok shopping is an exciting and memorable experience. The city is well known for its dynamic and diverse shopping environment, which features everything from crowded markets to opulent malls.
The Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the biggest markets in the world, is a must-visit location for shoppers. Explore the more than 8,000 kiosks offering everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and one-of-a-kind mementos.
Visit the upmarket shopping centres like Siam Paragon and CentralWorld for a taste of luxury. High-end stores, well-known international brands, and designer clothing may be found in these shopping malls. Along with world-class dining and entertainment options, you may indulge in some shopping.
Explore the bustling street markets like Pratunam Market and Chinatown for a more genuine, local experience. You may immerse yourself in the colorful energy of Bangkok’s streets thanks to the abundance of street vendors selling reasonably priced clothing, accessories, and street food in these busy places.
The trendy neighbourhoods of Thonglor and Ari are home to boutique shops and independent designers, offering a curated range of clothing, home goods, and handicrafts for those looking for one-of-a-kind and artistic treasures.
Shopping in Bangkok is a real adventure, with options for every taste and price range. There is always something new and intriguing to discover thanks to the city’s many shopping opportunities, which range from local markets to posh malls.
If you would like to know what you should do and see in Bangkok click here and go to our post where you will receive the best information and some of our recommendations.
1. Terminal 21 Shopping Centre in Bangkok
The shopping centre, Terminal 21 is located in Sukhumvit and if you were taking the BTS to get to this centre then you would get off at the Asok Station and it is located a 2-minute walk from the station.
This 40,000-square-metre (430,000 sq ft) shopping centre opened its doors in 2011 and the name “Terminal 21” is supposed to represent the concept that each retail floor represents a different world-famous tourist city under 1 roof and the 21 in the name refers to Soi Sukhumvit 21.
Terminal 21 is definitely one of the most popular shopping destinations for not only locals, but also tourists who are visiting Bangkok. We wouldn’t usually recommend eating at a food court in a shopping centre, but it is known as a five-star food court and we have eaten here a couple times and there are many options and the prices are cheap and the food is fantastic.
2. MBK Shopping Centre
The MBK shopping centre is arguably the best and most popular shopping centre in Bangkok. It is also known as Mahboonkrong and this 8-storey shopping centre opened its doors in 1985 and is located in Pathum Wan District.
With over 2,000 shops, you are pretty much guaranteed to find what you are looking for. On the first three floors, you will find cosmetics, perfumes, clothes and accessories. On the fourth floor, you will find an entire floor only selling electronics, camera, mobile phones etc. On the fifth and sixth floors, you will find stores selling furniture and arts and crafts. In addition, on these floors you will find the food court where you can get a very affordable and delicious meal. The top floor is a multi-screen cinema, bowling alley and other places to keep you entertained all day.
If you are looking for some fake watches, shoes, diesel jeans or cheap shirts and clothing go to the third floor and go to the far end of the floor and you will find loads of stalls selling all these products there for much cheaper then you will probably get it back home.
The MBK is open daily from 10am to 9pm. We recommend you check out this place and give yourself at least a couple hours because it is so huge that you may need the time to find what you are looking for.
3. Chatuchak Weekend Market
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is located on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road in Chatuchak Bangkok. It is spread out over 35 acres divided into 27 sections and with over 15,000 stalls and over 200,000 people visiting the market every weekend it is the largest weekend market in the world.
Although it says the weekend market, it opens at 7am on Wednesday and closes Sunday at 6pm, so only closed on Monday and Tuesday. You will obviously thousands of locals here, but you will also find thousands of tourists looking for a bargain on Thai handicrafts, shoes, watches, jewelry, antiques, furniture, books or souvenirs to bring home with them. You name it; this market will have it and make sure to barter a better price. If they see you are not a local then the prices will be inflated straight away.
If there is one market you should make time for if you are in Bangkok, then it is the Chatuchak Weekend Market and remember to go early to avoid the crowds and spend at least a couple hours soaking in the atmosphere. Most important though is enjoy the shopping!
4. Sampeng Market Bangkok
The Sampeng Market is one of the oldest markets in Bangkok and it is located right in Chinatown on Soi Wanit 1 down a small little alley that runs about 500 meters in length.
If you are taking the BTS (Bangkok sky train) to get to the Sampeng Market, the closest station called Saphan Taksin, which is stop S6.
At this market, you will a variety of products ranging from shoes, fabrics, clothing, wallets, bags, watches, jewelry, toys, stationary and souvenirs. You will find almost anything here, but please keep in mind that this is the biggest wholesale market in Thailand, so many vendors do not just sell a single item. If you have a business back home or looking to make some money, then maybe it’s a good opportunity to buy a few items for cheap and selling them back home and pay for your trip or at least make some money. Let us keep in mind that the majority of the items that are made in the world come from Asia. With the Sampeng Market being open from 8am to 5pm Monday through Sunday, it gives you a great opportunity to check it out.
5. Siam Paragon
The Siam Paragon is located at Rama Road in Pathum Wan and is located right in front of the Siam BTS Skytrain station if you are taking public transport to get to this shopping centre.
This shopping centre is home to the Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium and it has over 250 shops and is considered one of the largest shopping centres in Thailand. This mall is for those looking for international high-end fashion brands, as this shopping centre takes it pride for being a luxurious world-class shopping destination. If you are looking for Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Armani, Rolex or any other big name fashion label then this the Siam Paragon will have it. It is open daily until 10pm, so it gives you plenty of time to shop.
6. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market might not be the place you may go to shop, but as a tourist attraction, you cannot beat it. It is Thailand’s largest and most famous floating market where vendors on boats are selling local food, clothing, handicrafts, vegetables, souvenirs and other items.
Unfortunately, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is not right in Bangkok, but actually almost an hour away in Damnoen Saduak district, Ratchaburi province. You can go there by public transport and bus.
However, we recommend that you book a tour to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and go with a group and it all done for you and easy to get to. You can click here or on the below banners to have a look and make a booking in advance. Going to this market is an unforgettable experience, for its narrow canals, long boats and picturesque experience it is something you do not want to miss.
