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Shopping malls are found worldwide. Can you name a country on Earth that has no shopping malls? That’s not possible, right? The same goes for shopping malls in Bangkok.
Shopping malls have existed for many years and continue to influence society to shop for basic needs and everyday necessities.
But in Bangkok, shopping malls have brought a new revolution in the shopping world. Because shopping is no longer limited to buying your basic necessities.
It has broadened and has shifted its aim from a basic requirement to enjoyment purposes.
Benefits of Shopping Malls in Bangkok?
Shopping malls play a big role in our lives today and are gaining popularity worldwide in the 21st century. Consumer culture (people’s shopping habits) is changing because of new tech and global connections.
E-commerce or online shopping has taken off, making regular stores less appealing for basic purchases. Malls have adapted by offering more goods to get people through the doors.
As our lifestyles have gotten fancier, our basic needs have changed too. We’re thinking more about luxury now. Back in the past, folks just went to malls to buy certain things. But now, malls have added fun spots and places to hang out. So people have other reasons to go there besides just shopping.
Modern malls are massive and provide everything a person could want for entertainment. They feature various fun activities like cinemas, arcades, and sports facilities.
These shopping malls now offer food, entertainment, relaxation, and amusement in a cosy setting.
Shopping malls have become more attractive places to hang out and meet friends. Some even have fun things like bowling alleys, movie theatres, and gaming areas.
On weekends, families go to malls to shop and have quality time. It’s not just families; groups of friends also gather to relax and enjoy themselves.
How are shopping Malls in Bangkok different from those in India?
The Myth suggests that a shopping mall is a building or group of buildings that contains stores. However, in reality, shopping malls can be enclosed or open-air.
In this section, we will learn why shopping malls in Bangkok differ from those in India and why Indians must visit them when they choose Thailand as their vacation destination.
Bangkok’s shopping malls are renowned for their modern and sleek architectural styles. They feature striking skyscraper-like designs with glass facades, futuristic interiors, and state-of-the-art amenities.
Indian malls tend to be expansive complexes, often sprawling over large areas of land. Bangkok malls, on the other hand, often maximise vertical space due to the city’s high population density. While some malls may cover large areas, many are built upwards with multiple floors connected by escalators and elevators.
This vertical design efficiently houses numerous retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities within a compact footprint. Meanwhile, Indian shopping malls often reflect a blend of contemporary architecture with elements inspired by local culture and heritage.
So, To experience something unique and beyond the usual shopping vibe, one must visit shopping malls in Bangkok.
1. Central Embassy Shopping Mall
The amazing fact about Central Embassy Shopping Mall in Bangkok is that if you look at it from the sky, its structure is shaped like an infinity symbol.
This shopping mall in Bangkok features many international brands in beauty, fashion, design, cuisine, and technology on Levels 2, 3, and 4.
Highlights of Central Embassy Shopping Mall, Bangkok
Eathai Basement:
- Eathai occupies a huge basement area in the Central Embassy. This fancy food court serves traditional Thai fare from all over the country.
- The cooking stations are divided into regions: north, south, and northeast Thailand (Issan).
- They offer vegetarian options, seafood, and street food as well. Each dish comes with a pro displaying clear English explanations and price tags. It’s like a culinary tour of Thailand without leaving Bangkok!
Level 5:
- Level 5 boasts a variety of unique dining options.
- The Water Library offers gourmet cuisine, while Somboon Seafood serves fresh ocean delights.
- Nara Thai Cuisine brings the heat with spicy Thai fare. For Japanese food lovers, Maisen, Kyoto Lifestyle Café, Yuutaro, and Hinata Sushi dish out tasty bites from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Level 6:
- Level 6 of the Central Embassy features a striking space called Open House. Visitors can grab a bite, work together, or shop.
- An airy bookshop offers loads of reads in Thai and English. You’ll spot food stands such as Broccoli Revolution, The Meat Bar, and ATM Tea Bar are scattered throughout the area.
Location: 1031 Phloen Chit Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Mall Timings: 10 AM-10 PM (daily)
EmQuartier Shopping Mall
EmQuartier shopping mall in Bangkok is the epitome of Futuristic architecture with high-end luxury retail items.
If you are a brand enthusiast, you can find designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Jimmy Choo, Valentino, and Fendi on the ground or second floor.
Highlights of this EmQuartier shopping Mall, Bangkok:
This shopping mall in Bangkok features a pedestrian street and a five-story waterfall.
A helical ramp with outdoor terraces offering views of Bangkok’s skyline is another highlight of the EmQuartier shopping mall in Bangkok.
It also has green spaces, including a 30-foot open-air garden on the fifth floor, which gives the place a fresh, lively feel. The balance of futuristic design with greenery gives it a natural touch.
Three zones in EmQuartier Shopping Mall:
There are three zones, and each zone is connected by several walkways. In these zones, you’ll find almost 50 restaurants and a modestly sized waterfall in a pretty visually stunning central atrium.
- The Glass Quartier
- The Helix Quartier
- The Waterfall Quartier
This shopping mall in Bangkok also has six stories of dining terraces, an eight-theatre cinema complex, including an IMAX theatre and two stories of underground parking. It is undoubtedly one of the must-visit shopping malls.
Location: 693, 695, 622, 626 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Mall Timings: 10 AM-10 PM (all days)
Terminal 21
Terminal 21 is not just a mall; it’s a journey across the globe, where each floor takes you to a new destination and that’s the greatest highlight of this Bangkok shopping mall.
Caribbean: Start your adventure on the lower ground floor, where the Caribbean vibes greet you with a bustling Gourmet Market, food stalls, banks, and bookshops.
Rome: Ascend to the ground floor and find yourself in Rome, surrounded by international and local fashion from brands like Kipling, Mango, and Levi’s.
Paris: Moving up to Paris on the M floor, a homage to Champs-Élysées elegance.
Tokyo: This city awaits on the 1st floor with its cutting-edge fashion, while London on the 2nd floor caters to men’s style.
Istanbul: Istanbul’s 3rd-floor surprises with gifts, jewellery, and home décor treasures.
San Francisco: For a culinary voyage, head straight to San Francisco on the 4th and 5th floors, which offer an array of over 50 restaurants.
Catch a movie at the 8-screen Cineplex on the 6th floor, or stay fit at Fitness First Gym. Terminal 21 isn’t just about shopping; it’s a passport to a world of experiences right in the city’s heart.
Terminal 21 shopping mall in Bangkok is a wonder that every tourist must visit at least once when they are in Thailand.
Location: Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Mall Timings: 10 AM-10 PM (all days)
Asiatique The Riverfront
Located on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. It is an open-air shopping market in Bangkok.
Asiatique combines Bangkok’s two most popular shopping experiences: the night market and the shopping mall.
This Bangkok shopping mall hosts traditional Thai dance shows, live music concerts, cultural shows, galleries, art exhibitions, and all sorts of cultural and modern events.
Asiatique, the Riverfront shopping mall, is huge and has a historical theme spanning the reign of King Chulalongkorn (1868–1910) to the present day.
This shopping mall in Bangkok has 4 categories:
- The Charoenkrung District: The beauty of the Charoenkrung District is that it is colourful. This district is full of small boutiques selling souvenirs, jewellery, handicrafts and clothing.
- Factory District: This is the place to go for trendy fashion and gadgets. You will also find the Apple store in this part of the shopping mall.
- Waterfront District: The Waterfront District is exclusively dedicated to eateries, starting from Thai cuisine and seafood to international cuisine. The riverside dining area of the Asiatique shopping mall in Bangkok covers a space of 1,500,000 square feet.
- Town Square District: This outdoor space is dedicated to enjoyment. Events are conducted in this area, and bars are available. The best thing that you can do here is take a sip of your drink and enjoy the events happening. This will give you the best holiday vibe. (You can also find KFC, Au Bon Pain, Pizza Company, and MK here)
Highlights of Asiatique The Riverfront
Cultural shows highlight the country’s traditions and culture, which are transferred from generation to generation. In Thailand, Puppet shows and Cabaret shows have become the identity of the country.
Thai Puppets by Joe Louis Theatre and Calypso Cabaret is one of Bangkok’s celebrated ladyboy shows, and are held at Asiatique shopping mall.
So, if you are in Asiatique, The Riverfront shopping mall, don’t miss out on these shows. You will get an unforgettable experience.
Location: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Mall Timings: 4 PM-12 AM (all days)
Emporium Shopping Mall, Bangkok
Emporium shopping mall in Bangkok is a high-end shopping mall known for its modern and simple design. It stands out as the premier luxury lifestyle mall in Bangkok. This Bangkok shopping mall appears posh with white and golden colours that create a royal appearance.
The Emporium Department Store occupies six floors at the back of the mall. Shoppers can find well-known beauty brands such as Estee Lauder, Mac Cosmetics, Lancome, and Shiseido. A big shoe section also exists.
Tech enthusiasts will appreciate the IT and gadget area, while clothing and accessories for men and women fill the racks. Children have their own dedicated section.
Home decor fans check out items from Europe, America, and Japan. The store impacts everyone’s shopping trip, whether they are interested in beauty, tech, or fashion!
Emporium shopping mall also features well-known designer brands, a high-end cinema, a top-notch exhibition area, and a large supermarket and food court.
Ground Floor: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada, Cartier, and Mont Blanc
1st and 2nd Floor: Designer brands, including Armani Exchange, Guess, Diesel, and Calvin Klein, are found here.
3rd Floor: The Pleasure & Leisure floor offers new electronic gadgets, sports gear, books, and stationery.
4th Floor: The Living Gallery floor is designed exclusively for interior designers. It holds everything a home desires, including Victorian bathtubs, detailed kitchen tools, baroque lamps and shining chandeliers, mirrors, scented candles, and diffusers.
5th Floor: The Emporium Food Hall, on the fifth floor, is the food house. There are Japanese, Indian, Vietnamese, and Western restaurants, coffee shops, and a few fast-food places.
6th floor: Thailand Creative and Design Centre (TCDC) sits on the top floor of Emporium Bangkok. Asia’s first facility for design resource learning. SFX Cinema is also located here.
Location: 622 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Mall Timings: 10 AM- 10 PM (all days)
IconSiam Riverside Shopping Mall, Bangkok
Bangkok boasts IconSiam as its top shopping centre. This six-floor mall dominates the retail scene.
The bottom three levels are filled with Thai designer outlets and international haute couture. Familiar brands like H&M and Uniqlo round out the mix.
Icon Luxe on the first floor houses posh boutiques, with Hermes, Dior, and Louis Vuitton among the prominent names. Japan’s Takashimaya and America’s Apple store stand out in this Bangkok shopping mall.
Highlights of Iconsiam Riverside Shopping Mall, Bangkok
Want to know what sets this mall apart? The ground floor boasts a floating market. It showcases temples, long-tail boats, and Thai pavilions.
Iconsiam’s top floor surprises visitors with a museum. Its rooms display Thai antiquities, which you’d find in Old Town museums.
A stroll by the river near Iconsiam Riverside Shopping Mall offers a serene escape. Picture this: city lights twinkling as you amble along the water’s edge. What beats the tranquillity of an evening riverside wander?
After shopping, do you want to enjoy food with a river view? Head to the 6th-floor Tasana Nakorn Terrace Bar for the ultimate experience.
This area features two popular spots and a semi-open-air watering hole. You’ll find Fallabella River Front and HOBS here – both crowd favourites.
Location: 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Mall Timings: 10 AM-10 PM (all days)
MBK Shopping Centre
MBK shopping mall in Bangkok is unlike other luxury malls. It has everything you want to buy, from trendy clothes and accessories to electronics to souvenirs.
Highlight of MBK Shopping Mall, Bangkok
And do you know the best part? This is a bargain-friendly mall, which is known for its reasonable prices, and tourists can negotiate prices with vendors. (usually, malls don’t have this privilege)
On the ground floor, you’ll find stalls selling fashionable clothes, shoes and handbags, and fast food. Also, an open space is dedicated to sale shops, giving 30-50% off.
You will find the electronics on the third floor and the fourth floor. The fifth and sixth floors are dedicated to home furnishings, souvenirs, and the food court.
MBK Center has two food courts, The food court on the 5th floor serves international cuisine with plenty of choices. A local cuisine on the 6th floor. There, you can try a variety of Thai food options.
Entertainment is well-covered at MBK shopping mall in Bangkok, which boasts a multi-screen cinema, karaoke, a computer games arcade, and a 3D Trick Art Museum.
Location: 444 Phaya Thai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Mall Timings: 10 AM-10 PM (all days)
Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok is well-designed and organised. Its entrance is dramatic, featuring a glass atrium and an artificial waterfall fountain built into the wall. This mall covers a 500,000-square-metre area.
This shopping mall has separate sections for eateries and shopping stores, and even the shopping stores are divided into different sections offering global luxury brands, common international brands and local stores.
The mall features a supermarket, cinema, bowling alley, convention hall, international food court, oceanarium, and vertical garden.
Ground Floor: Luxury International Brands is located on the ground floor. So, get ready with your credit cards to swipe and bring luxury back to your home. The brands that you can find on this floor include Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Versace, Bvlgari, Cartier, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana.
First Floor: Here, you can find luxury brands like Paul Smith, Armani, Hugo Boss, H&M, Coach, GAP, Furla, Karl Lagerfeld, Massimo Dutti, and Swarovski.
Second & Third Floor: This Siam Paragon shopping mall’s second and third floors are dedicated to a lifestyle zone where you can shop for beauty products, home technology, home furnishing products, luxury car brands, and their displays.
The brands like Bose, Bang & Olufsen, Sony, Samsung, QI. Shiseido Salon, Asia Books, and Toshiba can be found here.
Car Showrooms: Aston Martin, McLaren, Bentley, Maserati, Rolls-Royce
Third Floor ‘Living and Technology’: Crystal & Symphony, Kinokuniya, iStudio, Starbucks, Samsung Experience Shop. The Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World aquarium, an exhibition hall, the Thai Art Gallery, and an opera concert hall are the highlights of this mall.
Location: Rama I Road in Pathum Wan District, Bangkok.
Mall Timing: 10 AM-10 PM
Platinum Fashion Shopping Mall
Shopping malls in Bangkok are usually known for their futuristic designs and classy ambience, as well as for selling high-end luxury brands.
However, there is a mall in Bangkok that sells reasonable clothes and antique Thai souvenirs, the Platinum Fashion Mall.
Located on Phetchaburi Road, next to Pantip Plaza and opposite Pratunam Complex, Platinum Fashion Shopping in Bangkok is a one-stop shopping destination for people looking for affordable and cheap clothes.
You can find everything from children’s wear, adolescent clothing, jeans, evening dresses, lingerie wear and oversized clothing to wigs, belts, shoes, handbags, hats and cosmetics.
Highlights of Platinum Shopping Mall Bangkok
Each floor of Platinum Fashion Mall is named after famous shopping districts around the world, namely Ginza, Soho, Orchard, Nathan, Oxford, Camden, and Orchard.
Ginza: Ginza is the Basement floor, which offers a variety of Jeans and fashionable clothes to explore and buy.
Soho: Soho is named for the 1st floor, where you can find the Information Counter & Women’s Fashion Clothes. It is helpful for tourists to navigate the mall easily.
Oxford: Oxford is for the 2nd floor, which is exclusively for women’s fashion clothes.
Nathan: Nathan is named for the third floor, where couples can shop together. It has Women’s and men’s Fashion Clothes.
Camden: Camden is the 4th floor exclusively for Men’s Fashion Clothes & Leathers.
Orchard: The Orchard is named after the 5th Floor, which is for children’s, leather, and accessories shopping.
6th Floor: The 6th Floor is dedicated to the Food Court, where you can buy Food and Beverages, Mobile Accessories, and souvenirs.
7th-10th Floor: Car park & cargo you can find from the seventh floor to the tenth floor.
11th Floor: The inventory store and the Platinum Fashion Mall office are located on the eleventh floor.
12-23 floor: The Platinum condominium.
PS: The specialty shops found in the Platinum shopping market in Bangkok are also interesting, with fashion items imported from Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, China, and India.
[Note: ATMs and mobile top-up machines are available throughout the mall.]
Location: 222 Phetchaburi Rd, Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Mall Timings: 10 AM-10 PM (all days)
Gaysorn Village Shopping Mall, Bangkok
Gaysorn is an artisanal concept with commercial design. Careful urban planning has been done to create a mixed-use development with retail and a working environment.
Highly desirable international brands include Aigner, Bang & Olufsen, Furla, Jim Thompson, and Hugo Boss, as well as Thailand’s most innovative designers, such as Disaya and Senada Theory.
Gaysorn is a sophisticated shopping mall in Bangkok, located within walking distance of other malls like CentralWorld and Erawan.
Gaysorn aims to strengthen its status as a high-end lifestyle shopping centre by launching a ‘Lifestyle Consultant’ group.
Indeed, this shopping mall in Bangkok offers a complete lifestyle shopping adventure that includes top-notch fashion service, conceptual parties and gifts for all occasions.
This campaign is part of the Gaysorn initiative, which shows its dedication to providing shoppers with the best possible shopping experience and special services.
The Mandarin Oriental Shop offers sophisticated lunch menus, cakes and coffees.
Location: 999 Ploenchit Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Mall Timings: 10 AM-8 PM (all days)
Conclusion
Shopping Malls in Bangkok are full of surprises and are lively places that make all kinds of shoppers happy. They sell everything from pricey clothes to local handmade things and yummy food. Bangkok’s shopping malls are the meeting place of both new and old parts of Thai culture.
Shoppers get an amazing experience no matter where they go. These malls do more than just sell things. They’re places where people hang out, have fun, eat, and learn about Thai culture. As Bangkok keeps changing, its malls help make the city famous for shopping worldwide.
FAQs
1. What are the best shopping malls in Bangkok?
Some of the best shopping malls in Bangkok are Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, MBK Center, Terminal 21, and EmQuartier. Each offers a unique shopping experience meeting different tastes and budgets.
2. Are Bangkok shopping malls open on weekends and holidays?
Most shopping malls in Bangkok are open seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. They typically open from morning 10 AM and close around 10 PM, but hours may vary slightly.
3. Can I bargain at Bangkok shopping malls?
Prices in most shopping malls, such as Siam Paragon and CentralWorld, are generally fixed. However, bargaining is common at places like MBK Center and Platinum Fashion Mall, especially when buying in bulk.
4. What kind of shops can I find in Bangkok shopping malls?
Bangkok malls offer a wide variety of shops ranging from high-end fashion boutiques and luxury brands to electronics, local crafts, and streetwear.
5. How do I get to the popular shopping malls in Bangkok?
Most malls are easily accessible by BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, or taxi. Siam Paragon and CentralWorld, for example, are located near the Siam BTS station.
6. What are the operating hours of shopping malls in Bangkok?
Most malls in Bangkok open around 10 AM and close around 10 PM. Some malls may have slightly different operating hours, so it’s best to check their websites or local listings