The Best Shopping In Bangkok

The best shopping in Bangkok ranges from the best of the best at Siam Paragon to stalls at the many and varied street markets all over the city. Bangkok has a shopping experience for all budgets.

Pantip  Plaza

Pantip Plaza: 

Pantip Plaza is located in the Pratunam area of  Petchaburi Road. It has recently undergone a much needed face lift which has breathed new life into this five-floor  IT Mecca. It has the deserved reputation of being the best place to find all things electronic. Pantip houses the best selection of computers, laptops, notebooks, printers, cameras, tablets, software, DVD's, and all manner of electronic gadgets under one roof. Many of the outlets at Pantip offer some of the best prices to be found anywhere in Bangkok. Wholesale transactions are by far the best way to secure a low price. But if you are just looking for a good deal on your next laptop or digital camera this is definitely the place to come. Most prices can be negotiated. This is because there is so much competition from other outlets selling the same thing. So remember , it's always worth putting in some leg work to visit a few different dealers as prices can vary.  

          There are also lots of places at Pantip offering a repair service on various hardware. Most will inspect and appraise before giving you a quote for repair which allows you to decide whether a repair is a viable option. 

          Be warned that there are a number of counterfeit goods on offer, particularly when it comes to DVD's and computer software. Some traders will often offer you the chance to buy the "real thing" or take the discounted copied version. If you are worried about being caught out by knock off merchandise then head up to the fifth floor. This particular floor is given over entirely to IT City. All the goods here are 100% genuine and come with a makers warranty. The staff are friendly, helpful, and speak a modicum of English. 

MBK: 

          The MBK shopping mall is situated on the Pathumwan intersection, diagonally opposite the Siam Discovery Centre. Constructed in 1986, MBK has over 2000 shops spread out over 8 floors. 

You can find a whole range of different goods here such as fashion accessories, handbags, jewelry, clothing, furniture, and of course phones and all manner of electronics. It's difficult to say when would be the best time to visit MBK to avoid the crowds as it is always fairly busy. Weekends seem to be the busiest time so it's a good idea to go on a weekday or maybe leave your shopping trip until later in the day as MBK is always open until late.  

         The top floor is given over to entertainment and food. There is a cinema, video games arcade, and lots of well priced restaurants. 

         The way that the shops and stalls are set out is somewhat akin to a market but with much more organization and of course the added bonus of being able to do your shopping in air-conditioning.

The are lots of bargains to be had here, especially if you are prepared to haggle. Be aware of copied goods. Common sense would tell most people that they are not going to be able to purchase designer labelled goods for just a few hundred Baht.   Because things are quite tightly packed with lots of stalls selling the same type of goods, MBK can have a certain maze-like feel to it. If you spot something you are interested in, it can sometimes be difficult to find your way back to that particular outlet. Moving between floors can also be problematical if you can't locate the correct up or down escalator.

Siam Paragon: 

          Siam Paragon is without doubt Bangkok and Thailand's flagship shopping mall. It is located at 991, Rama I Road, Pathumwan. Open until 10pm every night, the Paragon can be accessed directly from Siam BTS station. This is where the high society come to spend their time and, of course, money. 

Siam  Paragon

The international designer name brands just roll off the tongue and are represented throughout this top-end establishment. Luxury items from Louis Vuitton, Prada, Versace, Burberry, Rolex, and Jimmy Choo, to name but a few, draw the well-heeled locals and high end tourists to the best known shopping venue in Bangkok. There is a food court on the ground floor to cater for all tastes and a 16 screen multiplex cinema on the very top floor. Siam Paragon is also home to Thailand's largest aquarium. For shoppers that are not prepared to undergo open wallet surgery, 

there are brands such as Gap, Paul Smith, H+M, etc, situated on the first floor. Lifestyle and leisure goods can be found on the second floor with names such as Sony, Samsung, etc, much in evidence. There is also a very good outlet for Asia Books. 

          Continuing in the best traditions of high society, there are also car showrooms where manufacturers like Lotus, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and BMW, showcase their latest makes and models. 

On the fourth floor you can find more restaurants and more electronic outlets. All the goods are, of course, 100% genuine which is reflected in the price. Designer items are usually displayed without price tags. But, as the saying goes, "If you have to ask how much it is, then you probably can't afford it."  

Chatuchak Weekend Market: 

          Chatuchak weekend market is definitely not a venue for the faint-hearted. This is one of Bangkok's hard core shopping experiences. The sprawling market is laid out on a 35-acre site almost next to Morchit BTS station. It can also be accessed by the MRT subway system. It is home to over 8,000 stalls and an estimated 200,000 shoppers swarm across the site over any one given weekend. It's not the sort of place where you can get in and get out of quickly as there is so much to see. Even if you arrive early, and this is highly recommended, the market will fill up behind you and you will be part of the great hustle and bustle that makes this place a mecca for bargain hunters and browsers alike. Anything and everything can be found somewhere at the now famous Chatuchak weekend market. The list of goods for sale is almost endless but includes primarily things such as antiques, books, pets, art, plants, food and beverage, furniture, ceramics, and clothes. It's a great place to try out your bargaining skills. You should exercise caution when purchasing things like antiques as the vendors are likely to tell you just about anything to make a sale. Factory seconds are much in evidence so check the quality of any potential purchases before parting with any cash as it can sometimes be difficult to negotiate a refund or return at a later date.

          If it is your first visit to Chatuchak then it can be difficult to find your way around, particularly when it gets crowded. So it may be a good idea to pick up a free map when you enter. Wear comfortable clothes and have a ready supply of drinking water. Take care of your valuables and beware of pickpockets. 

          As far as shopping venues go, this post has only just scratched the surface. There are times when it would appear that Bangkok is just one big market with things for sale at every turn. The term "Shop til you drop" could certainly be applied to Thailand's largest metropolis. Happy shopping!

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