Guide to the Best Malls of Bangkok

Bangkok is famous as much for its beautiful temples and its dynamic lifestyle as for its street-food and hectic nightlife. But did you know that the city also has many notorious shopping temples? Guide to the best malls to visit in the city that never sleeps.

1.CENTRAL WORLD

Central World is the place to shop in Bangkok. It's the second largest mall of the city and you can find there all your favourite shops, from discount brands to the most famous luxury brands. It opened in June 2001 and remains the reference of shopping malls in Thailand. His central location is very convenient and you can reach it from Siam BTS station. You can also take a look at the brand new Apple Store which opened in July 2020.

2.ICON SIAM

Icon Siam is for sure the stunner mall in Bangkok. It is also the largest one. It opened in November 2018 and its architecture is mind blowing. Designed like a cruise boat, the building overlooks the famous Chao Phraya river. You can enjoy the "water, sound and light" spectacle on the main terrace in the evening.

The interior is no less impressive. It is a funny experience for tourists as well as locals. The ground floor decoration recreates a Thai floating market and the traditional visual style will make you travel without leaving Bangkok. You can buy a lot of souvenirs and eat quantities of Thai food. But most of the products sold there are expensive. The other floors are focused on luxurious brands but you can also find the cheaper textile brands and other shops.

Located in the north of Bangkok, you can reach the mall by boat from the other side of the river. The taxi boat leaves regularly and it's free. You can also reach the mall by car or taxi while crossing the nearest bridge named "King Taksin the Great Bridge".

3.SIAM PARAGON

Siam Paragon is a must-see shopping place for expats and Thai people. And one of the oldest malls, indeed it opened in 2005. Like EmQuartier, it is central and perfectly placed along the BTS Sukhumvit line. You can stop at Siam BTS station and reach the mall entrance by walking distance (3 min). It is one of the most modern and largest shopping malls of the city. And it offers a large range of shops, including both luxurious and midrange brands.

4.EMQUARTIER

EmQuartier was built and opened in 2015. It counts among the most important malls of Bangkok.

Its Bangkok central location and its convenient location at the feet of Phrom Phong BTS station make it very easy to reach.

This mall focuses on luxurious brands and attracts a lot of rich Asians and Middle East visitors. It is smaller than the previous malls listed above but it is modern and attractive. The mall is composed of two single buildings linked by a walking bridge. At Christmas time, the Christmas tree erected in front of the main entrance is worth a look.

5.TERMINAL 21

Terminal 21 is worth visiting because of its architecture and its original interior design. This mall has been designed following the codes of an airport! Each floor represents a city or a region of the world. Cinema, food court and many shops are available. Your journey in this stunning mall will be a pleasant shopping experience. It is located in Asoke and it is directly connected to Asoke BTS station.

6.MBK (BONUS)

MBK offers a great experience for tourists and expats. It is organised like a modern indoor market (like Chatuchak market but cleaner and with aircon) and you can find there many souvenirs and gifts to take with you in your home country. Be careful what you buy there, a lot of fake brands are sold in this mall. The customs could control you at the airport!

Conclusion

And voila, you are now ready to browse the best malls in Bangkok, but be careful not to spend too much and do not get fooled, because the marketing in Thailand is very aggressive and the promotions are not always worth it. Money doesn't grow on trees (for the moment)!

You may also be interested in this topic: The Best Public Parks of Bangkok