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Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Shopping in Bangkok

Bangkok Shopping Malls

Bangkok is a shopaholic's paradise! Explore the city's impressive shopping grounds and discover a wealth of modern, multi-storeyed shopping malls. From the legendary Mah Boon Krong (MBK), to the sophisticated Emporium, the trendy Siam Discovery or Siam Paragon, and Southeast Asia's biggest lifestyle shopping complex CentralWorld, Bangkok accommodates everybody's taste, pocket and style. The latest addition to the city's 'mallscape' is the newly and fabulously revamped CentralWorld, which is officially the largest mall in Southeast Asia.

These malls are where you'll find the city's finest fashion stores, global brands, book shops, speciality stores, accessories stands and all kinds of luxury designer lifestyle goods. Not only are you spoiled for choice; it's all super easy to navigate. Shopping malls are modern and air-conditioned, thus a pleasant alternative to the bustling hot markets, and most complexes are easily accessible via the city's modern and efficient Skytrain (BTS) system. Just don't forget to sport comfortable shoes!


CentralWorld Shopping Complex, Bangkok


The battle of Bangkok's mega shopping malls to be the biggest and the best has a new outright and undisputed winner: the supermodern, newly launched, revamped and rebranded CentralWorld. With 550,000 square metres of retail space and a total area size of 830,000 square metres that is 30% larger than any other shopping centre in central Bangkok, CentralWorld is now officially the largest lifestyle shopping complex in Southeast Asia, with an unrivalled mix of products and services at prices that put the fun back into shopping for Thai consumers and tourists. (READ MORE)


Siam Paragon: The Pride of Bangkok


From a sporty yellow Ferrari to a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes straight from the set of Sex and the City, Siam Paragon is a shopping mall without rival in Southeast Asia when it comes to luxury goods. This shopping and entertainment complex is an upmarket, five-storey colossus with 500,000 square metres of retail space. The gleaming, modern mall opened in December 2005 at a cost of 15 billion baht (US$ 375 million), and is home to more than 250 famed international and local luxury brands. Let's take a closer look... (READ MORE)


MBK Shopping Center Bangkok (Mah Boon Krong)


Short-named MBK, the multi-storey Mah Boon Krong is probably Bangkok's most legendary shopping mall, popular with both tourists and locals. Eight floors packed with 2,000 shops that sell everything from clothing, fashion accessories, handbags, leather products and luggage to furniture, mobile phones, electric appliances, cameras, stationery and DVD's (and then some). MBK (launched in 1986) is a beehive of activity, especially on weekends, when half of Bangkok converges to shop for bargains. And plenty of bargains are to be found here! (READ MORE)


Siam Discovery


This trendy shopping complex is still a favourite among Bangkok's younger and fashionable crowds. Opposite Siam Square, this modern centre adjoins Siam Centre and showcases a good selection of shops, restaurants and designer fashion outlets. Expect popular local fashion designers and global brand names as well as European established names, as well as a number of home décor and hip interior design stores. Guess? DKNY, Shiseido, Mac, Swarovski and many more. Asia Books and Habitat have branches here too. A huge cinema complex is located on the top floor, while the ground floor houses popular coffee hangouts including Starbucks and Au Bon Pain.

Open: 10:00 - 22:00
Location: Siam, Pathumwan
BTS:
Siam


The Emporium


In the heart of Sukhumvit, The Emporium Shopping Complex is an upmarket centre showcasing designer shops, an exclusive department store, beauty salons and a number of other little stores. Contemporary design, plenty of space, a state-of-the-art cinema, cafes, restaurants and a great food court complement the elegant and air-conditioned shopping experience at one of Bangkok's most posh shopping complexes.

Check out the Emporium's newest addition, the Park Food Court. Though following the conventional idea of a food court, namely a wide selection of different cuisines under one roof, the Park Food Court stands out from others. Not only is the ambience more elegant and chic, but instead of purchasing coupons - as is the case with most food courts - visitors receive a card worth 3,000 baht. Expect great views of adjacent Queen's Park, excellent service and delicious food.

Regular sales (discounts between 15-80%) occur from time to time (often coinciding with Thai festivals) on brand name clothing and furniture. A tourist card (which you can apply for at the department store) gives 5-10% discount off regular priced items in selected shops.

Open: 09:00 - 21:00
Location: Sukhumvit Soi 24/26
BTS: Phrom Phong


Gaysorn Bangkok


Gaysorn is a luxurious, upmarket white marble and gleaming chrome complex housing exclusively high-end luxury goods and designer labels. Its contemporary design and an innovative retail concept create a very exclusive shopping experience. Expect to find a wide range of highly desirable international brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and Hugo Boss, to name but a few, as well as a selection of Thailand's most innovative designers such as Fly Now, 'Senada Theory and Kloset Red Carpet. (READ MORE)


Erawan Bangkok


Located on the corner of the prestigious Ratchaprasong Square, you'll find the stylish and elegant Erawan Bangkok. On four floors, you'll find fine dining from fourteen different international cuisines, a collection of ultra chic shopping boutiques and total pampering for the mind, body and soul.

Shop for world-class designer labels and accessories such as Burberry, Coach or Mulberry, or check out Club 21, the exclusive importer of luxury names including Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang, Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana, and many more. Pamper yourself at the Wellness & Beauty Center on the fourth floor. Here, you'll also find Hydrohealth, a popular spot among Bangkok's health-conscious that is highly recommended for colonic hydro therapy.

Open: 10:00 - 21:00
Location: Chitlom
Skytrain: Chitlom


Pantip Plaza (IT Mall)


The mother of them all. Walking through the main entrance of this multi-storey IT complex, you'll be greeted with the latest copy software for sale (100 - 150 baht), along with DVD's, MP3 CD's, and anything else that can be put on disk. If you're looking for a new wireless mouse, USB stick, CD-Rom drive, or whatever you can think of, sift your way through as many vendors as possible to compare prices and find the best deal. Most IT brands are well-represented, and the safest places to buy from are credible and established outlets. The secret is to take your time, and to compare prices. To put it simply, Pantip is a must, especially if you' re shopping on a budget. Even just for the experience, it's well worth your time to explore the sheer variety of IT products on offer, packed from floor to ceiling.

Open: 10:00 - 20:30 (every day)
Location:Petchaburi Road, directly across the street from Pratunam's City Complex and close to the Baiyoke Market and stylish Amari Watergate Hotel. To get there, take the skytrain (BTS) to Ratchathewi station, and then either hire a tuk-tuk / taxi, or just walk ten minutes down Petchaburi Road.

For more IT malls, have a look here.

Reference : www.bangkok.com

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