Just completed my third trip to Bangkok and I still feel there’s something more to be explored in this huge shopping paradise. Shopping is one of the primary activities in Bangkok and sometimes it gets overwhelming on the choices available . You can practically get everything in this bustling city and it’s recommended to allocate a min of 3 days for shopping alone (apart from visiting the temples, palace,zoo or historical tours). So if you’re looking to plan a trip , here’s a list of the top 10 Bangkok Shopping markets, you should definitely visit.
1. Chatuchak Weekend Market
One of the biggest markets of Bangkok, Chatuchak weekend market is one of the most popular even among locals. There are no limits to what you can find here in one of the 16,000 + stalls. However be ready to spend only cash as no store keeper accepts card or any form of digital payment. Discounts available upto 40-50% if you’re willing to buy 2+ pieces as it’s pretty much a wholesale market. Make sure you plan your visit to Bangkok on a weekend as this is open only on Saturdays and Sundays. Without a doubt, this is at the top spot in the top 10 Bangkok shopping markets.
How to get there : BTS : Mo Chit station is right outside Chatuchak Weekend Marke
Things to buy : Clothes (Tshirts, Jeans, Denims, Dresses Shorts), Sunglasses(not Branded), Antiques, Essential Oils, Fragrances, Handicrafts , Toys, Gifts Handmade Soaps etc.
Time to Visit : 9 AM to 6PM , Saturdays and Sundays only.
2. MBK Mall
The most popular mall of Thailand, MBK is easily one of the best malls you can get to visit . From movie theatres , food courts, electronics, jewellery, clothing, accessories, cosmetics, watches MBK offers everything and more importantly the BTS train connects right inside the mall. You can spend a minimum of 3 Hours here
Time to Visit : 9 AM to 8PM
How to get there : BTS : National Stadium
3.Asiatique Riverfront
A beautiful courtyard based shopping arena near the Chao Praya river, Asiatique is a quaint little market that you should definitely experience towards evening. With a free boat service from Sepan Taksin , you can get to see small food outlets, live band music, street art and shops. Though prices might be slightly higher than other markets , you may find some good varieties here
Time to Visit : 5PM to 10 PM
How to get there : BTS To Sepan Taksin station -> Free boat service to Asiatique
4.IconSiam
The most recent addition to the list of premium malls in Bangkok, IconSiam is located on the Chao Praya river front. With spectacular water fountain shows in evening, massive food courts, world famous brand outlets , IconSiam is something you should definitely experience for its grandeur and splendor. If you’re a stationery lover, you should definitely visit “The Lot” inside this mall with a massive collection of notebooks and pens.g
How to get there: Take the BTS To Sepan Taksin and get a free boat ride to IconSiam mall (Sathorn Pier)
Time to Visit : 5PM to 9PM (2-3 Hours)
5.Platinum Fashion Mall, Pratunam
The second biggest wholesale fashion market (after Chatuchak), Platinum Mall is something you can’t afford to miss . Each floor is dedicated to Handbags , dresses, shoes, jewellery, cosmetics respectively . Since it’s a wholesale market, you get proportionate discounts if you buy more units.
Time to Visit : 10 AM to 7 PM
How to get there : The nearest BTS station is Chit Lom, though it’s easily a 20 min walk from there. So you may wanna take a TukTuk from there to head to Platinum.
Things to buy : Clothes & Fashion Jewellery
6. RotFai Ratchada Train market
Predominantly a food & drink market, there’s a separate section for a big shopping area as well with more than 200 stalls lined up close to each other. This open air shopping market is a fun visit and goes all night (till 1 AM atleast) . Located right behind Espalanade mall, it’s easy to miss from the main road and you have to enter through a side entrance of the mall.
Time to Visit : 7PM to 1 AM
How to get there : MRT To Thailand Cultural Centre (Not BTS)
7.Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is a premium mall that houses both Madame Tussauds and the famous Siam Ocean World in it . Though not for the budget traveller, you can get to explore Siam if you have plans to visit the OceanWorld inside
Time to Visit : 9 AM to 8PM
How to get there : BTS to Siam
8. Big C SuperMarket / Tesco
Both BigC and Tesco are major hypermarkets in Thailand present across several locations. The prices are pretty cheap compared to elsewhere and generally advisable to buy branded or even a non branded stuffs here . This includes essentials, stationary, food, cosmetics, perfumes etc.
Location : Mutliple locations across Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.
Time to Visit : 10AM to 8PM
9.Pantip Mall, Pratunam
The biggest IT plaza in Bangkok, Pantip mall is located adjacent to Platinum mall. From laptops, game cds to electronic accessories, you can pretty much get everything here. Just be sure of what’s original and what’s fake and bargain accordingly. But if you’re looking for some cool IT Gadgets, this is the place to be.
Time to Visit : 10AM to 7PM
10.ChinaTown
Like any other country, Bangkok has its own portion of China Town located near the river . The key attraction being the Wat Tiramit temple and the Chinatown Gate. The main shopping streets at Sampeng Road begin only by 6 PM onwards (so time it right).
2 Hours . 6PM – 9PM
Do let me know if you want me to add a better alternative in the top 10 Bangkok shopping markets.
In case you are looking to visit Thailand do check out Thailand 6 days travel Itinerary ,
