Retail Therapy

"Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping." - Gertrude Stein

Bangkok has long been known as a city where you can shop to your heart’s content and nowhere is this truer than the three-kilometre stretch of Sukhumvit Road between Siam to Asoke BTS stations. Everywhere you turn, glamorous shopping centres, such as the iconic Siam Paragon and sprawling CentralWorld, rise high into the sky filled with all the luxury name brands, dining venues and entertainment options you could imagine.

If you’re looking to put your credit card to use, make your way by foot or BTS to these famous shopping destinations while in the Big Mango.

Siam Discovery

989 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan (Siam/National Stadium BTS station)

siamdiscovery.co.th

One of the first malls in the area, Siam Discovery went through a full refurbishment in 2016 bringing it into the 21st century. Near Siam Center, Siam Square and the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre, it provides shoppers with well-known brands such as Habitat and Diesel, as well as more independent labels from Japan and Thailand. For something other than shopping, the sixth floor is occupied by Madame Tussauds Bangkok.

Siam Center

979 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan (Siam BTS station)

siamcenter.co.th

The big sister of Siam Discovery, Siam Center also went through a major refurbishment turning the once outdated mall into the unique and innovative shopping experience it is today. Focused on art and creative design, the mall highlights independent and wellknown Thai designers and artists, as well as established international brands. Worth a visit just to see the unique interior design of individual shops, along with the art pieces and installations accenting central areas.

Siam Square

388 Rama 1 Road, Pathuman (Siam BTS station)

facebook.com/siamsquareone

Siam Square is essentially an open-air market with numerous alleyways and side streets creating a maze of hip and affordable shopping. In its centre is the relatively new Siam Square One, an al fresco shopping mall that continues the tradition of Siam Square’s trendy and affordable reputation.

Terminal 21

88 Sukhumvit Soi 19, Sukhumvit Road (Asoke BTS station)

terminal21.co.th

A hugely popular shopping destination with locals and visitors alike, Terminal 21 takes shoppers on a world tour without ever leaving the building. Each floor represents a different city, including Tokyo, San Francisco and Istanbul, with themes continuing into the elaborate bathrooms. Populated with shops from local young designers, Terminal 21 is the place to find affordable fashion.

CentralWorld

999/9 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan (Chit Lom BTS station)

centralworld.co.th

A massive complex on the corner of the busy Ratchaprasong intersection, CentralWorld has become a popular destination to ring in the new year with its very own version of the Times Square ball drop. Packed full of international brand names, the mall also boasts an ice-skating rink and movie theatre, as well as a popular dining and nightlife extension called Groove@CentralWorld.

Gaysorn Village

999 Ploenchit Road, Pathumwan (Chit Lom BTS station)

gaysornvillage.com

The luxury-focused Gaysorn Village is home to some especially unique brands and shops such as Selvedgework, a local brand producing bespoke handcrafted denim, The Booksmith, which stocks independent magazines and hard-to-find literary editions, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art store. The elegant mall offers more than shopping, however, for indulgent pampering, head to the 12th floor for the PAÑPURI WELLNESS centre.

MICHELIN-STARRED SHOPPING BREAK

A luxury shopping spree requires a satisfying meal to keep you going. While at Gaysorn Village, pop into Paste Bangkok to refuel. The elegant Michelin-starred restaurant run by Chef Bee Satongun offers tasting menus for both lunch and dinner along with à la carte dishes reimagining heirloom Thai dishes with longforgotten ingredients and stunning presentation. Try the flavourful Yum Naem Khao Thod, crunchy cured rice balls with sour sausage, kaffir lime zest, red curry leaf, river weed and rose pepper leaf, for a light snack or the Northern Shan version of Gaeng Hang Lay curry with slow-cooked Australian beef cheek, pickled garlic and dry spices for a more fulfilling meal. For a sweet pick-me-up, the Chocolate Dome, passionfruit and mango with banana gel encased in a Valrhona chocolate glaze, is to die for. 

To book contact: secret-retreats.com/paste

Central Chidlom

1027 Ploenchit Road, Pathumwan (Chit Lom BTS station)

centralchidlom.com

The Central Group's original flagship department store, Central Chidlom, is known as “Thailand’s best-loved department store”. With its compact layout divided between seven storeys, shopping here is a pleasure and you are certain to find everything you need without getting lost. From home décor and the latest fashions, to a large supermarket and extensive Central Food Hall serving everything from street-stall favourites to fresh oysters, Central Chidlom is a one-stop shopping haven.

Central Embassy

1031 Ploenchit Road, Pathumwan (Between Ploenchit and Chit Lom BTS stations)

centralembassy.com

Located on the former gardens of the British Embassy, Central Embassy’s ultramodern facade welcomes shoppers into a contemporary cocoon of luxury brands from around the world. The open interior spaces are often graced by the works and installations of international visual artists and designers, and it boasts rooftop dining with stunning city views. At the other end of the building on Level LG you'll find Eathai where you can enjoy regional Thai cuisine in a busy street style atmosphere.

Siam Paragon

991 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan (Siam BTS station)

siamparagon.co.th

This legendary mall – it’s often one of the most Instagrammed locations in the world – provides customers with a tremendous variety of global mid-range and luxury brands including H&M, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren Home, Ducati and many more, some of which are found in no other Bangkok malls. As well as the extensive shopping and dining venues, entertainment options include the Paragon Cineplex complete with IMAX theatres, a bowling alley, SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World aquarium and Kidzania.