Are you looking for a place where you can shop till you drop, enjoy delicious food, have fun with entertainment, and experience the local culture in Bangkok? If yes, then you should not miss MBK Center, one of the most popular and iconic shopping malls in the city. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about MBK Center, from its history and architecture, to its products and services, to its tips and tricks, to its nearby attractions. Whether you are a budget traveler, a luxury shopper, or a culture lover, you will find something that suits your taste and interest at MBK Center.
What is MBK Center and Why Should You Visit It?
MBK Center, also known as Mahboonkrong, is a huge shopping mall located in the heart of Bangkok, near the Siam district. It was opened in 1985, and was the largest mall in Asia at that time. It has eight floors and over 2,000 shops, selling everything from clothes and accessories, to electronics and gadgets, to souvenirs and handicrafts. It also has a food court, a cinema, a bowling alley, and an arcade, offering a variety of food and entertainment options. It is connected to the BTS Skytrain station, making it easy to access from anywhere in the city.
MBK Center is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves shopping, food, entertainment, and culture in Bangkok, because:
- It has a wide range of products and services, catering to different needs and preferences. You can find both local and international brands, as well as cheap and expensive items, at MBK Center. You can also find some unique and rare products, such as Thai silk, handicrafts, antiques, and custom-made items, that you may not find elsewhere.
- It has a great value for money, offering some of the best deals and bargains in the city. You can negotiate and haggle with the vendors, and get discounts and freebies, especially if you buy in bulk or pay in cash. You can also use the MBK Plus application, which gives you access to special offers and benefits, such as coupons, vouchers, and loyalty points.
- It has a fun and lively atmosphere, attracting both locals and tourists, especially on weekends and holidays. You can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the mall, and mingle with the friendly and helpful staff and shoppers. You can also experience the local culture and lifestyle, as you browse through the stalls and shops, and taste the delicious and diverse cuisines.
- It has a convenient and strategic location, close to many other attractions and landmarks in Bangkok. You can easily combine your visit to MBK Center with other places, such as Jim Thompson House, Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon, Central World, and Erawan Shrine. You can also take the BTS Skytrain to other parts of the city, such as Chatuchak Market, Grand Palace, and Wat Arun.
How to Shop Like a Pro at MBK Center?
Shopping at MBK Center can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, if you know how to shop like a pro. Here are some practical and useful tips and tricks on how to shop at MBK Center:
- Plan your visit ahead, and decide what you want to buy and how much you want to spend. MBK Center is huge and crowded, and it can be overwhelming and confusing to navigate. You can use the map and directory of the mall, or the MBK Plus application, to find the shops and products you are looking for. You can also check the website and social media of MBK Center, to see the latest news, events, promotions, and trends.
- Visit the mall early, and avoid the peak hours and days. MBK Center is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., every day. However, the best time to visit is in the morning or afternoon, when the mall is less crowded and the vendors are more willing to negotiate. You should also avoid visiting on weekends and holidays, when the mall is packed with shoppers and tourists, and the prices are higher and the bargains are harder.
- Bring cash, and be ready to bargain. Most of the shops and stalls at MBK Center accept cash only, and some may not accept credit cards or foreign currencies. You should also bring small bills and coins, as some vendors may not have change. Moreover, you should be ready to bargain and haggle with the vendors, as most of the prices are not fixed and can be lowered. You should start with a low offer, and gradually increase it until you reach a reasonable and fair price. You should also be polite and friendly, and walk away if you are not satisfied with the deal.
- Check the quality and authenticity of the products, and ask for a receipt and warranty. Some of the products at MBK Center may be fake, defective, or damaged, especially the electronics and gadgets. You should inspect the products carefully, and test them before buying. You should also ask for a receipt and warranty, in case you need to return or exchange the products later. You should also be aware of the customs and regulations of your country, and avoid buying any prohibited or restricted items.
What to Buy at MBK Center?
MBK Center has something for everyone, and you can find some of the best things to buy at MBK Center, such as:
- Thai silk and handicrafts: If you are looking for some authentic and high-quality Thai silk and handicrafts, you should visit the 6th floor of MBK Center, where you can find the Thai Craft Market and the Jim Thompson Outlet. You can buy some beautiful and colorful silk fabrics, scarves, bags, pillows, and accessories, as well as some exquisite and intricate handicrafts, such as wood carvings, ceramics, paintings, and jewelry. You can also get some custom-made items, such as suits, dresses, and shirts, at reasonable prices and fast delivery.
- Electronics and gadgets: If you are looking for some cheap and trendy electronics and gadgets, you should visit the 4th floor of MBK Center, where you can find the IT City and the Mobile Phone Zone. You can buy some new and used smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and accessories, as well as some repair and service shops. You can also find some rare and vintage items, such as vinyl records, cassette tapes, and video games. However, you should be careful and cautious, as some of the products may be fake, defective, or stolen, and you should always check the quality and authenticity before buying.
- Fashion and cosmetics: If you are looking for some stylish and affordable fashion and cosmetics, you should visit the 1st to 3rd floors of MBK Center, where you can find a variety of clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories, for men, women, and children. You can find both local and international brands, as well as some unique and original designs, at MBK Center. You can also find some cheap and quality cosmetics, such as makeup, skincare, haircare, and perfume, at MBK Center. You can also get some beauty services, such as manicure, pedicure, massage, and tattoo, at MBK Center.
Conclusion
MBK Center is one of the best places to visit in Bangkok, if you want to experience the ultimate shopping paradise. You can find a wide range of products and services, at great value and quality, at MBK Center. You can also enjoy the food and entertainment options, and the culture and lifestyle, at MBK Center. You can also combine your visit to MBK Center with other attractions and landmarks in Bangkok, and make the most of your trip.
If you are planning to visit MBK Center, you should follow our tips and tricks, and be prepared to have a fun and memorable time. If you have visited MBK Center, you should share your experiences, comments, or questions with us, and check out our other articles and links for more information and inspiration. Thank you for reading, and happy shopping!
