Amidst the chaos of packing for a trip, my sister suggested I don't pack too many clothes since there will be lots to shop in Bangkok. Uncertain of what she said, I went on to pack enough to sustain two people for a month, and boy, how I regretted my decision! Bangkok is a fashion hub, I soon realised. You would rarely ever see a man or a woman not dressed in the latest of vogue. No matter where you go, everyone is donned in chic and stylish clothes from head to toe. The reason? The latest fashion is sold at extremely affordable rates at shopping arcades throughout the city. So, curated from my personal experience, here is a list of places you must visit for an amazing shopping experience in Bangkok.
This 6-floor mega-mall specialises in retail and wholesale clothes, fashion jewellery, shoes, bags, make-up, and every other fashion need that you may have. With about 2,000 shops, this is one place that you cannot miss. With every floor dedicated to a certain kind of product, you can easily spend an entire day here without getting bored. Once there, you'll find that several stores and boutiques in India source their clothes directly from Platinum and sell them at super high prices. There are shops dedicated to winter clothing, beach-wear and every kind of sequinned dress that you can imagine. From high fashion to daily-wear needs, Platinum will sort all your requirements, no matter what your size is.
Where: 44/3 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phetchaburi, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Timings: 9am - 6:30pm, open everyday.
The biggest mall in Thailand, Mega Bangna is the hub of brands like IKEA, Victoria's Secret, Lush, H&M, Robinson & Co. and many more. If you're visiting around Christmas, there are massive discounts in every shop that you can avail. During this time, even the high-end brands become affordable, so don't shy away! Apart from this, right outside the first floor of the mall are stalls that sell cheaper but good quality clothes. Each little kiosk sells a particular kind of clothing that is fashionable and affordable.
Where: 38-39 Bangna - Trad Road Tambon Bang Kaeo, Amphoe Bang Phli, Chang Wat Samut Prakan
Timings: 10am - 9pm
This is a river front arena that is a spectacle to witness during evenings. It comprises of numerous restaurants, cafes, bars and is also great for street shopping especially to take mementos back home. As you enter Asiatique, shops are lined on both sides selling the famous Thai organic scented soaps, high-end fashion and little trinkets. Although the price of clothes may be a little higher than Platinum here, the collection is absolutely different and also classier. To overcome the pain of working through the labyrinth of shops, you can enjoy a cruise along the river, the experience the ferris wheel or a massage!
Where: 194 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Wat Phraya Krai, Khet Bang Kho Laem, Krung Thep Maha Nakho
Timings: 5pm-12am
One of the biggest malls in all of Southeast Asia, Seacon square is a massive mall of five floors with a wide variety of stores for clothing, home decor, toys and even electronics. There are quite a few Korean cosmetic shops here like Nature Republic and Face Shop, that you must visit. Korean products are highly trending these days and they are about 5 times cheaper in Thailand than in India. Like most malls, Seacon too has an outdoor market that is cheap, affordable, fashionable and yet offers good quality shoes, bags, tops, dresses, kids clothing and accessories.
Where: 55 Srinakarin Road Khwaeng Nong Bon, Khet Prawet, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Timings: 10:30am- 9pm
This is a luxury shopping mall with the best of high-end brands of the world. EmQuartier is ideal for those who are brand conscious and want to buy something exclusive. If you're a fan of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Jimmy Choo, Valentino and Fendi, you will get the latest collection from all of them under one roof at EmQuartier. With more than 400 designer labels at EmQuartier, you can let loose the shopaholic within you.
Where: 693-695 , Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana
Timings: 10am- 10pm
Khao San is one of the most happening and bustling night streets in Bangkok. This street is well-known among backpackers and everyone who wants to have a crazy time in Bangkok. While one side of the street is lined with numerous open bars and restaurants, the other side of the street has a market. At Khao San, you can sip on a bucket of mixed drinks, and shop for dirt-cheap clothing at the same time. Tank tops, tie-dye dresses, and everything boho is what you'll get here.
Where: Thanon Khao San, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Timings: 5pm- 1am
This is a weekend market that is an experience in itself. Even if you're not interested in buying much, a visit to the Chatuchak is a must to complete your sightseeing goals in Bangkok. It's a huge market, so it is best you go during evenings, you may get exhausted during the day due to the heat. At Chatuchak you can find almost everything ranging from footwear, clothes, souvenirs, ceramics, small showcase items and even luggage. With about 10,000 vendors at the market, the price may range from stall to stall, you are sure to go back with hands full of shopping bags!
Where: 587/10, Khamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak
Timings: 9am- 11pm
So, next time you visit Bangkok, remember to carry light and shop till you drop just like I did!
Photo belong to the author. For more pictures from the trip, you can head to my Instagram account here!
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