World-class shopping in Bangkok
Every one of Bangkok’s big malls has something special about it. Thailand is Southeast Asia’s number-one shopping destination. The city has changed dramatically over the past 30 years. When I first went shopping in 1993, I was mainly looking for bargains. I bought branded jeans for 10 Deutsche Marks and polo shirts for 3. Bangkok was a shopper’s paradise for counterfeit goods. Tourists were mostly backpackers and families on regular holidays. Then a number of luxury malls opened around Siam Square, offering genuine global brands such as Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton. Authentic goods at full price. Asia’s wealthy discovered Thailand’s capital. The next wave of shoppers came from Arab countries, whose residents wanted to spend their petrodollars.
The number of Chinese tourists has skyrocketed over the past decade or so. The newly wealthy from the neighboring country often fly to nearby Thailand for a few days to shop freely, without guilt or scrutiny. The new malls built over the past 15 years are all aimed at these affluent visitors. The COVID-19 pandemic brought this trend to a dramatic halt, however. There were also “scams” that targeted many Chinese tourists. Reports about them in the Chinese media led to a dramatic drop in visitor numbers.
Emporium and EmQuartier - Top spots on Sukhumvit
Emporium
The advantage of these two malls is that they sit on opposite sides of Phrom Phong Skytrain Station and offer quite different things.
The older Emporium is more mid-range, with a good selection in its department store. If you’re looking for an affordable meal, head to the Emporium’s 4th floor and its food hall. Afterwards, you can buy high-quality groceries at the food court right next door.
Emporium Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00
EmQuartier
EmQuartier aims to rank among the world’s leading shopping centres. That applies to the products and, of course, the prices. All the major international brands have their own stores here. If you’re looking for something special to eat, this is the place! More than 40 restaurants await.
EmQuartier: Opening hours 10:00 - 22:00
MBK
Opened in 1985 as Asia’s largest mall. Connected to the neighboring Tokyu Department Store. MBK is famous, among other things, for affordable electronics and clothing. At least a third of its approximately 100,000 daily visitors are tourists. Around 2,000 shops fill its six floors. Levels 7 and 8 are dedicated to entertainment, including cinemas and karaoke. Many shops have already fallen victim to the COVID crisis, including the large Tokyu Department Store. But replacements have since been found, and business is back on track.
The food court on Level 5 is legendary!
Tips: Which mall is right for me?
MBK Mall
The MBK fell into crisis during the pandemic. But at last, the mall is thriving again! It’s still a great place to find good-value jeans, polo shirts and interesting smartphone gadgets.
A tip for the many small smartphone and repair shops: there’s always a chance something won’t work when you unpack it at home. So test it before you leave.
Address:
444 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan District
Skytrain: Siam
Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Siam Paragon
I find Siam Paragon interesting when I’m looking for quality brands at reasonable prices, such as Converse, Apple or Adidas. Sea Life Aquarium, the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, is a real experience! Admission costs 990 baht.
The food court in the basement, “Siam Eats Paragon,” is also a real treat! Some of the city’s best street-food vendors are represented there. Right next door is a fantastic grocery market where you can sample all kinds of things. I also pick up gifts to take home here, such as cashews, dried mangoes, or assorted mixes for Thai dishes from “Blue Elephant”
in Bangkok.
Address:
991 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Skytrain: Siam
Opening hours: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Central world
With more than 500 shops, 100 restaurants and 15 cinemas across 830,000 sq m on 7 floors, there’s plenty to enjoy, whether you’re shopping or relaxing. The shops include top brands such as:
Rolex, Swarovski, Tissot, Adidas Originals, Calvin Klein, Daniel Hechtler, FCUK, Liz Claiborne, Pena, Bata, Marks and Spencer, Apple Center, Guy Laroche, Playboy, Benetton, Chaps, Guess, Hush Puppies, Kipling, Morgan, Esprit, Giordano, Clarks, Nokia, AIS, DTAC, Starbucks, Auntie Anne's, Toys "R" Us, Modernform, Panasonic, Dapper, Lacoste, Swatch etc.
The electronics department is fantastic! This is where I buy all kinds of brand-name electronics when I want genuine products. The stores here also often carry items I can’t (yet) find in shops in Germany. Plus, this mall has become my favorite place to shop for all kinds of clothing.
Very important: On the 55th floor of this building, there’s one of Bangkok’s most beautiful sky bars, along with a top-notch restaurant!
The RED SKY BAR I love this view, especially with the wonderfully delicious food by Chef Christian Ham!
Mall address: 1 999/9 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan
Mall opening hours: 10:00 am–10:00 pm
Red Sky Bar opening hours:
Dinner 17:00 - 01:00
EmQuartier and Emporium
Emporium
Opened in 1997, the Emporium at Phrom Phong Skytrain Station is not as expensive as the EmQuartier opposite. The Department Store is worth visiting for its frequent clothing sales. Otherwise, the Gourmet Market on the 4th floor is one of the best in Bangkok! The food at the Food Hall on the same floor is also worth a visit.
Address:
622 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10110
Skytrain: Phrom Phong
Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00
EmQuartier
I especially love EmQuartier for its incredible selection of great restaurants, big and small, catering to every taste! Most of the restaurants are in the Helix building on the upper level.
Here’s a list of the most interesting restaurants and cafés !
And of course, all three buildings have great shops! Shopping isn’t just about buying things—it’s also about discovering and enjoying at your own pace.
Address:
693,695 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok
Skytrain:
Phrom Phong
Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00
