Shopping in Bangkok
is not limited to one or two major streets. There are
many areas throughout Bangkok affording ample choices
and easy access. The following is just a selection of
some of the principal shopping areas.
Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong Top department stores
and luxury shopping malls are concentrated in the area,
namely Central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Amarin
Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, all of which together make the
largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Furthermore, the
World Trade Centre and Narayana Phand Pavilion, host the
official handicraft centre selling items from all parts
of the country. Ratchaprasong intersection is the
gateway to several shopping areas such as
Phloenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam Square-Mahboonkrong, Silom
and Pratunam-Phetchaburi.
Silom-Surawong-Patpong Silom Road is the main
artery of Bangkok's commercial heart and is paralleled
by Surawong Road, while Patpong runs crosswise between
the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist
shops and boutiques representing all the major buys,
this area also boasts many branches of well-known
retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls
also abound, most notably at Patpong's famous night
market.
Silom-Mahesak-Charoenkrung Road Silom leads
into Charoenkrung Road which parallels the Chao Phraya
River, and notable shopping opportunities include gems
and jewellery stores (Mahesak Road is a gem trading
centre), Oriental Plaza and River City shopping complex.
Sukhumvit Like Silom, Sukhumvit is one of
Bangkok's main thoroughfares, and the long road is lined
with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging
from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekkamai). Most shops
and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and soi
21 (Asok) and along shortcuts between Asok and Ekkamai.
Pratunam-Phetchaburi A highlight in the
district is Pratunam market, one of Bangkok's biggest centres for ready-to-wear
clothing.
Baiyoke
Tower Located next to Bangkok’s tallest hotel
building, Baiyoke tower is one of the city's renowned
garment centres.
Nai Lert
Plaza Situated close to Pratunam Market, Nai
Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok
where you can buy just about everything from clothing to
handicrafts.
Bang
Lamphu Situated close to the Grand Palace, Bang Lamphu
has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
Chinatown Centre on Yaowarat Road and Sampheng
Lane, Bangkok's Chinatown offers a profusion of gold
shops as well as several nearby traditional shopping
places such as Ban Mo Jewellery Street, Phahurat Cloth
Market and the Old Siam Plaza..
Bo-be
Market Situated close to Bangkok Railway
Station, Bo-be is one of the city's renowned
ready-to-wear clothing centres, both wholesale and
retail.
Jatujak
or Chatuchak Weekend Market Located adjacent to
Chatuchak Park, the weekend market, open on Saturday and
Sunday, is a Bangkok landmark where you can buy just
about everything from clothing to potted plants and
everything in between a paradise for browsers and
bargain-hunters alike. The market also offers items of
furniture and home decor. It is also where professional
and amateur art-lovers and artists meet.
Pak
Khlong Talat This is a wholesale market for all
kinds of cut flowers and vegetables. It is located on Maharat
Road near the Memorial Bridge. The market is crowded in
the early morning and in the evening.