Bangkok is a true treasure trove when it comes to fashion. Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, D&G, Hugo Boss, Christian Dior and other world-class labels are housed by Bangkok's upscale shopping malls like Siam Paragon, The Emporium, and Gaysorn Plaza. For those with limited financial resources, fret not. Bangkok also offers unending supply of quality and inexpensive clothes virtually everywhere, be that in malls, small sois, local markets and even on the streets!
While the choices can be overwhelmingly wide, especially for Bangkok's first-timers, once you've familiarised yourself with what is where, your shopping spree will become a breezy affair. Here's our guide to finding everything you need from classy haute couture to shabby chic vintage in the Capital of Cool.
For what's hot and what's not in fashion, read our interview with Gaysorn's Style Guru.
Siam Paragon
What could possibly be better than starting your shopping splurge at Siam Paragon? The mother of all luxury shopping malls, the 'Pride of Bangkok' excites shopaholics with the world's finest designer brands such as Versace, D&G, Gucci, Emporio Armani, Hugo Boss, Burberry, Jimmy Choo (the largest flagship store in Asia), and much more waiting to be explored!
For more on Siam Paragon, have a look here.
The Emporium
A big sister to Siam Paragon, The Emporium also caters to big spenders with high-end luxury goods and top of the line designer labels like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, DKNY, Calvin Klein, Hermes, Paul Smith, Gucci, and Kenzo. Watch out, though, your credit cards can be severely damaged here...
For more on the Emporium, have a look here.
Gaysorn
An ideal place to max out your all your Platinum cards, Gaysorn Plaza may be humble in size but it packs the celebrated Louis Vuitton, glamourous Christian Dior, and posh Burberry. Also a home to up and coming Thai designers like Sretsis, Munchu, Issue as well as established Thai labels like Fly Now, Greyhound and Zenith.
For more on Gaysorn, have a look here.
CentralWord (formerly World Trade Centre)
Diagonally opposite Gaysorn Plaza, CentralWorld has finally emerged after months of major renovations. Although not entirely complete, CentralWorld already boasts several flagship stores including Marks & Spencer, Calvin Klein Jeans as well as shops like Zara, Next, Miss Sixty & Energie, and Guess, to name but a few. Set to be Southeast Asia's largest shopping mega-complex, CentralWorld also houses two wonderful department stores Zen and Isetan.
For more on CentralWorld, have a look here.
Siam Square, Siam Center, Siam Discovery
If you're a teenager living in Bangkok, Siam Square is definitely 'the' place to shop. Home to hundreds of local hip and trendy clothes shops, it is an ideal place to observe Bangkok's latest fashion trends. Prices range from affordable to outrageous, so shop around for the best bargains. For some air-con comfort, waltz into Siam Centre and Siam Discovery for the Adidas Originals outlet, Diesel, (the one and only outlet in Bangkok), Rip Curl, Lacoste, Roxy and Replay.
MBK
The mighty MBK offers an affordable and excellent selection of clothing, shoes and accessories. You can find almost everything from kids' clothes, men's wear, ladies' wear, suits (tailor-made), to sport apparel, traditional Thai dance costumes, and even a wig to suit every trend... MBK is where the masses head to for bargains galore, brand imitations and everything your heart desires to make a (cheap) fashion statement. It's also the only mall where you can put your bartering skills to the test (except at the retail and department stores).
For more on MBK Centre, have a look here.
Suan Lum Night Bazaar
Offering a wide variety of clothing from Thai boxing shorts to Ronaldinho football shirts, Suan Lum Night Bazaar is Bangkok's only official night market. Although it will be closed for good next year, shoppers still flock to this bazaar for quality stuff at reasonable prices.
For more on Suan Lum Night Bazaar, have a look here.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Oh glorious Chatuchak! Apart from the heterogeneous bits of everything from food, furniture, fighting roosters, pets, plants, and everything else under the sun, a massive selection of clothing and accessories are unquestionably one of the main reasons people choose to shop at this mega market. Preppy, gothic, punk, downtown diva, surfers/beach lovers, or housewife, whatever your scene, Chatuchak has it all. Navigating through the many small alleys, you'll find a leather-clad and Mohawk-worn bloke who sells similar stuff to what he's wearing... Make your pick!
It's quite easy to get lost in the market so before you venture into the great maze, equip yourself with a map (available free of charge at the Information kiosks), a bottle of water and a lot of bargaining skills. Let the shopping begin!
Open: 08:00 - 18:00 on weekends and Fridays (wholesale day). Plant shops are open Wednesdays and Thursdays too from 07:00 - 18:00.
How to get there: Take the skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station and exit down the right-hand stairs, follow the crowd for a five-minute walk, and voil-! Another option is to take the subway (MRT) to Chatuchak Park station, and follow the signage directives. For the plant and flower section, get off at Kampheng Phet MRT station (exit 3).
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Wang Lang
Apart from the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, where else could you find a pair of used Prada loafer and an authentic Lacoste polo for less than 500 baht? The answer lies in Wang Lang market, a small alley located next to Siriraj Hospital where shoes, bags, accessories, vintage and second-hand clothing can be found at ridiculously low prices. New stuff arrive every Monday but the best day to do the rummaging is on a Wednesday, when most shops seem to carry more items than the rest of the week. Once you've found everything you need for the Dude/Sweet night, rest your tired limbs and re-energise at Wang Lang's many small eateries. Treat yourself to the famous shrimp wonton or a bowl of shaved ice with tasty tidbits.
Open: 09:00 - 16:00 everyday
Location: Close to Siriraj Hospital
How to get there: The easiest and quickest way is by BTS skytrain. Get off at Saphan Taksin station. Take express boat to Wang Lang pier.
For familiar stuff, also visit Ratchada - Lad Phrao junction night market.
Talad Loong Perm
Better known as Talad Lang Karn Bin Thai (the market behind Thai Airways Office), Talad Loong Perm is a big favourite among 'office ladies' who work nearby. The market's main offering includes brand-named clothes and cosmetics as well as 'quality' designer imitations brought from overseas by Thai Airways' flight attendants. If you plan to go, it's advisable to avoid the peak hour between 12:00 to 13:00 (i.e. office ladies' lunch break).
Open: 10:00 - 16:00 everyday (closed Sundays)
Location: Soi Vibhavadi 22 (behind Thai Airways office), 89 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road
How to get there: Take bus number 92 and get off one stop after Saint John's University. Walk into Soi Vibhavadi 22 and you're there.
Khao San Road
If you think Khao San Road is nothing but a long road strewn with guesthouses and clueless backpackers, you're wrong - well, half wrong anyway. Khao San Road is also where backpackers can be found browsing for a new pair of fisherman pants for their next Full Moon debauchery while locals are trying out hand-screened T-shirts, skirts, second-hand shoes and bags - a one of a kind shopping experience!
For more on Khao San Road, have a look here. |
