5 Bangkok Shopping Malls for Every Budget

If you thought Bangkok is just about knockoffs and dated malls, get back on that plane! In the past few years, the city has changed its shopping profile to suit both high-end customers and bargain hunters alike in a nice environment.  We bring you five of the hottest Bangkok malls to suit shoppers with different budgets.

EM Quartier

Just opened in March this year, EM Quartier is the new Rolls Royce of malls in Bangkok. Everywhere you enter, it’s via a red carpet, and the royal treatment doesn’t stop there. EM Quartier breathes simplicity, space and modern architecture everywhere you go. The focus on detail is evident, even the changing rooms are spacious and decorated with antique chairs and pictures to give it a feel of home.

EM Quartier hosts all the obligatory luxury brands, as well as mid-range ones, but manages to move out of the comfort zone with their shop-in-shop areas, Quarator and Qustadium, among other local and Asian brands.

As you walk through the passages and down the escalators, you feel as if you are shopping in the future. The white walls and steel faces gives the mall an edge, but also a calmness about it, that makes it enjoyable to shop. But what might seem sterile to some, is compensated when you pass through the Water Garden with a giant manmade waterfall, into the lower level food hall. Cacti and red water plants break the white and surround the communal eating area.

Down the hallways, there are unlimited food choices for foodies and those with a sweet tooth – Harrods’ ice cream parlour and Pierre Herme French macaroons just to name a few. And if these are too fancy for your taste, there is also good old Starbucks, but “EM Quartier’ed” into what looks like the latest trendy café.

EM Quartier is part of the EM District, with department store Emporium, cinema, theatre and a kids creative playground among others. More information can be found on www.emquartier.co.th.

Nearest Skytrain/BTS: Prom Phong

Siam Paragon

The oldest kid in the class of high-end malls, Siam Paragon needs no introduction for those who are regular shoppers in Bangkok. It opened in 2005 and set the new standard for malls in the city, so much so that old timer Central World (former World Trade Centre) spent three years doing a make-over to match the new competitor in town. And although Central World has done well in transforming its 550,000 square metres, it still cannot be compared to Siam Paragon’s simple yet grand layout and choice in brands.

The ‘old-timer’ is also renewing itself with age to attract more than just tourists and the Asian elite. Families can enjoy one of South East Asia’s largest aquariums, go bowling or enjoy the latest addition and worldwide success, KidZania in this mall. More information can be found on www.siamparagon.co.th.

Nearest BTS station: Siam

Terminal 21

Not even four years old, this newcomer likes to “play”. As you walk in through security you will note that the security guard resembles a pilot. As you carry on to the first escalator, the penny slowly drops. A sign “Departing for Tokyo” reveals itself and the first floor appears with Japanese stores; the concept now becomes clear.

Yes, perhaps the name of the mall gave it away, but the fact that I was about to shop in an “airport”, travelling to new countries via 36-metre escalators took at least two minutes to grasp. But the choice is vast: Paris, Rome, Istanbul, San Francisco and my favourite, London – all gives you the feel of the country without necessarily limiting itself to brands and styles from the origin.

Passing a a London bus and postbox, and going to the restroom on “the tube” might seem somewhat tacky, but together with the small “streets” of well-chosen street wear and of course, “Doc Martins”, the concept works. And it comes as no surprise when a replica of the Oscar statue appears on the way to the sixth floor, you enter “Hollywood” – the mall’s cinema complex.

Like the two above-mentioned malls, Terminal 21 is conveniently located just by a skytrain station . More information can be found on www.terminal21.co.th/main.

Nearest BTS station: Asok

Asiatique The Riverfront

Asiatique is an old-timer in new clothing. In 2010, the Suan Lum night market closed and had to wait two years to see the light of its new home. And a bit like home was also the feeling I got, when seeing the old signs from the the East Asiatic Company, the first Danish trading company and also the owners of the warehouses around the 1900s. Now, refurbished walls for 1,500 shops and stalls and 40 restaurants, this outdoor market has managed to keep the market charm with its inviting roofed facilities by the river.

Here you can buy anything from classic elephant purses to modern sandals, and what’s more, the store owners are friendly and not pushy. And of course, the big plus for Asiatique – the location. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the market, a range of good restaurants are facing the river and the beautiful lights from the boats.

For the entertainment-hungry, a trip to the market can be combined with the Muay Thai boxing show, a cabaret show or a ride in the Asiatique Sky ferris wheel. More information can be found on www.asiatiquethailand.com.

Nearest BTS station: Taksin Bridge (from where you can get the Asiatique river boat.)

Platinum

If you’re in Bangkok for proper bargains, go where the retailers go and buy goods for their own shops – Platinum.

Because it is a wholesale mall, I had expected chaos and bustle. However, the mall turns out to be surprisingly airy and manageable for six stories and hundreds of stores. If you’re up for a big spree, the classic principle is that you buy more than one item at a time and in that way save money.

Even if you’re not into the cheaper clothes or bundles of eyeshadow, you can experiment with shops that specialise in engraving purses or get swayed away by thai ladies who will happily test your head for a clip-on hair extension.

Platinum may not be exactly charming, but it’s a fun place. More importantly, it’s where your Thai baht goes a long way and you get buy birthday and Christmas presents – in bundles. More information can be found on www.platinumfashionmall.com.

Nearest BTS station: Phaya Thai  (and travel another 2 km via tuk-tuk/taxi.)