Since the pandemic put a stop to the fulfilled curiosities of tourists who like exploring Bangkok’s cultural, historical, cuisine, and shopping scene, there has been an anxious wait for favourable developments over the past two years. Since July 2022, travel restrictions have been relaxed as Thailand’s COVID-19 situation improves. Among those lifted is the necessity to wear a mask both indoors and outside.
These encouraging changes pave the way for visitors to again enjoy the best that Bangkok has to offer in terms of cuisine, sights, and shopping. There’s no disputing that Bangkok has an abundance of shopping malls. But when it comes to the city’s lifestyle epicentre, all arrows appear to these big three malls we listed below.
Siam Paragon
Photo © Siam Paragon
This massive mall caters to visitors from all walks of life. Dubbed as “mall for the masses” because of numerous bargains found here, it’s a must-visit for first-time visitors to Bangkok.
Siam Paragon houses a slew of international high-end designer labels, Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium, a 16-screen Cineplex, and a diverse array of foreign cuisine. Seen as the centre of Bangkok, it is located in the interchange of the two BTS lines.
Upon entering the spectacular glass-and-steel atrium, major boutiques of designer labels such as Hermes, Prada and Louis Vuitton can be immediately located. Each are placed in prominent spots around the main escalators, each competing for attention with extravagant window displays. As one proceed further, bargain hunts where one can find locally made products become aplenty.
In search of satisfying bites, the Gourmet Eats food court serving elevated street foods are sure to delight gastronomic appetites.
Address: 991 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm daily
EmQuartier + Emporium
Photo © Katherine Goh | Asia 361
Catering to the upmarket demographic of shoppers, this is where one finds famous global brands. EmQuartier and Emporium, located in the Em District, offers shoppers a look into the world of high-end fashion with worldwide names such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada, and many more. Gucci’s main shop returned to The Emporium last month, offering a full selection of men’s and womenswear.
Just like the one in Siam Paragon, the Gourmet Eats food court at the Emporium is also newly-renovated. Its new concept blends well-known beverages and sweets from domestic and international brands, including Boost and TP Tea by Chun Shui Tang from Taiwan. Another foodie haven, the Helix Emquartier features over a hundred restaurants with cuisines such as Thai, Chinese, Western and Korean.
Address: 695 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; Opening hours: 10 am to 9 pm daily
IconSiam
Photo © IconSiam
Designed with a combination of traditional Thai and modern architecture, IconSiam has become one of the hallmarks of Bangkok’s shopping scene since its 2018 launch.
Located near the temples of Chao Phraya River, IconSiam’s diverse range of choices attracts the affluent and common shoppers. Featuring a whopping 7,000 shops, more than 100 restaurants — including a floating market, it’s got everything you need. From locally manufactured handicrafts to well-known worldwide brands, it has become a one-stop hub for Bangkok consumers.
High-end businesses abound in IconLuxe, the most spectacular part of IconSiam, where the world’s biggest glass wall can be found. Each floor, which has separate themes representing miniature Thai villages, brings forth a distinct experience. Food options for culinary explorers range from affordable to fine dining, with a few Michelin-starred restaurants thrown in the mix.
Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Soi 5, Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San, Bangkok, Thailand 10600; Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Promotions
Cash vouchers worth up to 650 baht at Emporium and Emquartier and 150 baht at Siam Paragon are being awarded as part of the Welcome to Bangkok campaign. Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Vietjet passengers may present their boarding pass and passports to claim the vouchers from now until 31 December 2022.
