For many visitors, the popular shopping malls in Bangkok are as much of a draw as the city’s food scene or stunning temples. Even the most avid shopper will probably find the options here overwhelming and unless you have a week or more to dedicate to visiting them you are probably going to have to make some choices about which ones to visit and which ones to skip. 

Well, I have spent the last few weekss revisiting all the malls in Bangkok that a visitor would likely want to see. This means I have all the details you need to plan the perfect shopping trip in Thailand. Even if you have visited before, the malls here are constantly improving, updating and there always seems to be a new mall about to open.

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These Bangkok malls are open from10am-10pm unless noted. Most are located in Siam, or along Sukhumvit Road although IconSiam and the new Terminal 21 Rama 3 are on the Chao Phraya River. 

I have grouped my list of popular Bangkok malls geographically, starting from the epicentre of Bangkok’s shopping scene in Siam. There is an incredible number of malls in Bangkok. Wikipedia lists 51, I decided to stop at 11! Are there good malls not on this list? Absolutely but they are mainly a version of these so for anyone only spending a few days or a few weeks in town this list will do the trick,

11 Must-Visit Shopping Malls in Bangkok

Whether you are a fashion enthusiast, a tech geek, a foodie or just love shopping, here are my favourite places to go shopping in Bangkok in 2024.

Malls in Siam

The first collection of shopping centres is found within a few minutes’ walk of the Siam BTS Station. Siam has the highest density of malls in Bangkok and if you are only in bangkok for a night or two and love to shop this is probably the best are to stay.

We have stayed in two hotels in this area, Siam@Siam design hotel and Pathumwan Princess and share detailed reviews so you can see if they are right for you.

Siam Paragon

Siam Paragon is one of the largest and most luxurious shopping malls in Bangkok. It’s also one of the OGs having opened back in 2005. This mall features a wide range of high-end international and local brands, and feels pretty exclusive from the minute you walk in.

The ground floor houses luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Prada. For car enthusiasts, the second floor of Paragon also features showrooms for high-end automobiles like Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini. 

The anchor tenant here is the Paragon Department Store. I can personally vouch for their excellent shoe department, I buy at least one pair of shoes here on each visit! Other popular shops in the mall include Lego, Kinokunya and H&M.  

If you need to find something for your family or travel partners to do while you shop there is an IMAX cinema, cool bowling alley, and on the basement level, the Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia. 

Food: When hunger strikes head to the lower ground floor, you will find a floor of eats that features a gourmet market, cafes and some really good quality stalls in the food center.

Who It’s For: It’s a high end mall so if you have money to burn, this one is for you. It’s also worth a wander for window shoppers and the food hall is great.

Tip: Serious shoppers may like to stay at the Siam Kempinski Hotel and serviced apartment complex which has direct entry to the mall.

Location: 991 Rama I Road, Pathumwan
Nearest Public Transport: Siam BTS Station – there is direct entry from the BTS into level 2 of the mall 

Siam Discovery

Siam Discovery is an award-winning centre combines retail, lifestyle, and art with an open layout with lots of pop up stores.

The emphasis is on fun, experiential shopping, with interactive displays and themed zones. It’s nothing like the other malls in the city and that’s why you should visit. 

There is a decent mix of independent and local brands with the global big boys. Some of my favourite stores including Japanese brands Muji and Loft, are here. 

When you are done shopping you might like to visit the Madame Tussauds wax museum. There are also co-working spaces on level four and five.

Food: There is not much in the way of eats here but you are minutes away from Paragon and MBK who both have plenty to offer.

Who It’s For: Siam Discovery is great for unique souvenirs and design lovers. 

Location: 989 Rama I Road, Pathumwan
Nearest Public Transport: Siam or National Stadium BTS Station are both connected via walkways or other malls. 

Siam Center

Siam Center is sandwiched between the high end Paragon and funky Discovery. Many visitors don’t even realise it’s a separate center as they all basically flow into each other.

This mall also features a mix of international fashion brands such as Adidas and Victoria’s Secret, alongside popular Thai designers. It’s got a young vibe and it always feel like there are as many locals here as travellers.

There is usually some type of installation or fun pop up. This month it’s the TeleTubbies

In contrast to neighbouring Siam Paragon this is a dark, quirky space with an edgy atmosphere. I find it a little confusing at times but I love that it’s different. 

Food: The Food Factory on level 2 has over 40 cafes and restaurants to choose from with a focus on local or small name brands rather than fast food giants.  

Who It’s For: Sports lovers will find most of the well-known brands here. There is also a mix of local fashion. 

Location: 979 Rama I Road, Pathumwan
Nearest Public Transport: Siam BTS Station

Siam Square One

Siam One is the almost open-air mall opposite Siam Paragon. This place has a young vibe and is full of clothing and accessory stores, major sports labels and plenty of beauty services .  

Head to the second and third floors to find local designers. For beauty bargains make your way to the lower ground where you will find a large Eve and Boy store.

Food: The fourth and fifth floors are restaurant central with a good number of Korean and Japanese outlets.

Who It’s For: Siam One is ideal for young fashion loving shoppers. It’s quite different to the giant malls, which is why it made our list. 

Tip: At the back of the mall exit onto the street where you will find an outdoor mall.

Location: 388 Rama I Road, Pathumwan
Nearest Public Transport: Siam BTS Station

For many visitors all the Siam malls blend into one, evidenced by the number of Google reviews that attribute images to the wrong centres. However, the next one will change things up. 

MBK Center

MBK Center feels like home to me. I have been visiting this mall, which opened in the late 1980s since the 1999 and while it’s been renovated (most recently last year) it still feels the same. Once the biggest shopping mall in Bangkok, MBK is well-known as the destination for bargain hunters and first-time visitors to Bangkok. 

Its affordable prices and wide range of products, from clothing and accessories to electronics and souvenirs make it a hit with most travellers. 

MBK mall has over 2,000 shops (or stalls) spread across eight floors. The first few floors are dedicated to fashion and accessories, at bargain prices. The upper floors focus on electronics, including mobile phones, cameras, and gadgets. even though I rarely buy anything here other than food I always end up back here at least once every time I am in Bangkok.

There are massage shops, nail salons and hair stylists on level one and two if you fancy some pampering.

On the upper levels you will find a cinema, and lots of game centres and even an escape room, making this center as popular with locals as it is with visitors. 

Food Court: MBK Food legends is one of my favourite food courts in Siam. If you prefer a restaurant experience, there is a huge range of both local and well-known international chains. This is a good spot for an affordable meal.

Stay: Pathumwan Princess offers direct access to the mall and is a great option for families, especially those with kids or anyone trying to stick to a budget. 

Who It’s For: MBK Center is best suited for bargain hunters, tech enthusiasts, and tourists looking for affordable shopping or look a like options.

Location: 444 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan
Nearest Public Transport: National Stadium BTS Station

Shopping in Ratchathewi

Ratchathewi, is a shopping hotspot that seamlessly blends the old with the new. Dive into the expansive CentralWorld for a modern shopping experience or head to Platinum Fashion Mall, a haven for bargain-hunting fashion enthusiasts.

Don’t miss mega Big C supermarket for all your dried mango and durian needs!

CentralWorld

CentralWorld is one of the biggest shopping complexes in Southeast Asia, and currently the 9th largest in the world. 

There are over 500 stores, including international fashion brands like Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo. For tech enthusiasts, there’s an extensive electronics section with stores with both Apple and Samsung here. The centre also hosts that largest bookstore in Thailand, Kinokuniya.

The Central Department store is the centres namesake and I would say it offers mid range prices.

GROOVE@centralWorld is a popular place to head for drinks in the late afternoon. If you decide to stay then your dining options range from affordable street food to high-end restaurants.

The Tops Food hall on level seven includes a food court , which, while popular, honestly is not among my favouites, but the supermarket is excellent. Check out their salad bar if you visit. 

When you’re done shopping CentralWorld also boasts an indoor ice-skating rink, and a large cinema complex. If you’re in luck, the outdoor square that fronts the main street frequently hosts events, concerts, and seasonal markets.

Stay: There is a LOT to see, eat and do here so why not stay a night or two at the onsite hotel Centara Grand and check out the Red Sky rooftop bar?

Who It’s For: CentralWorld is a good one stop shop so if you only have time for one mall this might work for you.

Location: 999/9 Rama I Road, Pathumwan
Nearest Public Transport: Chit Lom BTS Station

Platinum Fashion Mall

Platinum Fashion Mall is a wholesale and retail shopping complex specialising in fashion and accessories. It’s best known for its budget priced fast fashion. This is also a fabulous place to pick up cheap souvenirs. 

The mall has over 1,300 mostly tiny shops spread across several floors. It’s divided into zones, which you soon realised is important as it’s so large and the shops so hard to tell apart that finding something you saw earlier would be near impossible! 

Many of the shops offer wholesale prices, so if you are looking for a bargain and buy 3 or more things in one shop you can usually negotiate price a bit.  

I find Platinum pretty overwhelming and only ever manage a short visit. It’s very claustrophobic would probably not take young kids here. Tweens and Teens will love it. 

Food Court: You will find 1500 seats and a ridiculous amount of choice in the food court at Platinum. It’s on level five in zones one and three. You might be surprised to know there are two Michelin Bib Gormand award winners here. 

Who It’s For: Platinum Fashion Mall is best suited for fashion enthusiasts, bargain hunters, and retailers looking for wholesale deals.

Tip: Krung Thong Plaza is a twin of Platinum but offers plus-size clothing (which in Thailand can mean anything over a size 12) and accessories. It located directly across Phetchaburi Road from Platinum.

Location: 222 Phetchaburi Road, Ratchathewi
Nearest Public Transport: Chit Lom BTS Station or the Pratunam Pier on the Saen Saep canal boat route.

Bangkok Malls on Sukhumvit Road

The next few malls are located along Sukhumvit Road. Take the BTS just three (Asoke) or four (Phrom Phong) stops on the BTS Sukhumvit line. The trip will take about 12 minutes.

Terminal 21 Asoke

Terminal 21 is one of the best known malls in Bangkok thanks to its unique airport-themed design. Each floor is decorated to resemble a famous city, with the decor, even the bathrooms themed, making it an Instagram hotspot. 

The mall’s floors include Tokyo, London, Istanbul, and San Francisco, each featuring relevant decor and shops. The Tokyo floor, for instance, is filled with trendy fashion stores, while the Istanbul floor offers a mix of boutiques and souvenirs. There are a lot of sports stores and a Decathlon here, making it a good centre for teens and sports lovers.  

Food Court: The Pier 21 food court on the fifth floor is famous for its affordable Thai food, offering a variety of local dishes at great prices. The stall holders here do not pay rent or any fees to the centre management who then set the prices low as a drawcard to the shops. It works and this food court is rarely quiet. There are also plenty of restaurants and a Gourmet Market.

Who It’s For: Terminal 21 is ideal for tourists, bargain hunters, and anyone who enjoys a good cheap meal.

Location: 88 Sukhumvit Soi 19, Sukhumvit Road
Nearest Public Transport: Asok BTS Station / Sukhumvit MRT Station

EmDistrict (EmQuartier, EmSphere, Emporium)

EmDistrict comprises three malls that sit adjacent to each other in Phrom Phong. Each is a little different, so let’s go over them one by one. 

EmQuartier and Emporium sit on opposite sides of Phrom Phong BTS Station with EmSphere, which opened in December 2023 connected by a 400m covered SkyBridge.  

EmQuartier is divided into three zones:

• The Glass Quartier features high-end fashion brands such as Dior and Gucci.
• The Helix Quartier offers a spiralling dining zone with a variety of restaurants and cafes and the skygarden
• The Waterfall Quartier houses lifestyle and entertainment options, including an IMAX theatre and the Quartier CineArt.

There are lots of attractions for younger children on level two, including 

Despite excellent signage and having visited annually for more than a decade and these days, weekly, I almost always get lost here at least once per visit. It’s huge, so allow plenty of time when you visit.

The level five garden provides seating should you need a short escape – there are views of the city but as the garden grows these are diminishing, not that it matters, the greenery is lovely.

I think of Emporium as the Siam Paragon equivalent of upper Sukhumvit. Many of the big designers that you found at Siam Paragon are here along with The Emporium Department Store, which feels very different to Paragon and worth a look. 

The first few times I visited I wrote this centre off as just for wealthy shoppers, but as you head up the elevators you will find there is a lot more here. 

I particularly like the food court here. It’s a lot quieter than many of the others, impeccably clean and while about 20% more expensive than most many of the stalls have multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand awards.

Emporium does an excellent job with their decor during festivals like Christmas and Lunar New Year. 

Emsphere is one of the newest malls in the city and best known for being home to the most central IKEA store in Bangkok. 

The major attraction at Emsphere is the food. There is a really fun food court with colourful decor and stylish fit outs that make the restaurant as much a feast for the eyes as the tummy. There is an incredible range of cuisines on offer from fine dining restaurants (Hello Gordon Ramsey) to chic cafes and burger favourite Shake Shack. 

Along with shops, there are currently two rooftop bars, and a large event space that can seat 6000. You will often find events, exhibitions, and fashion shows, making it a dynamic and vibrant destination.

Who It’s For: The EmDistrict has something for everyone from luxury shoppers, food lovers, and families. If you are staying on Sukhumvit Road, this can save you a trip down to Siam. 

Location: 693, 695 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan Nuea
Nearest Public Transport: Phrom Phong BTS Station with a sky bridge to EmSphere just 400 meters away.

Bangkok Malls By the River

These next two malls are among the newest malls in Bangkok and their river front locations

ICONSIAM

ICONSIAM sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Along with being a gorgeous piece of architecture, it offers luxury shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural exhibits. The River Park outside the mall is a popular spot for events and waterfront activities.

Inside, you will find the Siam Takashimaya department store, a large Apple Store and several fine-dining restaurants, some with river views. 

The mall also features a range of high-end brands like Hermes and Cartier, alongside a selection of local designer boutiques. 

My favourite part of the ICONSIAM is the SookSiam zone, which showcases Thai cultural heritage, with traditional crafts and food from all 77 of the country’s provinces.

Food Court: The SookSiam food zone provides an array of authentic Thai dishes from different regions. If this is your first visit to Thailand, it’s the perfect way to build your knowledge and confidence ordering street food. 

Who It’s For: Everyone is likely to find something to enjoy here and particularly in lower ground floor dining experience and the ferry ride and river view. 

Tip: ICS Mall, which opened in 2023, is right behind ICONSIAM and is a lot quieter if you get overwhelmed by the buzz.

Location: 299 Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San
Nearest Public Transport: Krung Thonburi BTS Station (or a shuttle boat from Sathorn Pier)

Terminal 21 Rama 3

Terminal 21 Rama 3 continues the unique airport theme of its Sukhumvit counterpart, offering a global shopping experience with each floor representing a different location.

The themed floors here are country rather than city based, think France, Italy, The Caribbean, Japan, England and the USA. The decorations on each floor are so impressive they are reason enough to visit. It almost feels like a theme park without the rides. 

Food Court: The Pier 21 food court is famous for its affordable and delicious Thai food, offering a variety of local dishes at 40-60 Bhat!

Who It’s For: Families travelling with tweens and teens will adore Terminal 21, fun photos, casual shopping and cheap food

Location: Rama 3 Road, Bang Phong Phang
Nearest Public Transport: BRT Wat Pariwat Station

What’s the best way to get to Bangkok’s shopping malls

If you are someone used to driving in your hometown, forget that right now. Traffic in Bangkok, particularly in these areas is beyond ugly.

In terms of transport options, the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway systems are the most convenient ways to reach these shopping malls. All the malls on this page can be reached by BTS or MRT. Perhaps a grab on the way home if you are really tired, but know that it will probably take longer and cost a lot more. 

Which shopping malls in Bangkok are the cheapest?

One question that often comes up from friends planning a visit the Thailand is which shopping malls in Bangkok are known for being the most affordable. I think it would be hard to beat Platinum Fashion Mall (or Krung Thong Plaza, which offers larger sizes) for clothing, accessories, make- up and souvenirs.

Another top choice is the MBK Center. They pretty much sell everything here, including plenty of look alike products. You will find your dollar goes further here. Both centres have great food courts too. 

These are also the best malls in Bangkok for souvenirs to take home to family and friends.