14 Best Shopping Malls in Bangkok (2026 Guide)
I’ve been shopping Bangkok’s malls since 1999, and trust me when I say the options here are overwhelming. Even if you spent a whole week visiting them, you’d only see a fraction of Bangkok’s 50+ shopping centres.
The good news? You don’t need to see them all. I’ve just spent the last few weeks revisiting every major mall a visitor would actually want to see, and I can tell you exactly which are best suited to visitors.
These days when I pop up to Bangkok from Hua Hin, I base myself in Silom near the newer malls at Dusit Central Park and One Bangkok. I enjoy them because they’re less frantic than Siam, have actual parks built into them, and the food courts are exceptional. I’m covering these two first because they represent where Bangkok’s mall scene is heading in 2026.
Quick Guide: Best Bangkok Malls By Category
Short on time? Here’s where to go for exactly what you need:
- Newest malls: Dusit Central Park (Michelin food court, sky park views), One Bangkok (art installations, pet-friendly, massive food scene)
- Cheapest malls: MBK Center and Platinum Fashion Mall (prices 30-50% lower than luxury malls)
- Clothes shopping: Platinum Fashion Mall (1,300+ fashion stores), Siam Center (local designers)
- Luxury shopping: Siam Paragon, ICONSIAM, EmQuartier
- Best food courts: Dusit Central Park (17 Michelin restaurants), Terminal 21 (cheapest), MBK Food Legends (the OG), Emporium (Quiet) ICONSIAM (variety)
- Easiest to reach: Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, Terminal 21 Asoke (all directly connected to BTS stations)
- Best for families: MBK Center, EmQuartier, One Bangkok (all have Harborland play centres) and Siam Paragon with SeaWorld
- Less crowded alternatives to Siam: Dusit Central Park, One Bangkok, EmDistrict
A note on length: Bangkok’s mall scene changed significantly in 2024-2025, with major updates to existing malls and two brand new centres. If you’re short on time, use the Quick Guide above.
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I’ve organised this guide by starting with the newest malls first – Dusit Central Park and One Bangkok in the Silom area. From there, we’ll cover the established shopping districts: Siam (the highest concentration of malls), Ratchathewi (home to CentralWorld and Platinum), Sukhumvit Road (Terminal 21 and EmDistrict), and finally ICONSIAM on the Chao Phraya River.
Malls in Central Bangkok (The Newest Additions)
These two malls opened in late 2024 and 2025 and have quickly become my favourites in Bangkok. They’re less chaotic than Siam, have actual parks built into the design, and the food is exceptional. Both are easy to reach via MRT.
Dusit Central Park
Dusit Central Park sits on the edge of Silom and has become famous for its “iconic escalators” that wind through the building and the way it integrates with the city’s green spaces around it.
The shopping centre is divided into eight themed lifestyle floors where brands are grouped by category rather than scattered randomly.
The mall has all the usual international brands. But most people come here for two things: the food and the park.
The ground floor Tops Food Hall calls itself a “Food Fashion Department Store.” It’s perfect for food gifts to take home.
Level 2’s Fashion Playground is where you’ll find the usual suspects like Uniqlo and Zara, but also emerging Thai brands and some fun surprises. This branch of Pop Mart stands out with its unique pastel pink theme – completely different from their usual industrial style.
Gentle Woman, a popular Thai brand known for their structured handbags, totes (฿590) and trendy fashion are beautifully made and a fraction of what you’d pay for similar quality elsewhere. Level 3 focuses on sports and wellness gear, while Level 4 has tech and provides main access to the roof park.
Food: The lower ground floor Parkside Market is the real drawcard. You’ll find 17 Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded restaurants alongside 70+ Thai street food stalls all under one roof. It’s proper Thai food, not dumbed down for tourists. I particularly rate the Tom Yam noodles from Nakhon Pathom. If you need coffee, head to the 5th floor for Bottomless Coffee Roaster.
The standout feature here is Jose Arun Park, a nearly 3-acre sky park on the upper levels. The views over Lumpini Park are exceptional, and it genuinely feels like a green escape in the middle of the city. If you love Bangkok’s green spaces, check out our guide to Bangkok’s best parks – Lumpini Park is just across the road and perfect for an early morning walk before hitting the mall.
Who It’s For: Foodies after high-quality Michelin street food in a clean, air-conditioned environment. Also great for anyone wanting skyline views and Instagram shots.
Stay: I stay at Ibis Styles nearby, but if you’ve got the budget, the Dusit Thani attached to the mall is the pick. Their Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Cannubi by Umberto Bombana is exceptional.
Location: Rama IV Road, Silom
Nearest Public Transport: MRT Silom Station (2-minute walk) or BTS Sala Daeng Station
One Bangkok
One Bangkok is less a shopping mall and more a “whole new city.” This ฿120 billion development complex is significantly larger than Central Park, so think of it as two interconnected malls: Parade (vibrant and family-friendly) and The Storeys (creative and concept-focused).
What I like about One Bangkok is that it focuses on exclusive stores you won’t find elsewhere. Unlike Central Park’s trendy feel, this mall focuses on craft and exclusive items. The Parade side features Mitsukoshi Depachika (Tokyo-style food hall on B1), King Power City Boutique, and the city’s largest Nitori and Muji branches. For homewares, bedding, or quality pillows, this is Bangkok’s best option.
The Storeys side focuses on creative concept stores. Sarapad Thai sells curated Thai-designed goods. Think of it as a “best of” collection for souvenirs, fashion, and home decor – no tourist rubbish here. You’ll also find Club21 (multi-brand fashion), Jim Thompson’s lifestyle collection, and Pronto Original for Thai denim and premium streetwear.
Food: The food scene here is massive, spread across multiple levels to suit every taste and budget. The 5th floor of the Parade building has a large, comfortable food court with several Michelin Guide restaurants. For even more options, head to B1 where you’ll find the Mitsukoshi Depachika food hall, “coffee street” (including One to Two Coffee) near the Japanese food hall, and an endless array of restaurants ranging from street food stalls to fine dining.
Other Features: One Bangkok Park is a large outdoor platform that hosts concerts and events. The mall is designed with an “Art Loop” – a 2km path of sculptures and installations by world-renowned artists like Anish Kapoor. If the weather is nice, walk from Parade to The Storeys through the outdoor park. Families should check out Harborland on the 6th floor of Parade. This is also the only mall I know where you can bring your dog into the pet-friendly zones.
Who It’s For: Families, homewares shoppers, and those seeking exclusive stores with modern, artistic vibes.
Location: Corner of Rama IV Road and Wireless Road
Nearest Public Transport: MRT Lumpini Station – take Exit 1B for direct underground access to the mall. You’ll enter right into B1 level where Nitori, Muji, and the food hall are located.
Malls in Siam
Siam has the highest density of malls in Bangkok – all within a few minutes’ walk of the Siam BTS Station. If you’re only in Bangkok for a night or two and want to maximize shopping time without transport, this is still the area to base yourself. You can walk between five different malls without stepping outside thanks to the covered walkways.
We’ve stayed at three hotels in this area: Siam@Siam design hotel, Kritthai Residence near National Stadium Station and Pathumwan Princess, which offers direct access to the shopping action at MBK. All three were great.
Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is one of the largest and most luxurious shopping malls in Bangkok. It opened back in 2005, but if you haven’t visited recently, the changes are significant. The mall has undergone a huge transformation for its 20th anniversary. It’s shifted from a traditional mall to what they call a “Global Landmark Destination.
The ground floor houses luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Prada, while the second floor features car showrooms including Ferrari and Porsche – because why buy a handbag when you can buy a Porsche?
Paragon is replacing single-story shops with massive multi-level flagships. Recent additions include Bvlgari’s first Thai duplex store, new Cartier and Dior flagships, plus first-in-Thailand brands like Delvaux.
The anchor tenant is the Paragon Department Store. I can personally vouch for their excellent shoe department – I buy at least one pair here on each visit. Other popular shops include Lego, Kinokuniya bookstore, H&M, and the Nintendo Authorized Store on level 3 (the first in Thailand and Southeast Asia – gamers take note).
The top floors have been completely transformed with over 1.25 billion THB invested into entertainment:
Level 5: NEXTOPIA is a 15,000-square-metre futuristic zone focused on sustainability and innovation – think permanent tech-expo meets lifestyle hub. MELAND, China’s first flagship indoor theme park outside its home country, offers 5,000 square metres of high-tech rides and family edutainment.
Food: The lower ground floor still has the gourmet market and cafes, but level 4’s EATELIER is where the action is now. This “Dining Entertainment” zone features 30 restaurants that blend food with art and live music, staying open late. New notable spots include DG Caffè (first Dolce & Gabbana cafe in Bangkok) on level 1, Bacha Coffee on ground floor, plus SOT (Korean pot rice) and Keep in Touch (Shanghai-style skewer bar) on level 4.
If you need something for your family or travel partners to do while you shop, there’s an IMAX cinema, a cool bowling alley, and on the basement level, Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia.
Who It’s For: High-end shoppers and experience seekers. Window shoppers will enjoy the luxury flagships and entertainment zones.
Stay: 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, take exit 3: direct into Siam Paragon (Level M).
Siam Discovery
Siam Discovery has earned its nickname as “The Biggest Arena of Lifestyle Experiments.” This award-winning centre combines retail, lifestyle, and art with an open layout built around “The Reflection” concept – where shops change like art galleries. The emphasis is on fun, experiential shopping with interactive displays and themed zones.
Discovery is completely different from other Bangkok malls – focused on experimentation rather than luxury. Mix of independent brands alongside global names, including Japanese favourites Muji and Loft.
Discovery has focused on sustainability and exclusive launches for 2026. Club 21 (levels G and M) features cult brands like Our Legacy and Marine Serre, while level 2’s “UPTOYOU” offers upcycled fashion made from recycled plastic bottles. Level 3’s ICONCRAFT showcases Thai crafts including indigo-dyed linens and jasmine-scented candles, plus Marimekko’s exclusive 10th-anniversary Thai prints. Level 4’s PAW LAB offers premium pet tech, organic treats, and designer pet bedding.
When you’re done shopping you might like to visit the Madame Tussauds wax museum. There are also co-working spaces on levels 4 and 5 if you need to get some work done.
Food: Level 4’s Flavor Lab is the newest social dining community with spots that feel more like standalone cafes than a food court. Notable places include Bornga (Korean BBQ by celebrity chef Baek Jong-won) and Babyccino & Co. (a very popular brunch spot that moved from Ekkamai). Beyond Flavor Lab, there’s not much in the way of traditional food court options here, but you’re minutes away from Paragon and MBK who both have plenty to offer.
Who It’s For: Design lovers and anyone wanting curation over volume.
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 centre as they all basically flow into each other via the walkways.
Siam Center focuses on young, edgy fashion and Thai creative talent. Mix of international brands (Adidas, Victoria’s Secret) with Thai designers, attracting equal numbers of locals and travellers.
The standout is Absolute Siam Store on level 1 – a “Hub of Creative Thai” where heritage brands collaborate with street designers.
Three brands here perfectly capture Bangkok’s creative street fashion scene:
- Chubby Boy Club – trendy illustration-based brand with a “Lucky with Everything” theme
- Long Nuam Boyz – Muay Thai culture meets high-street fashion
- Bangkok Tales – famous for their “Wealthy” and “Lucky” embroidered bags using traditional Thai symbols.
Also on level 1, check out the “Visionary Stage” area where they showcase senior projects from Thailand’s top fashion universities like Chula and Silpakorn. You can often buy pieces from young designers here before they become famous.
In contrast to neighbouring Siam Paragon, this is a dark, quirky space with an edgy atmosphere. There’s usually some type of installation or fun pop-up – everything from Teletubbies to teddy bears.
I find it a little confusing at times with its non-linear layout, but I love that it’s different from the standard shopping mall formula.
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. Fashion enthusiasts after unique Thai designer pieces should head straight to Absolute Siam on level 1. This mall is perfect if you want something you won’t find back home.
Location: 979 Rama I Road, Pathumwan
Nearest Public Transport: Siam BTS Station, exit 1: direct into Siam Center
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: Young fashion shoppers seeking a different vibe from the giant malls.
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’ve been visiting this mall, which opened in the late 1980s, since 1999 and while it’s been renovated (most recently last year) it still has the same energy. Once the biggest shopping mall in Bangkok, MBK is well-known as the destination for bargain hunters and first-time visitors.
What makes MBK different from other malls is its market-style layout with over 2,000 shops and stalls spread across eight floors. The first few floors are dedicated to fashion and accessories at bargain prices, but you’ll also find mobile phone shops, camera stores, and a massive electronics section where you can get gadgets repaired on the spot. I rarely buy anything here other than food, but I always end up back here at least once every time I’m in Bangkok.
The other thing that sets MBK apart is the services. There are massage shops, nail salons, and hair stylists on levels 1 and 2 if you fancy some pampering between shopping sessions. On the upper levels you’ll find a cinema, game centres, and even an escape room, making this centre as popular with locals as it is with visitors.
Food Court: MBK Food Legends offers consistently good quality with huge variety at reasonable prices. Upper levels have restaurants ranging from local to international chains.
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: Bargain hunters and families wanting entertainment alongside shopping. Unlike Platinum’s pure fashion focus, MBK covers everything.
Location: 444 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan
Nearest Public Transport: National Stadium BTS Station
MBK vs Platinum Mall: Which One Should You Visit?
These two malls serve different shopping needs, so here’s how to decide:
Choose MBK if you want:
- Variety beyond clothes (electronics, souvenirs, tech repairs, services)
- Entertainment (cinema, games, escape rooms)
- A more spacious browsing experience
- Authentic vs replica products side by side
Choose Platinum if you want:
- Pure fashion focus (1,300+ clothing stores)
- Absolute cheapest prices on clothes and accessories
- Wholesale rates (buy 3+ items from one shop)
- Plus-size options (cross the street to Krung Thong Plaza)
Choose both if you have time – they’re only 15 minutes apart on foot via the skywalk from National Stadium BTS to Chit Lom BTS, or take the Saen Saep canal boat to Pratunam Pier.
Shopping in Ratchathewi
Ratchathewi sits just one BTS stop from Siam at Chit Lom station. This area is home to CentralWorld (the largest mall in Thailand) and Platinum Fashion Mall (the cheapest place for clothes in Bangkok). The contrast between these two couldn’t be starker – one is all about flagship experiences and massive public events, the other is a claustrophobic warren of 1,300 tiny fashion stalls.
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, ranking between 5th-9th largest globally depending on how you measure it (9th by retail space, 5th by total complex area).
For 2026, it’s become a “Global Flagship Hub.” Every store here is the largest or most experimental version of that brand.
There are over 500 stores, including international fashion brands like Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo.
Level 4’s MUJI flagship is the largest in Southeast Asia, featuring a coffee corner, embroidery workshop, and custom pillow fitting. Level 3’s Nippon Avenue focuses on Japanese sub-culture and dining.
For tech enthusiasts, there’s an extensive electronics section with stores from both Apple and Samsung. The centre also hosts the largest bookstore in Thailand, Kinokuniya. Pop Mart has a massive flagship space that often hosts exclusive world-first launches. Sports brands Lululemon and HOKA have huge flagship stores that include community spaces for fitness classes and professional running analysis.
Food: The 7th-floor Tops Food Hall features 17 specialty zones and five chef counters where ingredients are prepared fresh. Digital food cards have replaced manual payment systems. Level 1’s Hug Thai is a permanent indoor street-food market with authentic Thai flavours in a clean, modern setting – also the best place in the city for high-quality Thai silk and woven textiles.
GROOVE@centralWorld is a popular place to head for drinks in the late afternoon. The nightlife and dining wing has been rebranded with a “Glows by Day, Flows by Night” concept, featuring more art installations and late-night creative spaces.
Entertainment includes an ice-skating rink and cinema complex. The outdoor plaza hosts events and seasonal markets, currently featuring a massive Disney kingdom installation.
Who It’s For: One-stop shoppers seeking scale, plaza events, and flagship Japanese lifestyle stores.
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? Alternatively, Moxy Bangkok connects to the shopping skywalk between CentralWorld and Platinum Fashion Mall – we had a fun stay there and loved the pool table at check-in.
Location: 999/9 Rama I Road, Pathumwan
Nearest Public Transport: Chit Lom BTS Station
Central Chidlom
Central Chidlom underwent a 4 billion THB total transformation that finished in late 2024, and it now looks like a glowing frosted-glass jewel at night. This isn’t a new building – it’s been completely reimagined and reborn as “The Store of Bangkok.”
The first thing you’ll notice is “Chidlom Pink” – they ditched the classic Central red for a signature rose pink colour inspired by their famous flower shows. A new 1st-floor sky bridge connects the BTS directly to a high-ceilinged luxury hall featuring duplex (two-story) boutiques for brands like Prada, Bottega Veneta, and Celine.
What makes Central Chidlom different from other luxury malls is its department store layout – open floors with easy browsing rather than individual boutique stores. The expanded beauty section showcases 150+ global brands including Dior, Chanel, and Prada Beauty (Thailand’s first).
Sneakerheads should head to Sneakers Boulevard, a dedicated floor with over 800 pairs from rare collectibles to the latest drops.
Food: Public Market & Public Lane (levels 1-2) is a trendy “neighbourhood” food hub that connects Chidlom to Central Embassy. It features world-famous spots like Cheung Hing Kee (Hong Kong pan-fried buns).
Who It’s For: Beauty enthusiasts and sneaker collectors who prefer department store browsing over individual boutiques.
Location: 1027 Phloen Chit Road, Pathum Wan
Nearest Public Transport: Chit Lom BTS Station – direct sky bridge connection to level 1
Central Embassy
Central Embassy sits right next to Central Chidlom (they’re connected by a bridge on level 2), but serves a completely different purpose. While Chidlom is a department store with open floors, Embassy is a proper mall with individual luxury boutiques. It’s been refined as a “Community of Joie de Vivre” – the ultra-luxury sanctuary for quiet shopping.
The mall was designed by Amanda Levete and the architecture alone is worth a visit. The luxury boutiques here are massive, multi-level experiences – the Ralph Lauren and Gucci stores feel more like private apartments than shops.
Level 6’s Open House is the famous “bookstore/co-working/dining” space that was refreshed for 2026. It now features a dedicated Thai Cookbook & Souvenir Store and new exhibition spaces that host global artists. Level 5’s Siwilai City Club is a rooftop social club with a “Holiday in the Sky” festival vibe, making it one of the most popular sunset drink spots in the city.
Food: Eathai on the lower ground floor is still the gold standard for “Premium Street Food” – it’s been updated with more regional “hidden gem” vendors from around Thailand. This is authentic Thai food in a clean, modern setting.
Who It’s For: Central Embassy is for art book lovers, fine dining enthusiasts, and anyone seeking quiet luxury away from the crowds. The calm, ultra-premium vibe attracts wealthy locals rather than tourists.
Tip: Since Central Embassy and Central Chidlom are connected on level 2, the best strategy is to start at Embassy for a quiet coffee and high-end window shopping, then walk across the bridge into Chidlom for the high-energy beauty hall and Public Market.
Location: 1031 Phloen Chit Road, Pathum Wan
Nearest Public Transport: Phloen Chit BTS Station – direct connection, or Chit Lom BTS (short walk)
Platinum Fashion Mall
Platinum Fashion Mall is a wholesale and retail shopping complex that specialises in one thing: cheap fashion. If you’re after the absolute lowest prices on clothes and accessories in Bangkok, this is where you come.
The mall has over 1,300 tiny shops across two buildings that are joined by a walkway. It feels like a rabbit warren so be sure to note the zone numbers. The shops look similar and you’ll struggle to relocate anything without them.
Many shops offer wholesale prices, so if you buy 3 or more items from one shop you can usually negotiate the price down even further.
Unlike MBK’s variety, Platinum focuses purely on volume fashion – just clothing, accessories, and bags. It’s claustrophobic and overwhelming, better for tweens and teens than young kids.
Food Court: Level 5 spans both buildings – the main food court with 1,500 seats is in the second building and includes two Michelin Bib Gourmand winners.
Stay: The Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam sits right on top of the mall if you want to be steps away from the shopping action.
Who It’s For: Serious fashion bargain hunters committed to hunting through racks 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’s 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.
Each floor represents a different city (Tokyo, London, Istanbul, San Francisco) with themed decor. There is a strong selection of sports stores including Decathlon.
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: Tourists and bargain hunters who enjoy themed environments.
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 has three zones: Glass Quartier (luxury brands like Dior and Gucci), Helix Quartier (spiralling dining zone with sky garden), and Waterfall Quartier (entertainment including IMAX). Level two has Harborland play centre for kids.
There are lots of attractions for younger children on level two, including a Harborland play centre.
The Helix Quartier offers a spiralling dining zone with a variety of restaurants and cafes and the skygarden. If you’re after sunset drinks with a view, Escape Bangkok on the 5th floor is one of the affordable rooftop bars in Bangkok – it’s decked out like a beach bar with bamboo everywhere and costs significantly less than the famous hotel rooftop bars.
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.
Despite excellent signage, the size means you can still get lost easily. Allow plenty of time.
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.
Don’t be put off by the luxury ground floor – upper levels offer more variety.
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.
EmDistrict does an excellent job with their decor during festivals like Christmas and Lunar New Year.
Emsphere is best known for being home to the most central IKEA store in Bangkok and its colourful food floors.
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 Ramsay) 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: Sukhumvit-based families and wanting to avoid the Siam area.
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 and has undergone a massive “Luxury & Lifestyle Expansion” for 2026 to compete with the new One Bangkok. 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’ll find the Siam Takashimaya department store (the only branch of this legendary Japanese department store in Thailand), a large Apple Store, and several fine-dining restaurants, some with river views.
The luxury wing has almost doubled in size since 2024, with major brands expanding into massive two-story “Duplex” stores designed as experience centres with private lounges and VIP styling rooms.
What you can’t find anywhere else in Thailand: Level 7’s POP MART Global Landmark Store is the world’s largest Pop Mart store. While there are other Pop Marts in Bangkok, only ICONSIAM has the 4-metre Thai Molly statue (now dressed in traditional Thai Chakkri dress and the mall’s most-photographed landmark), the world-first Pop Mart Café serving character-themed desserts and lattes, and exclusive “Thai Landmark” collectibles like Labubu in a long-tail boat.
Also on level 7, the Infinity Forest by SOFTlab is a new permanent installation – a field of mirrored, sculptural pillars that reflect the river, the sky, and you. The Napalai Terrace has been refreshed with more public seating and better lighting, making it a free alternative to expensive rooftop bars for watching the sunset.
My favourite part of ICONSIAM is the SookSiam zone on the lower ground floor, which showcases Thai cultural heritage with traditional crafts and food from all 77 of the country’s provinces. For 2025, SookSiam expanded its craft area to focus on “Village Luxury” with a new permanent installation of upcycled Thai silk art near the central pond. The Northeast (Isan) zone was redecorated by famous Thai artists and now features giant Phi Ta Khon (Ghost) sculptures and intricate “Kao Ma” textile web ceilings.
Food: SookSiam offers authentic regional Thai dishes, including new Michelin-recognised street vendors added in 2025 – perfect for first-time Thailand visitors to build street food confidence. Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar offers casual luxury dining.
Entertainment: The evening water fountain show was upgraded in late 2025 with “4D Sky” technology (synchronized drones and eco-friendly pyrotechnics) during special events and weekend shows. Through March 2026, BLOOM in Four Seasons (level 6) is a massive immersive digital art experience featuring 3-metre tall digital flowers.
Who It’s For: Anyone wanting riverside dining and cultural experiences.
Location: 299 Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San
Nearest Public Transport: Krung Thonburi BTS Station (or a shuttle boat from Sathorn Pier)
Bangkok Shopping Malls: Common Questions
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