Things to do in the city – Malls
Amidst the urban jungle of Bangkok, malls are a ubiquitous feature. When you go to a shopping mall in Bangkok, it’s never just a mall; they’re colossal structures that provide a comprehensive experience, blending shopping, entertainment, and dining under one roof. They are social spaces with a bit of everything for everyone. Check out some of these famous malls while you’re here!
This list focuses on malls located within the city center, so around Watthana, Pathum Wan, Ratchathewi, Bang Rak, Thon Buri, and Sathorn. If you want a list of things to do around the Thaitails 2024 hotel in Nonthaburi, check out this list!
All directions will be via public transport, if applicable. As usual, you can also call a taxi or a ride-share through Grab or Bolt.
CentralWorld
One of the most famous shopping complexes in all of Bangkok, CentralWorld is situated at the heart of Bangkok on the Ratchaprasong intersection in Pathum Wan. It offers a wide range of products and services, from fashion and lifestyle to entertainment and dining. Central World Bangkok has over 500 stores, including international brands, local designers, and specialty shops. It also features a five-star hotel, a 15-screen cinema, two Hindu shrines, and an ice-skating rink. CentralWorld is more than just a shopping destination—it’s a world of its own.
Personally, my favorite part of CentralWorld would have to be the restaurants. It’s a hub for world-class restaurants such as the Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, Bonchon, Haidilao, and Sushiro.
Directions
Ride to BTS Chit Lom station and take the skybridge to the complex. Follow the signs and walk about 500m to reach the mall.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DA6pz63ryxjA2Xoq6
Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is a world-class, luxury shopping complex also based in the heart of Bangkok. It features over 500 stores, a five-star hotel, a modern cinema, one of Asia’s largest aquariums, and an opera concert hall. It’s also known as Asia’s biggest diamond trading center, with over fifty diamond retailers. Siam Paragon is located within Siam, the busiest shopping district in the city. With so many things to do, it’s easy to get lost in this shopping paradise.
My favorite attraction at Siam Paragon is Kinokuniya, the Japanese bookstore chain. It’s a giant bookstore filled with a combination of local, Japanese and English books. You could spend an entire day and get lost in the books!
Directions
Ride to BTS Siam station. Siam Paragon is easily accessible directly from the station upper floor exit.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ukaioEs8AXMevjDU6
Siam Center
Siam Center is an iconic shopping mall located within the Siam center. It’s known for its innovative and creative design, featuring various art installations, interactive displays, and digital media. Siam Center is also a hub for fashion and lifestyle, showcasing local and international brands, as well as emerging and established designers. It is connected to Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery, forming a complex of three malls that cater to different tastes and preferences.
If you have the time, be sure to check out Siam Discovery next door! Siam Discovery is a hub for modern youth fashion, with shops stocked with the latest fashion trends. Along the street is Siam Square, with plenty of vendors and hawkers selling their goods.
Directions
Ride to BTS Siam station and take the same exit as Siam Paragon. Siam Center is right opposite of Paragon.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kaeh86NSKULpHh6H7
MBK Center
MBK Center is one of the oldest and most famous malls in the city, with a history dating back to 1985. It’s is not your typical mall, with a maze-like layout of local shops, stalls and vendors that sell everything from knock-off clothing to electronics and souvenirs. The hectic atmosphere of the mall floor is more like a street market than a mall! With eight floors to discover, you can find a sprawling mobile and electronics floor, a furniture and home decor zone, a large food court, a cinema, a bowling alley, and an arcade stocked with modern arcade booths!
A lot of furry friends that I know like to spend the day arcade on the top floor to play arcade rhythm games. The top floor of MBK is somewhat of an otaku paradise, with a variety of anime stores, retro game stores, and more! There’s even a maid cafe, if you feel like indulging yourself.
Directions
Ride to BTS Siam station and interchange to the BTS Silom line heading to National Stadium at Platform 4. Ride one stop to National Stadium and exit at the terminus. Take the skybridge that hovers the intersection to the complex.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1Y9Xksaxmjr5wa779
EmQuartier
EmQuartier is a contemporary hub for international brands and upmarket international dining, with a wide variety of fashion brands and food to explore. Spend the day shopping luxury goods or head up the Helix tower to look for a dinner to remember. It’s an urban jungle personified into its architecture, featuring a unique luxury cinema, a common courtyard, and so much variety to choose from.
I honestly just like walking here; the architectural layout is fascinating, and it’s structured in such a way that it encourages you to explore.
Directions
Ride to BTS Phrom Phong station. The complex is connected directly via the station exit.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uod8Jho8TR9jVvdR8
EmSphere
EmSphere is the newest mall on this list, as part of the EM District family based around Phrom Phong. It’s a futuristic, minimalist and innovative mall that offers over 300 stores, with international brands blending together with local designers and specialty shops. It features a state-of-the-art concert hall, an aquarium, a cinema, and a rooftop garden.
Probably the biggest feature of EmSphere is IKEA! This marks IKEA’s fourth store in Thailand, located right in the center of Bangkok for once. If you feel like getting a fill of Swedish furniture and meatballs, you know where to go.
Directions
Ride to BTS Phrom Phong station and walk a bit down Sukhumvit road to get to the mall.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/v5Vfe8udKKqZFqYD6
Terminal 21 Asok
Terminal 21 is a shopping mall designed to resemble an airport terminal, with each floor representing a different city of country. You can travel around the world, from Paris to Tokyo, to London and Istanbul, without leaving the mall! With over 600 shops, it’s a tightly packed mall with plenty to discover.
Terminal 21 is another one of those malls where it’s just fun to walk around and explore. The different theming on each floor makes for great props for photoshoots!
Direction
Ride to BTS Asok station or MRT Blue Line Sukhumvit station, connecting to the station exits, with direct access via the upper level.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fveDk1t3TGDV4WnHA
ICONSIAM
ICONSIAM is a gigantic, vast mall with hundreds of high-end shops and restaurants, complete with an indoor floating market, a dining atrium, and an insane number of stores to choose from. Is this level of consumerism even possible? Is it even allowed? ICONSIAM is situated perfectly next to the Chao Phraya River on the Thon Buri side, so you can do your shopping and end the day with a sunset river cruise, overlooking dancing fountains and a brightly lit cityscape.
I don’t even know where to start with this place. It’s an entire miniature city on its own. The view of the river from the top is spectacular.
Directions
Ride to BTS Saphan Taksin. Take the regular cross-river ferry from Sathorn Pier to ICONSIAM and take a short walk to the mall.
Asiatique: The Riverfront
Asiatique is a unique shopping complex, designed like a traditional riverfront pier. It’s equipped with a modern entertainment center, an outdoor dining area, and plenty of local handicrafts and clothing on sale. It’s an amazing experience at night!
The ferris wheel is a landmark on its own, taking you up almost 60 meters in the air to get a view of the Bangkok skyline. It’s a breathtaking view of the city at night!
Directions
Ride to BTS Saphan Taksin. Take the Route 1 Minibus (Thanon Tok – Sanam Luang) to Asiatique: The Riverfront.