[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places to Go Shopping in Bangkok

Shopping in Bangkok is the perfect place to find unique and interesting items for every budget.

From bustling markets to sophisticated malls, the city is a great place to find unique souvenirs, fashionable clothing, traditional handicrafts, and more. Whether you’re looking for high-end luxury goods or want to take in the local culture, Bangkok has something to offer. Here are some of the best places to go shopping in Bangkok. 

First, there are shopping malls, which provide a modern and sophisticated shopping experience. Some of the most popular malls in Bangkok include CentralWorld, MBK Center, Siam Paragon, Terminal 21, and more. These malls offer an array of international brands, designer fashion, and restaurants.

Second, there are the markets, which are a great way to experience the local culture. The most popular markets in Bangkok include Chatuchak Weekend Market, Pratunam Market, and Talad Rot Fai. These markets are full of vendors selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and food. 

Finally, there are the night markets, which are open late into the night. Popular night markets include Asiatique The Riverfront, Suan Lum Night Bazaar, and Patpong Night Market. These markets offer a variety of goods, from clothes and accessories to electronics and antiques.

No matter where you shop, Bangkok will surely provide a unique shopping experience. With its variety of malls, markets, and night markets, Bangkok is the perfect place to find whatever you’re looking for.

The Best Places to Go Shopping in Bangkok

1. Icon Siam

Icon Siam is a grandiose mall located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It is aptly nicknamed the “Mother of all malls” due to its sheer size and luxury. Although only one year old, this shopping destination has already become popular.

The best thing about Icon Siam is that visitors can enjoy delicious Thai food after a day of shopping. Additionally, the mall offers an array of extravaganzas, including regular Thai dancing and Thai boxing shows on the ground floor.

Outside the mall, visitors can marvel at the giant fountain show. This spectacular display is one of the main attractions at Icon Siam, making it one of Bangkok’s most popular shopping destinations.

2. Siam Square

Siam Square is located in the city of Bangkok, and it is a place of contrasts. It is the hub of all things cool, where styles are both created and rediscovered. In addition, it is the most expensive place to rent land in Bangkok, similar to Bond Street in London and Fifth Avenue in New York. 

Siam Square has an open-air shopping complex that exudes a feeling of creativity. Although new malls have been replacing street vendors, plenty of lanes exist to explore. This area is between Rama 1 Road, Chulalongkorn University Campus, Phayathai Road, and Henri Dunant Street.

3. Terminal 21

Terminal 21 is a huge complex located in Bangkok. It may not be the shiniest marketplace, yet it offers an exciting world tour. As you ride up the escalator, the floors are named after major cities such as Tokyo, Paris, London, the Caribbean, San Francisco, and Rome. Each floor contains a wide variety of shopping spots.

In addition to its extensive shopping experience, Terminal 21 is also renowned for its extensive food options. With a wide selection of restaurants, customers have a variety of cuisines to choose from.

4. EmQuartier

The EmQuartier is a luxury shopping mall in Bangkok, located in the poshest district of malls. While shopping in Bangkok malls is not the best for one’s budget, it can still be fun if done right. This mall houses all the top brands, from Louis Vuitton to Issey Miyake to Diane Von Furstenberg, Jimmy Choo, and more. The EmQuartier is so luxurious that it can make one feel poor just by stepping inside. However, if one is not on a budget and desires to pamper themselves with the best brands, the EmQuartier is the perfect place to do so.

5. Siam Paragon

Siam Paragon is one of the largest malls in Asia and is a popular destination for shopping in Bangkok. It features a 15-theater multiplex with the largest screens in Asia. This impressive theater complex provides a unique experience for its visitors. 

Moreover, the Gourmet Market at Siam Paragon is a great attraction for shoppers. It offers a wide variety of fresh food, imported goods, and luxury items. Consequently, this mall is one of the busiest areas in Bangkok, with people visiting its stores and restaurants again and again.

6. Siam Center

Siam Center is located just next to Siam Paragon and is connected by a walking area/ wide pavement. It is smaller than Paragon and Central World, with only four floors, and it is not one of my favorite malls in Bangkok. I usually pass through it on my way to Siam Discovery, the newly renovated and hip mall. The only reason I come here is to shop for makeup and beauty products at Sephora; other than that, there aren’t many other brands and shops that I like. 

Siam Center has a hip, dark, and dim feel, which is very popular among teenagers, and it is always busy with Thai girls and boys looking for the latest trends. 

What we do love about Siam Center is its fantastic food court on the top floor. It has a great selection of Thai and Western food and is less noisy and crowded than the neighboring Paragon Mall. It is one of our favorite Bangkok food courts and is well worth a visit if you get hungry and need a break from shopping.

7. Talad Rot Fai Train Market

Talad Dek New Market, which translates to “hipster’s market” in English, is the best market in Bangkok for shopping. With around two thousand stalls, it has the biggest collection of antiques on sale. It is quite popular in the city and attracts a lot of tourists for its retro items and cheap beer and cocktails. These unique offerings further enhance the atmosphere of the market.

8. Khao San Road

This market on Khao San Road in Bangkok is definitely the place to be for the best shopping. There is a large variety of things to do and buy, including finding cheap lodging and attractive shops. It has gained a lot of popularity over the years, as it used to be a hipster haven. Visitors can find an amazing selection of Thai souvenirs and also a great range of CDs, DVDs, and second-hand English books. The food and bars are also renowned, making it a must-visit destination.

9. Central World

The Central World Plaza was formerly known as the World Trade Center. It is now the third-largest shopping complex in Asia, making it a popular destination for shoppers in Bangkok. Central World offers more than just shopping; there are numerous events and festivities happening daily, making it a great place to explore.

10. Bangkok Night Markets

Night markets in Bangkok are an excellent way to experience the culture of the city. They offer a wide variety of goods and products, snacks, and entertainment that can be enjoyed after dark. These markets often offer incredible bargains that are hard to pass up. Bangkok has several large night markets, with the original Rot Fai Market in the east being the largest. Additionally, various smaller local markets around the city specialize in vintage fashion and provide a great atmosphere for a night of shopping, eating, and drinking. To help decide which night market best fits you, check out our list of Bangkok’s best night markets.

Asiatique

Asiatique is a unique shopping experience combining two of the most popular shopping experiences in the city: a night bazaar and a mall. Located around 10 minutes downriver from Saphan Taksin BTS station, this complex is a replica of a former international trade port. It is home to over 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants.

Visitors can enjoy browsing the boutiques, which open from 4 pm, and find something delicious to eat in the evening. In addition to shopping, Asiatique offers nightly performances such as the Calypso ladyboy cabaret. These shows offer further entertainment and make Asiatique a great evening place.

Chang Chui Bangkok Plane Night Market

Chang Chui Bangkok Plane Night Market is an exceptional night market in Bangkok. It is well-known for its selection of shopping and dining spots and its modern, urban, and often whimsical art pieces crafted from recycled and scrap materials. The market’s creators believe that ‘nothing is useless,’ and the results of this philosophy are evident in the stunning artworks that can be found throughout the market. 

The most eye-catching feature of Chang Chui is the giant shell of a Tristar airliner. However, plenty of other interesting sculptures and urban art pieces are waiting to be discovered. Every pathway leads to something fascinating, making this one of Bangkok’s most enjoyable night markets.

Chatuchak Friday Night Market

The Chatuchak Market is a massive draw on weekends, but did you know it is also open on Fridays from 9 pm until late. Vendors set up their stalls with much of the same stock as Saturdays and Sundays, with fewer people and fewer open stalls. For example, the homeware, gardening, and pets sections are closed.

The atmosphere on Fridays is much more relaxed and local, with the main stores, restaurants, and bars open around the main ring road of the market. This draws in a young crowd from the nearby universities.

Khlong Thom Market

Khlong Thom Market is a bustling outdoor market located in Bangkok. Formerly known as the “Flashlight Market” due to the need for torches to view the goods when shopping at night, the market is especially crowded late on Saturday evenings.

Khlong Thom Market offers a wide variety of goods, ranging from spare car parts and electronic devices to clothing and toys. The street side stalls are lined with motley displays of secondhand goods and knick-knacks, while the 3-story Khlong Thom Centre (close to Worachak Road) offers shoppers car accessories and toys for sale.

The market covers Luang, Worachak, Charoenkrung, and Suar Pa Roads, making it easily accessible from many parts of Bangkok.

Rod Fai Market 1

Rod Fai Market, located behind Seacon Square on Srinakarin Road, is a huge open-air bazaar in the eastern suburbs of Bangkok. It stands out from the hordes of other outdoor markets in the city due to the variety of vintage collectibles and memorabilia it offers. Spread on the ground are antique furniture, hippy fashion, and Mao kitsch.

Rod Fai Market 2

Rod Fai Market, located in the Ratchada area of Bangkok, offers a unique shopping experience. It has the same convivial night bazaar feel, antique curios, street-food snacks, and treats as its original location. What makes this location more convenient is its accessibility. It is located near the Cultural Centre MRT Underground Station, which makes it easy to visit anytime between 5 pm and midnight, Thursday to Sunday. The market is much more central and compact than its original location, making it easy to pop in for a spot of browsing.

Box Space Ratchayothin Night Market

Ratchayothin Night Market is located in the northern part of the city. It is known for its trendy items on sale, and it is conveniently located next to the Major Ratchoyothin Cinema and IMAX complex. At the complex, you can enjoy a movie before or after shopping. In addition to the market, there are also a few bargain shops and eateries.

Getting to the market is quite easy. The easiest way is to take the MRT subway to Phahonyothin station, then take a tuk-tuk and tell the driver to take you to ‘talat’ (market) Major Ratchoyothin. Alternatively, you can take bus number 543, which runs by Ratchoyothin, or take a taxi from BTS Mo Chit station to the market.

Sukhumvit Street Market

The Middle Eastern quarter of Bangkok, also known as “Little Arabia,” is renowned for its vibrant street shopping. Along the main road, vendors have set up a roadside market, offering a variety of items. From counterfeit T-shirts, bags, trinkets, DVDs, and CDs to eastern-influenced apparel, these stalls provide the perfect opportunity to find authentic gifts for friends and family back home. Nana shopping is popular in this area, offering a unique and memorable experience.

11. Floating Markets in Bangkok

Floating markets in Bangkok are one of the city’s most popular attractions. Tourists flock to these markets to experience the vibrancy of the colors, chaos, flavors, and atmosphere. One unique aspect of these markets is the opportunity to buy a snack from a passing boat. 

Unfortunately, many people are discouraged from visiting the floating markets due to their distance from the city, the cost of the tour, and the early wake-up time needed to get there. To combat this, there are several floating markets around Bangkok that are open all day, including one 12km from Siam Paragon that can be reached before lunchtime without having to sacrifice sleep. 

When choosing a floating market, it’s important to consider the atmosphere, look, and location to find the one that is right for you. With so many options, you are sure to find one that suits your needs.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak has been Thailand’s most iconic floating market for many years. It achieved its prominence due to its use as a setting in the 1974 James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun. Its popularity is largely attributed to its large, vibrant atmosphere and its abundance of boats selling food and fruits. Visitors find the market very photogenic, with its vivid colors and unique atmosphere.

However, Damnoen Saduak is 100 km from Bangkok, and its success has robbed it of its authenticity. It has become more like a theme park, with an atmosphere that lacks real, local vibrancy.

Amphawa Floating Market

Amphawa is a floating market located 90 km southwest of Bangkok, Thailand. It is a popular tourist destination due to its authenticity and cute, fun atmosphere. Along the canal, many little wooden houses sell souvenirs, snacks, and sweets. Additionally, an amazing little temple across the river is swallowed by a giant tree. 

The only downside is that it gets incredibly crowded. To avoid this, arriving early in the morning and having an early seafood lunch on the river banks is best. By midday, it will feel like half the population of Bangkok has moved to Amphawa. To get the most out of the experience, get a longtail boat cruise when the rest of the crowd starts eating.

Taling Chan Floating Market

Taling Chan is a favorite floating market near Bangkok. Located 12 km from downtown Bangkok, it is open all day and has the perfect number of boats for a traditional floating market experience. In addition, there is a large local market attached.

Visitors can take small longtail boat cruises to explore the nearby khlongs (canals). This market may not have the same old-world charm as other markets, but it does have a more genuine feel.

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

Khlong Lat Mayom is a medium-sized floating market located close to Bangkok. It is known for its local atmosphere and is a great chance to sample a variety of fruits and sweets. To get the most out of the experience, it is best to combine it with the nearby Taling Chan Floating Market.

However, Khlong Lat Mayom is not as large as some of the more famous floating markets. There are usually no more than 10 vendors, and no option for a longtail boat cruise.

Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market

Bang Nam Pheung floating market is one of the smallest and closest to central Bangkok, only 20 km away. A taxi is the most convenient way to get there, as the market is not easily accessible. Although small, the market offers an interesting range of food to sample and is set in a beautiful area known as ‘The Lung of Bangkok’. A natural curve of the river protects this sanctuary and provides an untouched landscape.

Despite its small size, Bang Nam Pheung floating market cannot be accurately described as “floating.” There are only about six boats, so visitors will not be able to take the same chaotic and vibrant photos found at larger markets.

Tha Kha Floating Market

Tha Kha Floating Market is the smaller sibling of the nearby Damneon Saduak market. It has managed to escape the crowds of tourists and overdevelopment that the larger market experiences, so it’s a modest size and local atmosphere are likely to remain. With a canopy of natural surroundings, the market offers a peaceful atmosphere.

Visitors will find a number of elderly Thais in their rowboats selling fruit, vegetables, local food, and delicious sweets. The main buyers here are the Tha Kha natives, who travel in rowboats. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, as people here seem to know each other very well, and there are often very few tourists around.

12. Bangkok Flower Market

Bangkok Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talad) is Bangkok’s biggest wholesale and retail fresh flower market. Located on Chak Phet Road, near Saphan Phut (Memorial Bridge), it is part of the Old City and lies just south of Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). The market has access to a river pier, so it makes for a great single-day trip when combined with other historical attractions.

The market offers a variety of flowers and flora-related items, including roses, forget-me-nots, orchids, lilies, and more. Most of them are sold in packs of 50 or 100 flowers each, and prices are amazingly cheap. With its vast selection of fresh flowers and reasonable prices, Bangkok Flower Market is a must-visit for those who appreciate the beauty of flowers.