How to Shop Like a Local in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the best shopping destinations in the world. With shopping malls and street markets all over the city, Bangkok brings you a unique shopping experience. The best thing about shopping here is that you don’t have to empty your pockets; everything is so cheap, and there are discounts and price slashes. What’s more, there’s literally nothing you can’t find here. Here’s how you can shop like a local in Bangkok.

MBK Centre

A haven for shopping lovers, MBK Centre offers a huge array of items at unbelievably low prices. All the items are discounted, and you can buy everything you want at half the normal price. Visiting MBK Centre is also an opportunity for you to stock up on gifts for upcoming birthdays and other celebrations. The mall is open from 10 AM to 10 PM.

Siam Paragon

Located only 6 minutes from Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Siam Paragon is a swanky shopping mall in Bangkok. Contrasting the simple character of the city, this shopping mall sells all the designer brands, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Blueberry. Needless to say, you cannot shop on a budget here, but the mall is sure to bring you a delightful shopping experience.

Rot Fai Market, Srinakarin

This night market is one of the most popular street markets in the city. The market is open from 5 PM to 1 AM, from Thursday to Sunday. Dotted with tents, the market offers a diverse range of merchandise. From accessories and clothing items to street food, you can find whatever you want here. You’ll also find a few restaurants nearby, where you can treat yourself to a delicious meal once the shopping expedition is over.

J J Green Market

This is not the typical street market you find in Bangkok. J J Green Market sells a range of antiques at cheap prices. Apart from the wholesale prices you are offered, you’ll be drawn to the market by its excellent nightlife. The small tents that dot the market sell a variety of unique things, and you’ll also see vendors selling items at the back of their vans. Don’t forget to pop into one of the restaurants in the area for a delicious meal.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Open only on weekends, Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the biggest street markets in Bangkok. The market has over 20 sections selling a wide variety of items, so make sure you have plenty of time to explore the market. From food to clothes to homeware, you can find anything here. Prices are low, so don’t worry if you are on a budget. Also, be prepared to contend with the crowds; the market is popular with locals and tourists, which means that every section of the market is packed with shoppers.

Central World

The sixth-largest shopping mall in the world, Central World is a place to buy luxury goods, imported brands, and high street fashion. The mall has eight floors bursting with everything you could possibly want to buy. The mall also sells many local brands, and right outside the mall is a street market, an excellent place to buy locally made items at low prices.

Tips

If shopping is your priority, you should find a hotel in Siam Bangkok; you’ll be positioned perfectly for shopping as there are many shopping malls in the vicinity. Haggling is a skill you need to have when shopping in Bangkok. However, you shouldn’t bargain for something you don’t want to buy; also, don’t ask for the price of things you don’t want to buy. Bangkok street markets have many stalls selling similar things, so if you don’t like the price of something, you can move on to the next stall. Also, keep a tight grip on your wallet when you explore street markets; pickpocketing is quite common here.