Bangkok is very accessible with the introduction of their train systems. It is possible to drive straight into the shopping craze as soon as you arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Make your way to the Airport Rail Link train at B2 of the airport and travel to the various shopping heaven below.
There will always be 2 prices that they will quote; "single price" (1 piece) and "wholesale price" (2 or more pieces). For wholesale prices, some stores might limit that to buying more than 1 piece of the SAME design. Better to ask than assume. Plus, try bargaining a few bahts off.
1. Pratunam Market
Via the red Airport Rail Link, stop at Ratchaprarop station. The whole area of Pratunam Market is a packed, messy mixture of clothing, accessories and street food. It is impossible to cover everything in a single day.
Plus, there are the morning and night shifts for some food street stalls. The food at the streets are more delicious and cheaper than those in a regular stores. For only 150baht, you can get a medium-sized bowl of seafood tom yum soup! Halal stalls and stores are hard to spot but they are there, try venturing into the nooks and crannies of the alleys and look for the halal signs.
Be careful of the traffic of vehicles on the cramped street. It was horrific and sad to see a flattened rat along the street.
2. Platinum Fashion Mall
Platinum Mall is famous with tourists. It is a walking distance from Pratunam Market. The mall is organized to clothing in the first 3 levels, bags and shoes in the next few levels, and their foodcourt in the highest level 6. Added plus point, it is air-conditioned.
For the Muslims, there is only 1 halal stall at their foodcourt selling "yellow rice with chicken" and "yong tau fu". The desserts there are great as well.
3. Chatuchak Weekend Market
This is further. Transfer to the pale green Sukhumvit Line and ride to Mo Chit station. Once there, just follow the crowd to the market.
The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays at 9am to 6pm, and Fridays at 6pm to midnight. The place is supposedly sectioned into many categories according to their products (Map of Chatuchak Market). For me, I am not bothered about those sections. Just walk around leisurely and you will stumble upon some great finds.
There are lots to shop for there but hydrate yourself with the fresh coconut water or some amazing Coca-Cola flavours (e.g. cherry) from the stalls.
4. Artbox
Episode 5 of the event just ended on the 9th August 2015. I do hope they would continue with more episodes to come. The last venue was at Makkasan Railway Station via the Airport Rail Link.
Their concept of using plain white shipping containers for a storefront rather than regular tentage was interesting. The outdoor event was lighted with strings of bright yellow lights, giving it a magical feeling. There was even a live band playing with engaging hosts. Visitors were even encouraged to participate in their games.
Clothing, food and music. There are many stalls that sell handmade goods. For instance, passport covers, bags, perfumed flowers and printed T-shirts. (more info)
5. Siam Paragon
Plopped yourself at Siam Station, on the pale green Sukhumvit Line. Siam Paragon is an air-conditioned mall with high-end brand stores, regular stores (e.g. Isetan), food stores and a cinema! (mall directory)
There will be VAT refund for your purchases. Spend more than 2,000baht in a single day and you will be eligible for the VAT refund. Remember to bring along your passport.
A short walk from either Siam Paragon or Platinum Fashion Mall, you can find more stores for the endless thirst to shop at 6. Central World and 7. The Big C.
The only reason I went to The Big C was to buy the snacks at their Big C supermarket, and I am not the only crazy tourists to do that. Dried mango, tom yum-flavoured instant noodles, fried seaweed, Pocky sticks (blueberry-, strawberry-, almond chocolate-, banana-, green tea- flavoured), instant Thai milk tea mix and lots more. Halal certified brands are sold there. They even provide empty cardboard boxes outside of the store for those who intend to pack their groceries back to their country.
