Hi-So Shopping in Bangkok’s Luxury Malls

If there is one thing that almost every Thai person enjoys doing, it’s “shoppING!” This shows from the top to the bottom of Bangkok, with nearly every developable meter being marked out by one vendor or another. From night markets, street vendors, shops, and shopping malls all the way up to some of the most magnificent and imperial edifices of commerce in the kingdom – the luxury shopping malls and emporiums.

Here the Thai concept of luxury and service is magnified to a point of regal opulence that rivals anything else of their kind on Earth. Places like Terminal 21 create a completely unique shopping experience in every way possible. With 9 floors and over 600 stores, restaurants, a gourmet supermarket and a cineplex it is already impressive; but it isn’t the sheer size of the place that is so amazing. 

The place has been made to look like a modern airport, with big electric signs pointing the way to different destinations around the mall and the service and information personnel decked out in air host and hostess attire; and the clincher – each floor is a different international destination – the Caribbean, Japan, London, Istanbul, Paris, and San Francisco. The experience is overwhelming and so much more than simply perusing through high class goods.  The most mouthwatering array of international delicacies, the finest goods, and one of the coolest concepts period make Terminal 21 a must for anyone, even if they don’t THINK they like malls.

Chidlom is home to three of the city’s most fantastic malls, including the sprawling Central World. Central World’s will knock the breath out of you when you first step into it; more than 600 stores, 15 cinemas, restaurants, café’s, markets and a wide variety of educational and entertainment venues (like karate or music studios). It is also home to the 7 floor goliath that is Zen with its own restaurants and products, and a gym on top (just as good as a cherry).

This is within walking distance of Erawan and Gaysorn, two other high end malls. Gaysorn is pretty focused, with a wide variety of high class clothing, fashion accessories, lifestyle items, and furnishings. Top designers and a graceful metal and marble design make you feel like you just stepped up in the world by just stepping over the threshold. 

Erawan is attached to the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel and contains a number of high end boutique and clothing stores, restaurants, as well as a number of massage, spa, and hair stylist offerings. Just like Gaysorn, you feel that you have stepped into a more elite role in the world when you walk the halls of the Erawan.