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Bangkok is fast establishing itself as one of the trendiest and most desired shopping and dining havens in Asia over the past years, thanks to the Thai government’s stamp on developing the local lifestyle scene there. The city is reminiscent of Kuala Lumpur a couple of years ago but more affordable, and way, way edgier. Local designers are in abundance, while shopping centres and restaurants are mushrooming at a rapid rate. Here’s an itinerary on what not to miss in bustling Bangkok.
Trendy designs
Bangkok is where it’s at for big name boutiques, world class, funky local designers and affordable, no-frills knick knacks. With no less than 15 major shopping malls there, visitors are certainly spoilt for choice.
The biggest shopping centre in Bangkok, Siam Centre, recently had a facelift, and is still considered the place to visit. This magical, modern, vividly coloured glass box appeals to families, teenagers and trendsetters alike, as it carries local brand names such as soda, Fly now, Kloset and senada. There are also a few trendy food outlets on each
floor, making it one of the most convenient and
accessible shopping centres here.
Also popular is The Emporium Shop- ping Complex, as it is well constructed and decorated in a “Parisian” style. emporium stocks mid- to high-end de- signer brands, and provides shoppers with an elegant and purchase-induc-
ing ambience, especially in the wom-
en’s department. More sought after designer brands can also be found at Gaysorn and Erawan Bangkok. Both
are located at siam Central, and are mere minutes away from one another, and is connected via an overhead bridge.
Part of the grand Hyatt erawan, erawan
Bangkok stocks multi-brand boutiques like Blackjack
and Club 21 (similar to that found in singapore, but with different, more diverse, collections), as well as a whole floor dedicated to beauty, health and well-being. gaysorn is also extremely popular among the rich and famous, who go there for top-end international and Thai brands — from dior to Belle to givenchy to Bangkok Fashion society. The mood here is elegant and sophisticated.
serious ABouT sTyLe
But for the well-heeled who are serious about style, check out the one-of-a-kind Playground! at sukhumvit soi 55. Thai royal- ties and celebrities have been spotted
here on a weekly basis, and is the latest
territory for the hip and trendy. Play- ground! is essentially a concept store for the Thai groovy set, and all the collections found here are specially handpicked by the proprietors. Consisting of three levels, shoppers are assured of an exclusive experience, as home décor items from europe and the us, edgy local and
international fashion brands, rare music, magazines and toys are all located under one roof.
For those into fuss-free shopping, head
down to the packed MBK Centre for
everyday items. A lot of tourists swear
by MBK as it is huge—spanning over
89,000sqm, and has over 2,000 retail
stores and 150 dining outlets. MBK is
also hot for that pseudo Louis Vuitton or
Prada that you’ve been eyeing for the longest time, as it is the biggest market for fashion accessories, mobile phones and entertainment items in town.
if you love a good bargain, Chatuchak Weekend Market is the place to be on the weekends. Practically everything under the sun, from the smallest nails, to foods, trendy fashion, an- tiques, wooden carvings, masks from far-off lands, colourful fish of every hue and singing birds, can be found here.
More bargains can also be had at the Suan Lum Night Market. decorative items, cheap clothing and accessories are a staple here, and is a good place to chill and unwind after a
day’s out. suan Lum’s ad hoc night arts performances are also free and entertaining.
eAT WeLL
Bangkok’s wining and dining scene is also burgeoning, with literally thousands
of food establishments to choose from,
EV Tip:
Make sure that you set aside 500 baht for airport tax when leaving Bangkok’s don Muang international Airport.
EV Tip:
Visit money changers when in town or shopping centres, as it is difficult to find money changers in the outskirts of Bangkok.
Bargaining is vital at Chatuchak Weekend Market.