Bangkok is one of the world’s premiere shopping meccas. For something smaller scale and personalized, you can check out cutting edge Thai design from the women’s clothing designer Senada Theory, or get your own handmade and fitted suit made by the trustworthy Pinky Tailor. The fanciest designer brand goods are available in the glitzy upscale malls that are spread throughout the city, led by the new “mother of all malls” Icon Siam, along with the glamorous EmQuartier, Siam Paragon and the mammoth Central World. In places like this you can eat gelati or go an aquarium, sit in a Starbucks or even watch a sumo wrestling demonstration. In fact, in quirky Terminal 21, you can even travel around the world as the mall is themed to resemble different cities on different floors. Malls in Bangkok are refreshingly cool, filled with trendy eateries, Cineplex’s and bowling alleys, bookstores, cafes, and thousands of shops to choose from, not to mention that they host ongoing musical events, festivals, and an array of changing displays, making them places to spend entire days in. For those who want something a bit more unique, try the outdoor markets that are special to Bangkok. Chatuchak Weekend Market is legendary, hot and chaotic, but a great spot to bargain and people watch. The hipster retro market Talad Rot Fai is the city’s biggest antique market, and has VW cocktail bars and plenty of cool stuff, plus it is a real local affair. Even good old Khao San Road is fun for shopping, with hundreds of small shops and stalls catering to the tourist trade. You can get anything from souvenirs to take home here to tattoos and hair braids to make yourself unrecognizable upon return!
