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Shopping in Bangkok

The most cosmopolitan city in Thailand, Bangkok is a shopping mecca for locals and falangs (foreigners) alike. Find nearly anything in the city’s many markets, or discover the latest trends in the sois surrounding Siam Square.

World-class shopping centers, high-tech electronics shops, exotic food stalls -- whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Bangkok.

Shopping Centers

You can’t get more upscale than the Central World Plaza, a sophisticated glass complex in Siam Square containing hundreds of stores, from French high-fashion (Pierre Cardin and Guy Laroche) to American classics (Levi’s and Nike). The center also contains dozens of food options and a cineplex that often shows English-language films.

Next door, the Siam Center is a good bet for mid-range shopping. The four-story shopping center contains more than 300 stores, 20 restaurants and a spacious food court, making it perfect for a mid-day mall crawl – if you can stomach the hordes of adolescents jabbering away on their cell phones. Adjacent to the Siam Center is the Siam Discovery Center, an equally large shopping complex with a "One Floor, One Concept" theme, with stores that are grouped in thematic clusters.

Boutiques

The sois around Siam Square are jam-packed with small boutiques offering up the latest trends for men and women. On Soi 3, check out Origano for vintage cool duds or Nolita for slightly pricier, but higher-quality, dress clothes. On Soi 4, Pisces has great classic silhouettes, while Great ZY sells fun, slightly whimsical pieces. Inevitably, all the options will start to overwhelm you; rest your feet in the Freedom Cafe, a three-story concept space with great coffee, cool tunes and free Internet.

Souvenirs

If you’re in Bangkok over the weekend, don’t miss the Chatuchak Market (Th Phahonyothin, near Moh Chit BTS station). The overwhelming collection of street stalls may comprise the world's largest weekend market, with more than 15,000 vendors selling anything from exotic foods to fake Rolexes to authentic handicrafts. A more relaxed option is the Suan Lum Night Bazaar (Th Rama IV, near Lumpini MRT station), which features an extensive, but manageable, array of stalls and a beer garden with live entertainment.

More about Bangkok shopping around the Web:

Asia Travel Tips - Shopping in Bangkok

Bangkok Shopping - What and Where to Buy in Bangkok

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