While we can all agree The Hangover series greatly exaggerates the average person’s trip to Thailand – assuming, of course, you didn’t steal a monkey in reality – the movie certainly got one thing right: a trip to Bangkok is an unforgettable experience.
From night markets to cheap street food, Bangkok promises a budget-friendly yet all-encompassing trip with so many things to do in Bangkok. In fact, prepare yourself for the extra luggage you’ll most likely be lugging back to Singapore since it’s almost impossible to resist the wide variety of malls in Bangkok.
The current exchange rate is ฿1 = ~S$0.038 as of 14th August 2024.
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Image credit: MBK Center via Google Maps
With around 2,000 stores spread across 8 floors, MBK Center offers a wide variety of entertainment, from basic pop-ups to museums. In addition to entertainment centres, this mall has multiple late-night restaurants and traditional souvenir shops for you to splurge at.
Image credit: @escaperoomthailand via Instagram
One of the most exciting features is Escape Room Thailand, located on the 7th floor. Squash all debate about who the smartest one in the friend group is, and brave themes like Prison Break and Mummy Returns that this fun escape room has to offer.
Before you attempt to prove your intellect to your entire bloodline, note that a maximum of 8 people are permitted per room. You’ll be given 45 minutes to escape at a price of ฿550/pax (~S$21).
Image credit: Karaoke Manekineko Thailand via Facebook
Whenever you’re done crowning yourself as the ultimate genius, head over to Manekineko Karaoke on the same floor and proclaim yourself the Céline Dion of the group. While you won’t be selling out concert halls of millions of people, the smallest room can host up to 4 people for you to bust out that vocal expertise.
With almost 200,000 songs to pick from, guests are given options in different languages including English, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, and Japanese.
Screenshot from: Arcade Games via YouTube
MBK Center also houses an enormous arcade, HERO CITY Game Center. Numerous games, like Dance Evolution and multiple claw machines are readily available for friends and family to conquer.
Image credit: @filnette via steemit
The 3D trick art museum, Magic Art Museum, also located on the 7th floor, has cool art installations for you to shamelessly pose with and capture the perfect IG post.
This enormous mall also houses massage and spa parlours as well as numerous shops selling products ranging from fashionable clothes to cool electronics. However, before you proceed to flaunt your purchases back home, keep your eyes peeled for dupes that are commonly found here.
Another worthy addition to the list of Bangkok malls you must visit is centralwOrld. With its impressive size, this mall has so many exciting features, including laser tag, delicious food, and an ice skating rink
Image credit: 林美丽Pavielin via Google Maps
Make your nation proud and flex those ice skating skills you so carefully honed in the Kallang rink at The Rink Central World, situated on the 2nd floor. It offers great prices of ฿250 (~S$8) for 2 hours of skating. In case you feel like you’ll embarrass our proud nation, feel free to utilise the kid-friendly equipment available for beginners.
This mall also has a fun laser tag centre, Playsquare CentralWorld, where you and your friends can dramatically battle and live out your James Bond fantasies. With stellar Google ratings of 4.9/5, visitors can enjoy more than 20 game modes in this space-themed arena.
Image adapted from: @siu_yau & @junericee via Instagram
While there are a large number of restaurants at centralwOrld, one that particularly stands out is Khao Jaan-Prod which serves authentic Thai food coupled with a beautiful interior for you to ogle at.
Until 10th November 2024, centralwOrld has released their latest display, Hello Kitty Exhibition: Celebration Of Friendship to celebrate the 50th birthday of the iconic Hello Kitty. Both kids and adults – it’s okay, we won’t judge – can immerse themselves in the wonders of Hello Kitty with colourful displays.
Guests can gain access to 1 exhibition at ฿590 (~S$22.60) and receive a souvenir. For entrance to 2 exhibitions, an entry fee of ฿1,100 (~S$42) applies and guests receive 2 souvenirs.
Image credit: ICONSIAM
Being crowned the largest shopping centre in Bangkok is certainly an impressive feat, considering the tough competition. ICONSIAM stretches over an impressive 500,000 sqm of retail and entertainment outlets. An additional 25,000 sqm houses the Luxury Wing catering to those who want to tap into their inner atas selves and explore brand-name stores, like Rolex and Louis Vuitton.
Image credit: HarbourLand Group
Kiddos will love Mega Harborland, a large indoor playground for little ones. Kids can brave many fun activities, including the Zip Line, Dragon Spiral Tower Slide, Boomerang Donut Slide, and Ta-Khon Roller Slide.
Image credit: ICONSIAM
In addition to the approximate 7,000 stores and 100 restaurants, another exciting feature is the floating market, SOOKSIAM, located on the ground floor. Besides being visually aesthetic, there are tons of authentic delicious food options to devour while strolling through the scenic route special to this market.
One of the top eateries to explore is Vitsana Noodle whose highlight is the thin noodles coupled with the crispy chashu. Another eatery to dine at is Plearn Poong where minced pork with basil is a signature dish due to its exclusive recipe available at only this branch.
Image credit: ICONSIAM
According to their official website, the recommended time to visit this mall is golden hour between 5pm and 6pm. Make sure to bask in the sunset, while witnessing The ICONIC Multimedia Water Features Show – a magnificent display of South East Asia’s longest water fountain.
This show plays with different technology, like Compress Air Technology, to create a display like nothing you’ve seen before. Catch this daily at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm.
Image credit: Siam Paragon
In addition to a ton of shopping options to scour through, Siam Paragon offers a wide variety of entertainment, including an aquarium, karaoke studio, and museums for both kids and adults to enjoy.
Image credit: ภัทรกุล เอกรักษา via Google Maps
Grab your animal-lover friends and family and geek out at the largest Sea Life Centre in Southeast Asia, SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World. Located on level B1, this centre has cool marine species, like penguins. When spamming your followers with stories, remember to smile and wave, boys.
If you find yourself exhausted with shopping, take solace in the bowling alley, Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl. As opposed to the usual snack options in other alleys, you can choose to devour a full-fledged meal, while flexing your bowling expertise. Some of their signature dishes include deep fried chicken with tamarind sauce, deep fried sea bass with fish sauce, and steamed sea bass with spicy lemon sauce.
Image credit: Manoj Jadhav via Google Maps
Flanking this mall on either side, are Siam Discovery and Siam Center. Siam Discovery houses the Madame Tussauds Bangkok museum where you can unleash your inner fangirl and witness the uncanny wax figures of some of the world’s greatest heroes – the Queen, Barack Obama… and One Direction.
Siam Center is known for its hyper focus on art, fashion, technology, and lifestyle shops. This mall incorporates well-loved brands like Kloset and Taktai, offering edgy fashionable clothes that combine Thai culture with a modern day take.
Excitingly, tourists can also enjoy discounts once they’ve applied for their very own Onesiam Tourist card.
Image credit: Terminal 21
Scam your way into the travel influencer lifestyle by documenting a unique experience offered by Terminal 21. In addition to browsing through stores, wanderlust-struck visitors are given a chance to explore different countries through decorations based on touristic locations. From Tokyo to Paris, this airport-themed mall offers, dare I say, a world class experience.
Image credit: Harborland Terminal 21 Rama 3 via Google Maps
Tire your kids out before their afternoon nap and indulge in Terminal 21’s HarborLand where families can easily spend a fun-packed 2.5 hours indulging in exciting activities. Highlights of this arena include an AR interactive jump and a shooting ball game to score points.
Image credit: @terminal21asok via Instagram
In addition to offering different international experiences, this mall also has a great food court, Pier 21, that serves authentic local Thai food for you to devour. Chor-Ma-Lee Bistro is a highly-rated restaurant, known for their high quality and delicious beef dishes.
Image credit: @loftybamboo via Instagram
To add to the authentic Bangkok experience, Terminal 21 also has a wide variety of local designer stores on every floor. Lofty Bamboo is a hidden gem of a store selling handicrafts made by Thai villagers. Some of the intricately woven items include traditional clothing, wallets, and fabric bags.
Pro tip: Tourists can also enjoy discounts of up to 70% once Terminal 21 tourist cards are collected from Information counters upon presentation of passports.
Image credit: Esplanade Ratchada via Google Maps
Esplanade Ratchadaphisek houses the iconic Esplanade Cineplex Ratchadaphisek – a complex with a whopping 12 theatres. Movie buffs and foodies alike are guaranteed to have a delightful time at this massive mall. Jones’ Salad and Hiyaku izakaya are 2 restaurants amongst the highly-rated options at this mall.
Image credit: @vanida_smile via Instagram
Visitors can opt to watch a movie privately in the VIP theatre, BSC Diamond, for ฿700 (~S$27). This super luxurious option includes sofa sets, massage chairs, and access to a drink bar. It’s the perfect date night for you and bae or for you and your bro you swear is “just a friend”. A wide variety of snacks are also available to choose from, with cheese popcorn being the bestseller.
Image credit: Chat Soo (Tor) via Google Maps
Once you’ve stuffed yourself with popcorn and a fun movie, head on over to the 4th floor of Esplanade Ratchadapisek and explore Blu-O. This entertainment centre has a 22-lane bowling alley and 17 karaoke rooms.
Image credit: SY Surakiat (Sk) via Google Maps
If watching a blockbuster film wasn’t enough and you’re feeling particularly classy, catch a live show at the Rachadalai Theatre located on the 4th to 6th floors of this mall. Watch your favourite adaptations of classics like Beauty and The Beast live and witness the magic of Broadway-like productions.
Image credit: @loverosiieee via Instagram
Another one of the many attractions in this mall is the Sub-Zero rink located on the top floor where guests can flaunt their skating skills with friends and family.
Image credit: Piyaphon Sriphongngam via Google Maps
Travelling with big groups can be a hassle, and travelling with friends for days can make you want to give into your intrusive criminal thoughts. Please don’t. Phenix Food Wholesale Hub in Pratunam offers the perfect solution as a calming addition to Bangkok’s plethora of malls. Relax and bask in the calming nature-theme of this mall with greenery adorning almost every corner.
With over 200 renowned restaurants, Phenix aims to attract foodies and boost their culinary experience by inviting internationally recognised chefs and entrepreneurs. Some noteworthy mentions include collaborations carried out with renowned chefs like Chef Andy Yang of Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu Restaurant, Chef Gigg Kamol of Lerdtip, and chefs from Thipsamai Restaurant.
Phenix also has more than 2,400 international companies offering quality Thai products at wholesale prices.
Image adapted from: @miw_ruengkham & @satit.toto via Instagram
Foodies aren’t the only ones who stand to gain a delightful experience at this mall. Nature lovers can head on over to the rooftop garden located on the top floor and sprawl on the grass while taking cute photos you swear are “candid”. Plus, there’s a beautiful statue where locals offer prayers.
Image credit: Emsphere
Emsphere is divided into 4 zones – Em Galleria for fashion enthusiasts, Em Mercado for foodies, Em Innovation for tech buffs, and Em Park for nature lovers.
In addition to being a total overachiever of a mall, Emsphere is also home to the first IKEA in the heart of the city for you to splurge on items you swear you need. Much like the other chains we’re familiar with, this IKEA also has a restaurant with a view of Benjasiri Park.
Image credit: @mamirosebangkok via Instagram
Em Mercado is the zone in this enormous mall that is undoubtedly every foodie’s paradise, with almost too many options to choose from. Napha, OMGM BKK, and Hitori Shabu are just a few of the fan favourites to explore. Mami Rose is a restaurant that couples delicious food with a gorgeous view as it offers outdoor seating as well as an 80’s vibe.
In addition to the many fashionable stores and lounging areas, Emsphere also has an astounding number of nighttime hangout zones. TRIBE is Bangkok’s only sky beach club offering visitors a blend of entertainment, like DJ-spun music, a pool, and tattoo artists on site. Relax after a long day and devour the delicious food, ranging from salads and sandwiches to burgers and seafood while enjoying a cocktail or two.
Image credit: Ryan Lumiére C. via Google Maps
Round up your F1 fan friends and head on over to Emsphere’s very own Raze Arcade. With a focus on F1 simulator racing, this arcade offers DJ-spun music, funky lights, and an old money vibe. This youthful bar gives users an immersive experience for you to live out your delusional Charles Lecrec fantasies of F1 racing.
If you’ve finally succumbed to admitting you’re broke after all that travel, Platinum Fashion Mall is that one Bangkok mall that offers an overwhelming number of cheaper options for shoppers to splurge on. It’s a mega mall with over 2,000 stores spanning across 7 floors and has options for every category – clothing, accessories, shoes, and cosmetics at super affordable prices.
Image credit: Chatrium
It works as a wholesale mall where the more pieces you buy, the cheaper they get. If there’s one thing Singaporeans love, it’s a good bulk discount. If you still feel items are a little pricey, you can even practice your bargaining skills to get prices even lower.
If you get hungry, simply head to the food court on the top floor or the food stalls lined outside the mall.
Pro tip: Tourists get to enjoy privileges, including discounts and gift sets after completing the tourist privilege registration and receiving an e-coupon.
Asiatique Riverfront follows an open-air mall concept and features plenty of entertainment, ranging from rides to shows and multiple stores. Interestingly, most of these stores are mostly housed in former warehouses. In fact, exploring these 1,500 shops and 40 restaurants is bound to make you reach your step count goal of the day.
One of the most exciting features has got to be “Asiatique Sky”, Thailand’s largest Ferris wheel with a height of 60m. Plop onto this humongous ferris wheel and cure your height-phobic friends’ fears. They’ll thank you for it, I’m sure.
Image adapted from: @asiatique.thailand & @reen_nisakorn via Instagram
Once you’ve successfully pissed off your height-phobic friends, grab your scaredy cat friends and brave this mall’s very own haunted house, Mystery Mansion. Assure them that if they’ve survived Singapore’s PSLE results, they can surely survive Mystery Mansion. Or not.
Once you’ve screamed your lungs out, head on over to the carousel where you can relax and take aesthetic pictures pretending you didn’t almost soil your pants 2 minutes ago.
Possibly the most exciting feature of this open-air mall is the Calypso Cabaret show. Covering a whopping 16 acts, performers entertain the audience by lip syncing and dancing to classics from every genre. Witness acts, like Marilyn Monroe impersonators, and immerse yourself fully into this fun atmosphere of classy entertainment.
While Bangkok is generally known for its vibrant street life, beautiful temples and rich cultural heritage, shopping malls have quickly made their way onto the list of destinations you have to visit in this city.
The next time you find yourself in the city and realise you want to give in to your shopaholic tendencies, we’ve compiled the perfect list of malls in Bangkok that offer exciting entertainment for your family and friends, while shopping till you drop.
For more about things to do in Bangkok, check out:
Cover image adapted from: ICONSIAM, HarbourLand Group, ภัทรกุล เอกรักษา via Google Maps, @playsquarethailand via Instagram
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