Not only are you spoiled for choice; it's all super easy! Shopping malls are modern and air-conditioned, thus a pleasant alternative to the bustling hot markets, and most complexes are easily accessible via the city's modern and efficient Skytrain system.

This gleaming modern five-storey colossus is Bangkok's newest gem! On its way to become the prime shopping hub in the region, the capital's latest shopping and entertainment complex, the Siam Paragon, is branded the "Pride of Bangkok."

The upmarket gigantic centre comprising 500,000 square metres houses a world-class assortment of international and national luxury goods. It is easy to get lost in the Siam Paragon's spacious, marble hallways showcasing the boutiques and flagship stores of top-notch designer names. If labels like Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Gucci are your favourite brands, this is the place to find them! Check out the Emporium's newest addition, the Park Food Court. Though following the conventional idea of a food court, namely a wide selection of different cuisines under one roof, the Park Food Court stands out from others. Not only is the ambience more elegant and chic, but instead of purchasing coupons - as is the case with most food courts - visitors receive a card worth 3,000 baht. Expect great views of adjacent Queen's Park, excellent service and delicious food.

Location: Sukhumvit Soi 24/26
BTS Skytrain: Phrom Phong
Open: 09:00-21:00

Formerly known as World Trade Center, this massive shopping mall has recently been re-branded as Central World Plaza. Fronted by department store Zen, Central World Plaza is yet another shopping heaven in the heart of Bangkok. In walking distance from BTS Chitlom, this colossus on the corner of Ratchaprasong Square houses hundreds of little shops, scores of restaurants, and an entertainment complex including cinemas, karaoke and bowling facilities.

Here you'll find anything from Thai arts & handicrafts, to local brands, international names, shoes, fashion, accessories and furniture, as well as the Japanese department store Isetan, which offers a wide selection of Japanese goods, and Thailand's first interactive learning library, TK Park.The space in front of Central World Plaza often sees events including Bangkok's legendary beer gardens during the cooler months, open-air festivities and other fun events.Skytrain Chitlom

In the heart of Sukhumvit, The Emporium Shopping Complex is an upmarket centre showcasing designer shops, an exclusive department store, beauty salons and a number of other little stores. Contemporary design, plenty of space, a state-of-the-art cinema, cafes, restaurants and a great food court complement the elegant and air-conditioned shopping experience at one of Bangkok's most posh shopping complexes.

BTS Skytrain: Phrom Phong

This flash shopping complex is still a favourite among Bangkok's younger trendy and fashionable crowds. Opposite Siam Square, this modern centre adjoins Siam Centre and showcases a good selection of shops, restaurants and designer fashion outlets. Expect popular local fashion designers and global brand names as well as European established names, as well as a number of home d?cor and hip interior design stores. Guess? DKNY, Shiseido, Mac, Swarovski and many more. Asia Books and Habitat have branches here too. A huge cinema complex is located on the top floor, while the ground floor houses popular coffee hangouts including Starbucks and Au Bon Pain.

BTS Skytrain: Siam Square

Siam Center and Siam Discovery Center are twin shopping malls in Pathum Wan district, Bangkok. Located at the Bangkok Skytrain's Siam Station, the malls are part of a large shopping district being opposite Siam Square, next to Siam Paragon and adjacent to MBK Center. Both are owned by Siam Piwat Co. Ltd., which is a part owner of Siam Paragon with The Mall Group. A skybridge connects the fourth floor of Siam Center with Siam Discovery. A courtyard between the two malls is often host to concerts and special events. Additionally, a skybridge from the Skytrain's National Stadium station and MBK Center connects to Siam Discovery.

Siam Center was built in 1973 and was one of Bangkok's first shopping malls. It has undergone renovation several times, including after a fire in 1995. The latest renovation features a concept of "Magical Glass Box" and gives the four-story mall a new food court and a market position as a "fashion center" for teenagers.

BTS Skytrain: Siam Square

Gaysorn is an upmarket white marble and gleaming chrome complex housing exclusively high-end luxury goods and designer labels. Contemporary design and an innovative concept create a unique shopping experience with lots of space and only few shoppers. Expect to find a range of international brands and flagship stores including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and Hugo Boss, to name but a few, as well as a selection of Thailand's most innovative designers such as Fly Now and much more; 'Senada Theory' and 'Kloset Red Carpet' are the most unique: both shops sell premium clothes not like other malls.

Located in the legendary Ratchaprasong shopping district, the cool and infinitely sophisticated "Gaysorn" is in walking distance from other complexes like Central World Plaza or Bangkok Erawan, and presents a tranquil and refined retreat from the neighbourhood's hustle and bustle.

Location: Ratchaprasong Junction.
BTS Skytrain: Chitlom.

Located on the corner of the prestigious Ratchaprasong Square, you'll find the stylish and elegant Erawan Bangkok. On four floors, you'll find fine dining from fourteen different international cuisines, a collection of ultra chic shopping boutiques and total pampering for the mind, body and soul.

Shop for world-class designer labels and accessories such as Burberry, Coach or Mulberry, or check out Club 21, the exclusive importer of luxury names including Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang, Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana, and many more. Pamper yourself at the Wellness & Beauty Center on the fourth floor. Here, you'll also find Hydrohealth, a popular spot among Bangkok's health-conscious that is highly recommended for colonic hydro therapy.

Skytrain : Chidlom

Short-named MBK, the multi-storey Mah Boon Krong is probably Bangkok's most legendary shopping complex. Seven floors packed with shops and more shops sell everything from crop tops, to mobile phones to pianos. Hectic and busy especially on the weekend, when half of Bangkok converges to shop for bargains.

Not as upmarket and stylish as neighbour Siam Discovery but less expensive with a mind-boggling range of goods from jeans, to fashion accessories, to handbags, to furniture and mobile phones. A popular shopping complex with an immense choice of consumer goods, a trip to MBK will be on most visitors' list of things to do.

You'll find entire floors dedicated to shoes and handbags, fashion and clothing, mobile phones and furniture. Like every shopping complex, there is an enormous food court with lots of dishes to choose from. The top floor comprises of an entertainment complex boasting plush cinemas, modern Karaoke booths (with current charts - English and Thai - 20 baht a song), a computer games area and plenty of restaurants to snack.

Location: On the corner of Rama I and Phayathai Road
Skytrain : Siam

Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok is the largest market in Thailand, and largest of the world. Frequently called J.J., it covers over 35 acres (1.13 km²) and contains upwards of 15,000 stalls. It is estimated that the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each day. Most stalls only open on Saturdays and Sundays.

The market offers a wide variety of products including household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts, collectibles, foods, and live animals.

Chatuchak market is adjacent to the Kamphaengphet station (MRT) of the Bangkok Metro, or about a 5-minute walk from the Mo Chit Skytrain (BTS) station and Suan Chatuchak(Chatuchak Park) station(MRT).