Siam
Siam is the geographic center of Bangkok, but it’s also its shopping center. This area located between Siam and National Stadium BTS stations is home to most of Bangkok’s biggest malls such as the mastodon Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, MBK and the area around Siam Square.
The shopping malls near Siam have something for everyone. Siam Paragon is the flashiest and biggest of all of them, MBK is a very popular tourist attraction with tons of fake goods. Siam Discovery and Siam Center are both worth a look.
Siam Square comprises the streets near Chulalongkorn University. It’s full of trendy shops and entertainment options. This is the hippest area in all of Bangkok.
Sukhumvit
The main road of Sukhumvit and its side streets, the soi’s, are the main artery of Bangkok. The lower end of Sukhumvit stretching from Asok to On Nut is also the main expat area. There are many expat-oriented shops and a few shopping malls such as Emporium near Phrom Phong and Robinson’s near BTS Asoke. Soi Ekamai and Soi Thong Lor also has many small, high-end stores selling everything from electronics to wedding dresses.
Banglamphuu
This area is the old part of Bangkok and where the Grand Palace and Kao San Road are found. Kao San Road is a shopping area in itself. It’s a particularly good place to shop for used books, art and Thai design. This area is close to Thammasat University so it has a distinct creative feel, which reflects the kind of items that can be found.
Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown is really a small piece of China. The streets are filled with exotic and interesting shops. Chinese food, gems, gold and fabric can be bought here. The area is home to the biggest gold market near the area of Yaowarat.
Prathunam
Prathunam is the area around Bayoke Sky Tower Hotel, Thailand’s highest building. It includes the wholesale market of Prathunam, Platinum Fashion Mall and Panthip Plaza.
