Where to Go Christmas Shopping in Bangkok, Thailand
From malls to stalls, Bangkok is a great place to go Christmas shopping. For unique gems, Thai crafts, electronics and high-end boutiques, Thailand’s capital offers a huge selection of gift options and at affordable prices. We’ve compiled a list of our top spots to pick up Christmas gifts for your loved ones back home.
Pratunam Market
This centrally located outdoor market is the perfect place to shop for clothing at rock-bottom prices. While you shop for the best Christmas gift outfits you can enjoy exploring the alleyways of this quintessential Thai street market. This is also a great spot to try your bargaining skills and many of the vendors offer wholesale prices too.
Pratunam Market, 869/15 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Bangkok, +66 99 619 9282
Khao San Road
The world-famous backpacker haven of Khao San Road is a great place to shop for typical Thai souvenirs – from T-shirts to home decor and everything in between. While you are in the Khao San Road area you might as well take advantage of the cheap and delicious food options and sample the local bars. Khao San also has the largest collection of second-hand bookshops in the city, so stock up while you’re in the neighbourhood.
Siam Paragon
Bakery, Food Court, Fast Food
Chatuchak Weekend Market
With more than 5,000 stalls Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest market in Thailand. Although this market is hot and crowded it makes for an excellent Christmas shopping location. Get lost in the maze as you navigate your way between stalls selling knock-off designer and hill tribe bags, vintage clothing, handicrafts and basically anything else you can imagine. There are plenty of places to stop for a refreshing drink or to take a break over a delicious lunch.
Chatuchak Market, 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Bangkok, +66 2 272 4813
Central World
Central World is another one of Bangkok’s mega malls and is located a short distance away from the Siam Paragon. Outside of Central World is also the iconic female fertility shrine, which is frequented by hundreds of women each day. Central World is packed with bookstores, luxury clothing brands and music stores. Not only is Central World an ideal place for Christmas shopping, it is also a great place to escape the mid-day heat of Bangkok.
Central World Department Store, 4,4/1-4/2,4/4 Ratchadamri Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Bangkok, +66 2 640 7000
OTOP Heritage Gallery
If you are in search of more locally inspired presents look no further than OTP Heritage Gallery, a project that showcases and supports local artisans from around Thailand. Bring a piece of Thailand home for your loved ones this Christmas, from Thai silks from Thailand’s northeast, hill tribe jewellery from the north, spices and batik from the south and plenty more.
Rod Fai Night Market
For something a little different head to the Rod Fai Night Market. This hipster flea market is overflowing with antiques, collectables, retro items and vintage clothing. Take a break from shopping and check out some of the delicious and cheap cocktails served at the pop-up VW bus bars or sip aged wines in one of the bars located in the antique shops while live music serenades you.
Rod Fai Night Market, Srinagarindra Rd – Soi Srinagarindra 51, Khwaeng Nong Bon, Khet Prawet, Bangkok, +66 81 827 5885
Pantip Plaza
On the lookout for a new camera or anything technology related? Pantip Plaza is your number one spot. Thailand is known for good quality and cheap computers, cameras and a number of other electronics. It is advised to shop around the multi-floor mall and to bargain for an even better deal. Top tip: remember to get a VAT refund form, so you can claim the 7% tax back from your purchase as you leave Thailand.
Pantip Pratunam, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, +66 2 256 0355
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