Ratchaprasong
Heading east is Ratchaprasong, an intersection filled with luxurious malls that cater to a more upmarket audience. CentralWorld, while built in 2002, was expanded in 2006 topping its nearby rival Siam Paragon as the largest shopping complex in Thailand and among the largest in the world. Surrounding CentralWorld are the Gaysorn, Isetan, Narai Phand, Peninsula Plaza, ZEN, and others, which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Bring a well-filled wallet though.
Amarin Plaza
This impressive colonial-style mall has five floors of high-end stores, selling fashion, furniture, jewellery, electronics, books and handicrafts. The fourth floor has a good food court, and even a spa, health centre and yoga studio.
Central Chidlom
This is the flagship store of the Central chain of department stores, and thus it is much more luxury and prices are higher. Catering to affluent Thais and Western expats, it has good selections of pricey watches, cosmetics and clothes. There are also numerous eating options.
Siam square
Siam Square is the place to shop in Bangkok, especially if you're looking for big shopping malls and small designer boutiques. The obvious point of entry is Siam BTS station, which is surrounded by Siam Center, Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon. Technically not a part of the Siam area, but at walking distance, is MBK Center. With the exception of Siam Paragon, these malls are somewhat dated, but among the most popular as they are the most affordable. At least make a head for MBK, just to see where the local youth do their shopping.
Bonanza Mall
Across the street from MBK Center and connected by walkway on the second floor is the perennially crowded Bonanza Mall. Its warren of stalls offers more of the same as MBK, thus it is popular among students and teenagers looking for hip clothes, accessories and cosmetics.
MBK Center
MBK is a vast and always packed mall full of tiny stalls 2,500 of them, to be exact selling, well, everything. There's a heavy emphasis on clothing, especially the cheap and trendy teen type, but the fourth floor devoted to electronics is Bangkok's best place to buy a mobile phone, MP3 player, digital cameras, and much more. The fifth floor focuses on furniture in the rear, and electronics in the front, including a very large Canon store. Stuff on sale include gold, furniture, food, and a part of the sixth floor has been dedicated to handicrafts and souvenirs. Don't miss the dried fruits and Chinese-style snacks like pork floss at Champ on the fourth floor, near the central escalator. The top floor has film theatres and restaurants, and there's a large Tokyu department store bolted on the north side. It is possible to bargain for cheaper prices on some items at some independent shop stalls, especially if you are with a Thai friend or family member.
Tax-free shopping
It is a bit of a hassle, but if you want to save some bahts, you can claim back the VAT you paid for while buying large purchases. While buying a product, ask the sales assistant to fill in the VAT Refund Form P.P10 and add the original tax invoice. The total value of the goods claimed for refund must exceed 5,000 baht with each individual product worth at least 2,000 baht. The goods must be taken out of Thailand by plane within 60 days. At the airport, and this is where most visitors go wrong, your goods must be checked at the Customs Office before check-in and passport control. You will get a receipt, which you have to show at the VAT Refund Office after passport control. If the refund amount is lower than 30,000 baht, you'll be paid in cash, otherwise you'll receive the money at your bank account or credit card. For more information, contact the Revenue Department 90 Phahonyothin Soi 7, Phahonyothin, â +66 2 272-9384(-5, (http://www.rd.go.th/vrt/)).
All Seasons Place
Another elegant and massive shopping centre that boasts four floors of the usual clothing boutiques, department stores, jewelleries and antique shops. While expensive, it is slightly off the map, thus at the end of the season prices tend to drop more than at the other shopping malls. Another cheap bet is the food court at the second floor.