Shopping in Bangkok: MBK Center and Emporium
We spent the day relaxing by the hotel pool and shopping at some of Bangkok's best malls - including the upscale Emporium and the legendary bargain-hunter's paradise, MBK Center!
Pool Day and Air-Conditioned Shopping
After several days of intense sightseeing in Bangkok's heat, we needed a break. We started with a leisurely morning by the hotel pool, then ventured out to explore Bangkok's world-class shopping scene.
The Emporium
We visited The Emporium, one of Bangkok's premier upscale shopping malls. Located on Sukhumvit Road and connected directly to the BTS Skytrain, it offers:
- Luxury brands - International designer stores
- Thai designer boutiques - Local high-end fashion
- Gourmet supermarket - Imported goods and specialty items
- Excellent food court - Both Thai and international cuisine
- Cinema complex - Perfect for escaping the heat
The air conditioning alone was worth the visit!
MBK Center - Bargain Hunter's Paradise
We also explored MBK Center (Mah Boon Krong), Bangkok's most famous shopping mall for bargains. This massive 8-floor complex is legendary among budget travelers:
- Electronics - Phones, cameras, accessories (haggle hard!)
- Clothing and accessories - From cheap to mid-range
- Souvenirs - Thai silk, handicrafts, knock-offs
- Phone repair - Famous for quick, cheap fixes
- Food court - Cheap, delicious Thai food
The energy at MBK is chaotic and exciting - a completely different vibe from the upscale Emporium!
Have you shopped in Bangkok? Which mall is your favorite - MBK, Emporium, Platinum, or Siam Paragon? Any bargaining tips? Share your Bangkok shopping experiences below!
Bangkok Shopping Guide
- The Emporium: Upscale mall on Sukhumvit. BTS Phrom Phong station. Luxury brands, designer Thai fashion, gourmet food. Prices similar to Western countries. No haggling.
- MBK Center: Budget shopping paradise! BTS National Stadium. 8 floors of bargains. ALWAYS haggle - start at 50% of asking price. Popular for electronics, clothes, souvenirs.
- Other top malls: Siam Paragon (ultra-luxury), CentralWorld (huge), Terminal 21 (airport-themed), Platinum Fashion Mall (wholesale clothes), Chatuchak Weekend Market (biggest!).
- Getting around: BTS Skytrain connects all major malls. Buy Rabbit Card (rechargeable) for easy travel. Most malls directly connected to BTS stations - no street walking needed!
- Haggling tips at MBK: Always bargain! Smile, be friendly, walk away if price too high - vendors often call you back with better offer. Cash gets better deals than card.
- Electronics at MBK: Good deals but check authenticity carefully. Compare prices between stalls. Ask for warranty/receipt. Test items before buying. Beware counterfeits!
- Food courts: Every mall has excellent, affordable food courts. Emporium's is upscale (150-300 THB). MBK's is budget-friendly (50-100 THB). Both delicious!
- Beat the heat: Bangkok malls = serious air conditioning! Perfect escape from 35°C+ heat. Bring light jacket - they're often freezing inside!
- Best shopping times: Weekday mornings less crowded. Avoid weekends at MBK (packed!). Sales during Thailand Grand Sale (mid-year) and end-of-year holidays.
- VAT refund: Spend 2,000+ THB per store to claim VAT refund (7%) at airport. Keep receipts! Look for 'VAT Refund for Tourists' signs in participating stores.
Note:
Bangkok's shopping scene offers incredible variety - from luxury malls like Emporium to bargain paradise at MBK Center. Whether you're hunting for designer goods or haggling for cheap electronics, Bangkok delivers. Plus, the air-conditioned malls provide perfect respite from Thailand's tropical heat!