Bucket list experience:
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand
With its gleaming mega-malls and ramshackle riverside markets, Bangkok makes it dangerously easy to part with a whole lot of baht.
World-class shopping malls like CentralWorld and ICONSIAM house boutiques from almost every brand under the sun, while young Thai designers hawk indie fashion labels and funky home goods from stamp-sized boutiques around Pratunam and Siam Square.
And when these clock out, a slew of night markets pop up as neon-lit treasure troves with handicrafts and vintage clothes to paw through until well after midnight.
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Destination Guide >Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand
You’ll find gorgeous tactile ceramics on the shelves of this Japanese-inspired pottery shop just off Chinatown’s main drag. The owners make the vases, mugs and plates in the studio upstairs, and guests are welcome to take a look.
Best for ages: -88+ | Free
Bangkok, Thailand
With galleries, concept stores and art markets amalgamating into a kaleidoscope of creativity, Bangkok’s de-facto design district offers an excellent primer on the city’s burgeoning creative scene.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand
Rising from the ground like a giant swirl of steel, this ultra-luxurious mall in Phloen Chit houses the typical Chanel, Hermes and Jimmy Choo, but is also an excellent spot to pick up smart (albeit pricy) souvenirs from homegrown luxury labels like Jim Thompson, Siwilai and S’uvimol.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand
The world’s biggest weekend market is a treasure trove of antiques, handicrafts and quirky fashion by homegrown designers, and a walking buffet of Thai comfort food.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
With some exception at tourist-centric mar-kets such as Asiatique and the Chatuchak Weekend Market, bargaining isn’t commonly practiced anymore.
Fake luxury goods have made way for copies of popular streetwear, expect to find NAIKE sneakers and Adidos sweatpants at some of the bigger tourist markets – but convincing dupes are harder to spot.
Generally, food at the markets is freshly prepared and of adequate quality. Vendors might insist you try a bite (as a free sample), but it rarely ends up as hassling.
Most shops and shopping malls open all year round, seven days a week, from 10am to around 8pm.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand
A hyper-smart design hotel on the fringe of Chinatown, within walking distance of legendary street eats and kaleidoscopic temples, but out of earshot from roaring tuk-tuks and rowdy market vendors.
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Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand
A garden-clad oasis in the heart of Bangkok with a lovely rooftop pool, fitness centre and easy access to the Phloen Chit BTS skytrain station.
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Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand
Beautiful, intimate boutique hotel in a 1940s villa surrounded by tranquil, lush gardens with a relaxing spa. Excellent location for sightseeing nd shopping.
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Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand
A lovely riverside retreat, away from the hubbub, to immerse in local life along the river. Most of Bangkok’s postcard sights are a 15-minute boat ride away.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Central Thailand, Thailand
From dazzling temples to dizzying nightlife, Thailand’s capital is a dish of delicious contradictions, and one of the world’s most dizzying, fast-paced cities.
