Shop ‘Til You Drop: Bangkok’s Cheapest and Best Shopping Spots

You might want to purchase extra baggage before returning home.
by Ina Louise Manto | February 03, 2023

Thailand is overflowing with culture, drool-worthy cuisine, and nightlife. But it’s also a hub for cheap shopping spots, making it a favorite travel destination in Southeast Asia. It’s a budget traveler’s paradise! If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok this 2023, don’t forget to include these shopping spots in your itinerary:

P.S. You might want to purchase extra baggage before you go home, in case you go ham on the shopping.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Location: สวนจตุจักร Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900

With over 8,000 stalls, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is Bangkok’s largest market. Here, you can find pretty much anything under the sun: Thai souvenirs, thrift shops, food, and even plants. As the name suggests, Chatuchak is only open on weekends: Fridays to Sundays from 9 AM. Previous visitors suggest spending at least four hours here, so plan ahead. The market has 30 sections, so you wouldn’t get lost trying to find a specific item or category. Make sure to have your money exchanged too because most stalls in the market only accept cash.

Platinum Fashion Hall

Location: 222 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400

If you plan on packing light for your trip to Bangkok and wish to shop for your OOTDs in the city instead, you’ll be happy to visit Platinum Fashion Hall. The mall spans seven floors of trendy clothing, which will keep your travel OOTD game on point. Think of the malls you can find in divisoria but better. Buying in bulk will help you save up too, as you can get as much as a 30% discount on the original prices.

Platinum Fashion Hall is nearby Chidlom and Ratchathewi BTS stations.

The Palladium World Shopping Mall

Location: 555 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400

Pinoys who have visited Bangkok before may know this mall as the old Pratunam Center. This is also a hub for cheap clothing and accessories. After the mall closes, the palladium Night Market opens until midnight – perfect for a food trip!

Palladium World Shopping Mall opens from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Mahboonkrong (MBK) Mall

Location: 444 Phaya Thai Rd, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330

Also known as MBK Center, Mahboonkrong Mall has eight floors with 2,000 shops. Planning to become an entrepreneur this year? This shopping center is also great for sourcing discounted clothing items, shoes, and accessories, which are sold the whole price. MBK has been a favorite shopping center for both tourists and locals since 1985 and it used to be the largest shopping mall in Asia. If you’re also looking for a more comfortable shopping experience, this mall is fully air-conditioned.

Pratunam Market

Location: 120/408, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400

If you’re visiting Platinum Mall, you might as well go to Pratunam Market since it’s just across it. While the former is indoors, the stalls at Pratunam are all outdoors – streets lined with cheap clothing you can buy at retail prices. Don’t forget to wear comfy clothing, wear sunscreen, and hydrate!

Union Mall

Location: 54 ซอย ลาดพร้าว 1 Khwaeng Chom Phon, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900

While you can bargain prices when shopping in wholesale stalls in Bangkok, Union Mall houses stores that have cheaper prices than Platinum’s. Be prepared for a day of shopping too – this mall has eight floors with over 1,200 booths. If you also don’t want to deal with the bigger crowd, Union Mall is the way to go.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Location: 51 Damnoen Saduak, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130

Did you know that commerce in Thailand was originally done along canals and rivers? For first-time visitors in Bangkok, don’t forget to experience shopping at any of the city’s floating markets. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is its largest and most popular one, known for its fruit vendors on boats. If you want to try different local dishes, this market is one of the best places with its myriad of options. You can also book a day tour of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which also includes a side trip to the Maeklong Railway Market.

Looking for other places to explore? Join WindowSeat.ph’s official Facebook community What’s Your Trip PH for more recos!