Bangkok is a well-known shopping Mecca for shopaholics from all over. Whether you set yourself on a luxury shopping spree or hound the outdoor markets on a shoestring budget, Bangkok has so much to offer. It's massive, modern shopping malls draw shoppers like magnets because of the endless myriad of choices. Perhaps, the only challenge is deciding where to go first because of the infinite shopping possibilities! But armed with a Bangkok map and a dose of retail therapy, you are good to go!

If you fancy designer labels, beautiful silk, jewelry and exquisite Thai handicrafts, there are certain places to look for. Designer labels in the up market shopping malls in the Siam and Ratchaprasong Intersection are there to cater to your high-end tastes. For beautiful silk and Thai handicrafts, one must not miss the chance to see MBK and Chatuchak. For gold, silver and jewelry, head to Chinatown or Surawong for the best bargains. Apart from original goods, Bangkok is also known for producing grade-A imitations of luxury labels. From the most luxurious to the cheapest clothing, shoes, bags, apparels, jewelry, and even electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers, you can find almost anything of your fancy here.

When shopping in Bangkok, you can choose among a wide variety of shopping malls and outdoor markets. Like other big cities, shopping malls & department stores are places where you can buy high quality products. Though there are also some shops and stalls in big shopping centers where you can get low prices, bargain hunters will surely enjoy haggling in outdoor markets such as Chatuchak and Suan-Lum for the most affordable goods.

Shopping malls in the Siam and Ratchaprasong Area such as Gaysorn, Siam Paragon, & Central World are popular for tourists looking for top international labels and leading Thai designer brands. They are open from 10am-10pm daily. The biggest advantage of these shopping centers is they are very centrally-located and accessible via the BTS Sky train, the city's most efficient modern sky train. Here's a rundown of Bangkok's most popular shopping malls:

Gaysorn Plaza is almost synonymous with the phrase, "the store where the labels are found". True enough, this shopping center is at the top of the pyramid in having only designer clothing stores such as Gucci, Prada, Dior, Fendi, Hugo Boss and the likes that cater to the high end market.

This trendy and upscale shopping center is probably the hands down favorite of all shopping centers in Bangkok with its location very accessible to the BTS Sky train. Known as a landmark of luxury brands and top Thai designers, Siam Paragon is a shopper's paradise where you can find almost any well-heeled shopper prancing its halls. They also offer deluxe services such as Valet/VIP Parking and Limousine Service.

Tip: Tourists can avail of a Tourist Discount Card, also called the "M card", at the information desk for a 5% discount on regular purchases and other special promotions.

The newly-renovated Central World is one of the best and biggest shopping centers in Southeast Asia. With 500 stores, dining choices of over 50 restaurants, 21 huge cinemas with modern facilities, a bowling hall, a Kids' Zone and Learning Centre, a food court, a complete fitness center and spa, two anchor department stores, a sky restaurant and bar, and also houses commercial offices, Central World is indeed a one-stop-shop for fun, shopping and entertainment.

A trendy shopping haven for tourists, with a large number of expats from Japan and Korea, this upscale shopping complex and now the "sister mall" of Siam Paragon has its heydays before the completion of Siam Paragon and Central World.

Business Hours: 9.00-21.00 Location: Sukhumvit Soi 24/26 BTS: Phrom Phong
MBK (Mah Boon Krong)

Known as Bangkok's pioneer shopping center, MBK has the feel and combination of a flea market and a shopping mall all rolled into a shopping frenzy. It is very popular among tourists and locals for the variety of choices without the hefty price tag. Here, you can find both original and counterfeit goods at bargain-friendly prices. With its 2,000 shops that sell almost anything under the sun, this place can get very crowded and busy especially during the weekend.

Tip: If you're a tourist, you can apply for a Discount Card at the information counter on the 1st and 2nd levels; just don't forget to bring your passport. It would also be best to take care of all your personal belongings while shopping—beware of pickpockets.

Known as Bangkok's technology and IT shopping hub, this almost run-down building maybe in need of a major face lift, but for now this is still the place for the tech-savvy where gadgets, electronics, and software abound. If you're looking for a new laptop, camera, mobile phone or just about any new gadget in town, you can get it here in rock bottom prices and you can even compare prices among as many vendors to find the best deal! DVDs, CDs, and antivirus software are also available in this mall in original license and pirated copies, which is very rampant in this center.

Tip: If you want to purchase original licensed software or gadgets, go only to authorized dealers or shops found on the top floors.

Want to buy the latest fashion finds by the bulk? Platinum specializes in selling wholesale clothing, selling a similar range of clothing to the Pratunam Market across the street, except that you can shop in air-conditioned comfort. This relatively new shopping center is on Petchaburi Rd. just next to Pantip Plaza. It's a six-storey mall that's filled with outlets housing the latest trends in clothing, footwear, and fashion accessories, aiming to catch the trendy but budget conscious fashionista.

This is a two-tower commercial and residential complex with one leading to The Conrad Hotel. The many different selections of stores comprise the 'All Seasons Retail Center'. The actual retail space is considerably large and occupies all of its four levels. The place also houses restaurants, coffee shops, a health clinic, state of-the-art spa, postal and some banking services.

For musical theatre buffs, The Esplanade features one of the most modern theater auditoriums in the city and maintains a regular schedule of musical theater productions. It also hosted the 5th World Film Festival of Bangkok in 2007. This luxury shopping mall was envisioned by the same Paris-based architects who designed Bangkok's famous Emporium and Siam Paragon. This 7-floor complex has a music academy, 12-theatre Esplanade Cineplex, and ice skating rink. The 'now showing' screens in these Cineplex movie theatres are all in digital format, replacing conventional printed movie posters.

Constructed in 1973, Siam Center was one of Bangkok's first shopping malls. Located in the midst of what they call "battleground of the malls", it is dwarfed by the newly-built bigger malls but still offer its own attractive range of bargain finds.

While the Siam Center is still a favorite hangout among Bangkok's younger teen crowd, Siam Discovery is positioned to cater to a slightly more mature market. Both twin shopping malls have a good selection of shops, restaurants and designer fashion outlets such as Guess, DKNY, Shiseido, Mac, Swarovski and many more. The Cinema complex is located at the top floor for movie buffs. And for those in search of a caffeine experience with good pastries, there is Starbucks and Au Bon Pain at the ground level.

This is Thailand's biggest market with over 5,000 different stalls covering all of its 35 acres. You can find just about anything here, ranging from household items, handicrafts, clothing and accessories, food, furniture, paintings, religious artifacts, and even pets. Frequently referred to as "J.J.", this market receives about 200,000 to 300,000 visitors each day as most stalls are open only on Saturdays and Sundays. Don't forget to wear your most comfortable shoes and bring along a bottle of water before you head over here. Navigating around the market may be a challenge even with a map, but the excitement of discovering the best finds await you.

This is the best place where you can choose from a wide selection of fake goods like watches, clothes, bags and etc. This famous night spot may be a tad sleazy for the unfamiliar tourist with strip bars lining both sides of the road. But for some, that might be a one of a kind entertainment whilst you shop! And those with a good haggling prowess can definitely benefit from the good bargains!

An alternative from the Patpong Night Market, the Suan Lum Night Bazaar is more laid back. The atmosphere is more calm, relaxed and without the hustle and bustle typical of outdoor markets. The night bazaar is also known for its quality live band entertainment and food stalls that sell anything from Asian to Western food. This place opens around 6pm and closes around midnight. Come here to shop, eat and listen to live bands. It's also just one taxi ride away from Silom road which on the other side of Lumpini Park.