Siam Center

Bangkok’s massive department stores are clustered around the Siam Sky Train station, making it an accessible and easy one-stop-shopping enclave. The Siam Center is the younger, smaller and somewhat dated version of upscale, massive Siam Paragon, and it offers a new kind of shopping as a self-proclaimed arena, not only for fashion, but also for art and lifestyle. With an aim to revolutionize the shopping sector, the Siam Center integrates digital media and technological innovation in its three floors of both globally and locally recognized fashion brands, turning shopping into an experiential endeavor. While bright lights and digital advertisements may not be for every shopper, the Siam Center takes a futuristic approach to shopping which, if nothing else,  serves as an experience in its own right.

It attracts loads of teenagers and twentysomethings, especially on the weekend. Most of the floors are cluttered with inexpensive Western brands, but the third floor offers a slew of boutiques specializing in Thai designers, and it’s a great place to get a feel for local fashion. Don’t miss Tango, Baking Soda and Theatre.

Tip: To avoid disappointment, tall shoppers should be warned that you may find mostly Thai-petite sizes.