Gay Bangkok · Shopping

Enough world-class retailers to keep the most demanding gay shopper happy for hours. Fashion, lifestyle, living, technology and luxury – it’s all here. There is a huge range of food options, from simple one-dish meals to upmarket restaurants and a gourmet supermarket.

Paragon is also home to Fitness First gym, a bowling alley, Kinokuniya bookstore and world-class cinema complex (including an IMAX theatre) on the top floor. A useful 5% tourist discount card (valid within Paragon and the supermarket) is available at information desk – you will need to a photo ID to prove that you’re a tourist.

Traffic around Siam Paragon can be very bad during rush hours. We strongly recommend getting there by the BTS skytrain (Siam Station) that has direct bridges to the mall.

Highly recommended for shopaholics. MBK (which stands for “Mahboonkrong”) has 7 massive floors, offering a market-type shopping mayhem experience.

This hugely popular mall is a rabbit warren of stalls and shops that sell pretty much everything. Great for cheap T-shirts, used designer jeans, mobile phones, souvenirs, jewelry. On the ground floor, there are artists who can replicate photographs as paintings.

MBK has a huge section of mobile phones, with dozens of booths selling ‘pay as you go’ Thai SIM cards (if you’re staying more than a few days in Thailand, then a Thai SIM card can save you money). Dozens of international restaurants are located here, as well as fast food chains – Starbucks, etc.

Tip: Many jeans shops can get alterations for your pants done in just 15-20 minutes if you ask.

The newly renovated Siam Discovery, located next to Siam Paragon, has an eclectic mix of Asian designer shops and speciality stores, international brands such as Diesel, Apple as well as a Madame Tussaud’s museum on the 6th floor.

If you are looking for something more specific on the fashion front, then this place might be worth a look. There is a useful, air-conditioned walkway between MBK and Siam Center.

Bangkok’s long-running mall and landmark for fashion and lifestyle. Siam Center is filled with local designer shops, boutiques, international brands, as well as trendy restaurants and cafés.

Siam Center is more popular with a younger crowd and students. Located next to Siam Paragon and has direct entrance from the Siam skytrain station.

This 6-storey, multi-purpose complex is a modern shopping centre in the heart of Bangkok’s entertainment & shopping district.

The modern complex features lifestyle shops, fashion, digital gadget & mobile phone outlets, hair salons, tutoring centres and an excellent range of restaurants (Thai and Japanese especially), boutique coffee shops and a few international fast food chains.

The building is directly linked to the Siam skytrain station, opposite Siam Paragon and Siam Center.

Claims to be Asia’s largest department store with 100+ shops, 100+ restaurants, CentralWorld occupies more than half a million m² of retail space. It is very easy to get lost in this place!

Like Siam Paragon, CTW ahas a large cinema complex on the top floor. CentralWorld is also home to GMM Live House and ZEN Hall – host venues for the gCircuit SK10 gay dance parties.

The traffic in this area can be terrible at the best of times. Take the skytrain to either Siam or Chidlom station, and from there you can walk on the raised walkway to the mall (about 5 minutes).

Pure luxury, darling. Welcome home. We are talking over 100 stores including the likes of Prada, Gucci, Dior, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, as well as high-end Thai art and crafts.

Most stores at Gaysorn will discount if you ask discreetly. Take the hotel’s limo or the BTS skytrain to Chidlom then use the raised walkway which is directly connected to the mall.

One of the older department stores in Bangkok (since 1973). Central Chidlom has 8 floors and specialises in selected, international brands. The gourmet supermarket on the 1st floor is well-recommended.

The Food Loft (5th floor) offers a great range of Western and Asian food, all cooked to order. Well-organised, fast and good value. Stand-alone restaurants and fast food chains can also be found here.

A 5% tourist discount card available at information desk.

Bangkok’s latest luxury mall from the Central group, featuring cutting-edge designs and technology, this 8-storey complex is home to high-end fashion brands, urban lifestyle units and a range of restaurants.

Conveniently located in the city centre, just a steps from the Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit Hotel. Central Embassy has a skywalk connecting from two BTS skytrain stations.

Located about a 10-minute walk from CentralWorld, this department store specialises in mid-priced clothes and accessories.

Platinum is packed with hundreds of clothing shops and stalls, retailers and wholesalers (although this can be a few as just two or three items). Some restaurants and fast food chains can be found here, too.

Homo-techo? Pantip Pratunam is the place for you. Five floors of computers, IT gadgets, cameras, printers, accessories, and surveillance equipment to keep an eye on the boyfriend.

Whether you desire a plug for your socket or a complete system upgrade, chances are you will find it here. Some shops do computer repairs on the spot (including official repairs for some manufactures such as Samsung who will do warranty work).

There is a huge amount of pirated software for sale, but be warned – you might end up with more than you bargained for. Play safe and keep those viruses away from your hard disk.

The nearest BTS skytrain station is Chitlom, but it is a good 10+ minutes’ walk. Taxi is the best option.