Shopping is not really part of my itinerary whenever we travel, except if there is an IKEA in that country and I need to buy something for our house. So even Bangkok, Thailand is a shopping destination, I did not include any shopping activity in our agenda. But things changed when we arrived in Bangkok because shopping malls are everywhere. Bangkok is indeed a happy place for "women's beauty and fashion".
We are a few minutes' walk away from Terminal 21, we’ve been to Siam Paragon twice because that is where SEA Life Bangkok Ocean World and Kidzania are located and lastly, we were able to pay a visit to MBK Center. I saw this shopping mall while we were on the train so after our visit at Jim Thompson’s House & Museum, I decided to check this mall. From Jim Thompson’s Street, we just walked until we reach the shopping mall. There is an elevated walkway that connects Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon and MBK Center.
Mahboonkrong or simply MBK Center is a huge shopping mall in Bangkok Thailand. It is an 8-storey with an estimate of 2000 shops, outlets, Tokyu department store and restaurants. It was the largest shopping mall in Asia way back in 1985. It is a popular shopping mall for both local and tourists because you can haggle for the price. It is like Divisoria or Greenbelt here in the Philippines.
As I’ve said before, it is a huge mall so if it is your first time, get a map which I did. I found a map beside the guard when we entered the mall (3rd flr). To give you an idea on where to go, check this guide.
G-3rd flr - Toys, Painting, Gold & Jewelry, Hair Salons and Fashion & Beauty (Apparel Shoes, Leather Items, Eyewear, Cosmetic Accessories)
4th flr - Money Park (Banking and Exchange) and Electronics (Mobile Mania and Accessories, Communication Equipment, CD and MP3 Players)
5th flr - Camera center, The Fifth Avenue (International Food Hall), Restaurants, Furniture, Outlet in Town
6th flr - Craft Village, Food Island, Food Fan
7th flr - Entertainment (SF Cinema City, SF Strike Bowl) Dining
Check your map, because there are coupons for tourists like
1. Tourist Lounge at 5fl Zone A Open Daily at 11AM - 9PM
2. MBK Tourist Privilege Card (Privilege Discount for Tourist)
3. Welcome Drink for Visitor (Show your passport to get a free softdrink) The Fifth Avenue (5th flr) 11AM to 8PM.
Since it was time for lunch, I immediately checked the dining section and we ended up on the 6th floor. We ate at Katsuya, a Japanese restaurant. I forgot to take food pictures but we enjoyed our meal.
After lunch, my son and I explored the 6th flr, I wanted to check if I could really haggle and if the products were really affordable. There are really a lot of choices, you can buy souvenirs and pasalubong too. Unfortunately, based on my experience, fixed price so hindi naman ko nakatawad. Minsan masungit pa sila pag naghaggle ka, hehehe!. I was able to buy two lounge pants for THB150 and THB199.
I guess you need one whole day if you want to visit all the floors. My son and I just checked the 6th floor and decided to go back to our hotel. Even though we had a map, it took us time to find the exit (where we entered - 3rd floor). Then we walk to BTS Skytrain for our ride.
Tip: The mall is huge, so there is a possibility that you get lost. Don’t forget you landmark, remember where you enter so you know your way out.
Read: 6 Days in Bangkok with Kids
MBK Center
444 Phayathai Rd,
Patumwan, Bangkok
Wow, that really is a huge mall. I don't think a whole day is even enough coz there are 2000 stores in there. Haha! Anyway, I love that they have coupons for tourists. It encourages more tourists to visit the mall.
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