10 Best Bangkok Shopping Malls #pakettourthailand

Most Popular Shopping Malls In Bangkok

Bangkok has more than enough shopping malls to suit all kinds of lifestyles and budgets. But these Top 10 Shopping Malls offer the best shopping experiences, in terms of diversity of products, accessible location in downtown areas and overall shopping satisfaction. Whether you are looking for the most upscale, the trendiest, the funkiest, or the most specialised, you will find them among these shopping malls below.

Central World Bangkok

Central World mega-shopping complex offers one of the most exciting shopping experiences in Bangkok. It has everything from brand name clothing boutiques, funky fashion, high-tech gadgets, bookshops and designer furniture to imported groceries, a lineup of banks, beauty salons, gourmet eateries and even an ice-skating rink. With so many tantalising options to explore, you could easily spend half a day here without realising it.

It will come as no surprise to anyone who has experienced the incredible size of CentralWorld that this is, in fact, the largest mall in Thailand and among the largest in the world. We think it’s safe to say that if you are looking for a shopping fix in Bangkok this place will deliver.

Occupying some 550,000 square metres of retail space and a total area size of 830,000 square metres – that is 30% larger than any other shopping centre in central Bangkok – CentralWorld has a range of offerings that encompass more than 500 stores, 100 restaurants and cafes, 15 cinemas, Kids' Zone and Learning Centre(Genius Planet Zone), two anchor department stores, as well as a trendy food court, an expansive supermarket and an outdoor square for large-scale events like Bangkok's official New Year countdown party.

The location is slap-bang in the heart of the Chidlom 'battleground of the malls' with direct Skytrain (BTS) access and home to the two famous shrines, Erawan Shrine and Trimurti Shrine.

The shopping street concept – in a mall

CentralWorld's retail layout is influenced by the shopping street concept, allowing shoppers to spec several storefronts at a glance, whilst its overall design has placed a lot of emphasis on natural light / daylight that filters through the many skylights and open wells. Spectacular sculptures by famous artists are used as decoration features, and a glass mobile consisting of 3,500 glass balls hanging in an open well has had the crowds in awe.

Specialised anchor 'mega-stores' – measuring between 2,000 and 8,200 square metres – include SuperSports, PowerBuy, B2S, Central Food Hall, SB Furniture and Toys 'R' Us. The department store Zen spans seven floors, while Zen World on 13 floors offer a fitness centre, spa, yoga, beauty centre, as well as an educational and tourist promotion centre. Among the 500 world-class stores count 35 flagship brands like Zara, Miss Sixty and Timberland, and 36 'first stores' – the likes of the Japanese brand Uniqlo and the English brand Next.

Much more than a shopping mall, CentralWorld also caters to the lifestyles of young urbanites, families and teens. Entertainment options include The Rink, an open ice skating rink, Toys 'R' Us and 15-screen SF World Cinema. Good news for parents is the Genius Planet Zone (kids' zone and learning centre) and Thailand Knowledge Park (TK Park), where specialised supervision is provided in an 'edutainment' environment. Go right ahead, here you can drop the kids off with a clear conscience that they will have fun and their minds stimulated while you're getting a good old-fashioned dose of retail therapy.

CentralWorld has arrived. Bigger. Better. And, unmistakably, a shopping experience not to be missed. All that's missing is mini golf karts for rent.

Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00
Location: Ratchaprasong Intersection, opposite Gaysorn and Erawan
BTS: Chidlom, Siam
Tel: + 66 (0) 264-7000

Bangkok Shopping Centre

Siam Paragon is an immensely popular shopping mall housing a host of international high-end fashion brands, Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium, a 16-screen Cineplex, and a comprehensive selection of world cuisine. Located prominently in front of Siam BTS Skytrain station - the interchange of the two BTS lines - it is considered by many to be the centre of Bangkok.

Considering the mall contains over 250 shops, the layout is logical and fairly compact, certainly when compared to the sprawling Central World mall nearby. However, this mall provides mainly luxury items for well-heeled Thais and international visitors with cash to splurge. If you are looking for something extra-special then Siam Paragon is definitely the place to find it.

On the Main Floor – ‘The Luxury’

Entering through the impressive glass-and-steel atriums, flagship stores of designer brands such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Versace are clustered in the prime positions around the main escalators, each fighting for attention with elaborate window displays. The exclusive products on display in Siam Paragon rival anything on offer in Bangkok, or, indeed, throughout the region. This is where the wealthy come to play. As for how popular they are: around the time of new product launches, it’s not uncommon to see queues of people lining up outside waiting for a chance to glimpse the season’s new line. Bring your credit card though, as this kind of luxury doesn't come cheap – but as the old adage goes, 'you get what you pay for'.

First Floor – ‘Fashion Venue’

If shops with no price tags on their merchandise put you on edge, head up to the First Floor where the premium high-street shops are based. Again, the prime locations inside the glass atriums are dominated by the likes of Paul Smith, Armani and Hugo Boss, but this gives way to more affordable brands further into the mall. Both Gap and H&M – among many others – have massive shops on this floor offering more everyday items for price-conscious shoppers who still demand cutting-edge style. It’s also worth keeping your eyes peeled for seasonal sales throughout the mall as you might get lucky and bag yourself a designer bargain.

Second and Third Floors – ‘Lifestyle and Leisure’:

The Second and Third floors are dedicated to Lifestyle and Leisure with a mixture of beauty salons, home technology, up-market home furnishing showrooms, luxury car marques - including a jaw-dropping Lamborghini display, and the biggest and best stocked foreign-language bookshop in Bangkok: Kinokunia. For those in the market for the latest audio equipment, both Bang & Olufsen and Bose have their Thai showrooms on the Second Floor with complete ranges of products for both personal and professional use. The bustling crowds start to thin out up here as there are fewer window-shoppers, and it’s a good place to take a break at one of the several cafes dotted along the thoroughfares, allowing time to recover from the lively crowds below and appreciate the stylish and refined décor.

The Fourth Floor – ‘I.T. World’ and more restaurants!

As well as a growing number of restaurants and eateries over-spilling from the mammoth Ground Floor Gourmet Paradise (scroll down for more details), the Fourth Floor contains most of the I.T. and electronic goods any shopper is likely to need. While it’s true some items might be found cheaper elsewhere, at Siam Paragon you are guaranteed all the latest technology, first-rate advice, customer service, and help with set-up and configuration for the technophobes. It gives peace of mind that most shops are official dealers, and products are always genuine, unlike at some other malls. Also on the Fourth Floor is an assortment of bespoke stores selling all manner of silk products, handicrafts, top-of-the-range aromatherapy oils and other souvenir-type goods.

The Fifth Floor

Somewhat confusingly, the level attached to the skywalk is called the Main Floor, despite it being one above the ground, and the floors above that are then the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, up to the 5th, which is taken up by the Cineplex and its 15 large size theaters including IMAX, Blue-O Rhythm and Bowl, and the Royal Paragon Exhibition Hall. It's advisable to ask for a map at one of the numerous information counters to quickly gather your bearings.

VIP Cinema Experience

A relatively new addition to the already world-class movie theatre up on the top floor is the Nokia VIP Ultrascreen. It takes the traditional cinema experience to a new level of luxury. Think of it as an upgrade to first-class on a long-haul flight. 700 baht gets you deep-seated leather sofa booths with motorized reclining footrests, complimentary snacks and drinks, and a blanket so you can snuggle up close to watch the latest movie releases on a stunning digital screen. The two-person sofas are well spaced out and are designed to keep your experience private and romantic.

IMAX Theater

Paragon adds to its already impressive 15-screen Cineplex with the much lauded IMAX theatre. An IMAX theatre is essentially a bigger, better, more engrossing version of a normal movie theatre. The screen is enormous – around nine times larger than average – with enhanced screen resolution, surround sound, and seats that recline so you can lie back and soak up the action.

IMAX is especially recommended for 3D action movies as the picture size and quality really dazzle the viewer. It certainly keeps the whole auditorium wide-eyed with wonder and is the perfect family activity on a rainy day. There are a range of ticket prices, starting from 300 baht.

The Siam Paragon Experience

The emphasis of Siam Paragon is fashionable, luxury living. Remember to take your credit card along as some items come with a large price tag. Twice a year there are large end-of-season sales, but don't worry if you miss these, as there are always deals to be had and there are a variety of monthly promotions all year round. For a 5% discount on most purchases, you can apply for a Tourist Discount Card at the information desk on the ground level. Paragon is larger than life and no Bangkok shopping experience is complete without a trip here.

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 22:00
Location: At Siam BTS Station
BTS: Siam

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MBK Shopping Center Bangkok #pakettourthailand

Bangkok Shopping Malls

MBK is probably Bangkok's most legendary shopping mall, popular with both tourists and locals, and busy with shoppers every day. There are eight floors packed with 2,000 shops that sell everything from clothing, fashion accessories, handbags, leather products and luggage to furniture, mobile phones, electric appliances, cameras, stationery and DVDs. Launched in 1986, MBK is a beehive of activity, especially on weekends, when half of Bangkok converges to shop for bargains. It's not as up-market or stylish as neighbouring Siam Discovery, Siam Centre and the glitzy Siam Paragon, but it offers a mind-boggling range of goods spread over 89,000 square metres and is considerably less expensive.

MBK is particularly easy to reach thanks to a direct walkway linking to National Stadium BTS Skytrain Station. Literally every taxi driver knows this most famous of shopping malls in Bangkok too, so you can hail a cab from anywhere but traffic can be intense.

On the ground floor of MBK you will find lines of stalls selling fashion, shoes and handbags, fast food outlets and a Tops Supermarket, with an open space dedicated to sales offering prices discounted by 30% to 50%. As you move up the levels you will find enclaves of products almost-randomly placed. Part of the fun of MBK is exploring the long straight paths looking out for things that take your fancy. As a rough guide, fashion can be found on the lower floors, a mass of electronics on the third and fourth floors, with home furnishings and souvenirs on the fifth and sixth. 

Like every shopping complex in Bangkok, there are plenty of options when you get hungry. There are two food courts - one local (sixth floor), one international (fifth floor) - with lots of choice. The top floor comprises of an entertainment complex boasting a multi-screen cinema, karaoke, a computer games arcade and plenty of other restaurants. MBK have also added a 3D Trick Art Museum, which is a fun family activity just perfect for a rainy day.

Bargains galore – and free air-conditioning!

To start with, fashion outlets cover everything from jeans, outsized clothing (for the 'larger' Western frame), shoes, handbags, accessories, jewellery, trendy apparel and famous-name brands. The bargain prices of many of these items mean that merchandise is often copy products or from questionable origin. It's important to take a closer look at the quality and craftsmanship.

But if your idea of a shopping bargain is to pay a few dollars for an Adidas T-shirt or a Gucci belt – and authenticity is not an issue – head straight to MBK. Many of the products that can be found here are similar to that at markets, but the convenience of shopping in an air-conditioned environment beats hot and sticky markets – especially in the hot season.

And, just like the markets, all prices are negotiable; MBK is probably the only mall in Bangkok where you can put your bartering skills to the test. You'll be surprised how much a big smile can knock off the original asking price. If you're shopping wholesale, prices get even more competitive.

Heaven for Electronic Goods and Mobile Phones

The fourth floor is dedicated to mobile phones, DVDs, CDs and all kinds of related gadgets and paraphernalia in a market-type environment with stalls crammed into every available space. New phones, second-hand phones, starter packs, the latest (copy) DVDs, PC games and games consoles, MP3 players and what have you...

A flagship tenant is the four-storey Tokyu Department Store, the only one in Bangkok and a leading department store in Japan, which offers a wide range of quality merchandise like clothing, apparel, cosmetics and household goods at reasonable prices. On the fourth level is has a supermarket too. There's also a TOPS supermarket at MBK (ground level) and a mini indoor craft market (on the sixth floor) with a range of arts and crafts from all over Thailand – a lot of it though the typical souvenir-type items targeted at tourists.

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Madame Tussauds Bangkok #pakettourthailand

Bangkok Wax Museum

If you are a skeptic, you’d probably think a wax museum is a wax museum is a wax museum, right? What’s the hype all about? Well, for starter, Madame Tussauds has stepped down from the pedestal and embraced her visitors with a revolutionary concept – the wax museum with exhibits you can touch, hug, play with and even kiss. Imagine shooting hoops with the Houston Rockets centre Yao Ming, appearing on The Oprah Show, practicing Kung Fu with Bruce Lee, drinking espresso with George Clooney, or… ahem… putting your arm over your old pal Mao Zedong’s shoulders.

Located in the Siam Discovery Center, in Siam area, Madame Tussauds Bangkok is no old-fashioned wax museum. For the entertainment value and a chance to rub shoulders with world celebrities, heads of state, activists, sports heroes and heroines, legendary artists, and even royalty, the museum is worth checking out. 

Madame Tussauds Highlights

With 10 exhibit rooms decked out in real-life themes, the museum feels more like a journey from one time-warp to the next – Lady Di next to Mao Zedong, Pablo Picasso and his Cubist painting next to Thailand’s leading and somewhat eccentric forensic pathologist Dr. Porntip Rojanasunan in her full rock star regalia, Barak and Michelle Obama in their Oval Office next to Aung San Suu Kyi and the Dalai Lama.

Out of the 10 rooms, The Royal Room is the most elegant and culturally significant, as it showcases the wax figures of HRH Prince Mahitala Thibed Adulyadej and HRH Princess Srinagarindra, the late parents of His Majesty the King. All the decorative elements in this room are meticulously planned down to the tiniest details, whether the royal costumes, colour scheme, floral graphic patterns and music, all of which received the Royal endorsement from the Thai Royal family. This is the only room in which you are not allowed to touch the figures.

A controversial political personality, Chairman Mao seems to get more attention from visitors than Princess Diana or Queen Elizabeth II. But the most photographed is probably a section of the Oval Office, with the U.S. President and First Lady posing by the festoon curtains.

Watch World Geniuses at Work

Enough with all formalities, let’s get to the fun part. While Picasso is taking a cigarette break, steal his canvas and create your own masterpiece. Need a piano lesson? Learn it from the Maestro, Ludwig van Beethoven. Meet Albert Einstein in person, or hug him if you are a fan – his moustache looks so real that it invites your touch. Did he really have his hair like that all his adult life?

Following Einstein’s glance, you see what looks like Thailand’s Democracy Monument and a foreign sculptor working on his soon-to-be masterpiece. This is the man behind so many important monuments you see in Bangkok. So, meet Silpha Bhirasri (born Corrado Feroci), an Italian sculptor who helped shape Thailand’s modern art scene.

Sports fans, be prepared for some action with your heroes and heroines, whether it’s a game of tennis with former world’s number one Serena Williams – whose biceps are, by the way, bigger than my thighs – kicking bendy goals while David Beckham is watching, putting with Tiger Woods, or lifting weights with Thailand’s Olympic gold medalist Pawina Thongsuk. Yao Ming, by the way, is as tall as the basketball hoop –try and steal the ball away from him! 

Join the A-List Party

After saying goodbye to Yao, it’s time to hit the limelight with your favourite pop idol. Take charge of the microphone, while Madonna and Britney can only look on, or challenge the King of Pop with your best moonwalk. After you’ve had enough fun, proceed down the red carpet and join the glamourous party with the most beautiful faces of Hollywood, whether Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and so on.

Quality Craftsmanship

Behind the glory and glamour, what makes Madame Tussauds Bangkok different from other wax museums in Thailand is the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail, from set designs all the way to daily maintenance. It takes British craftsmen between three and six months to finish one wax figure, and the process is highly elaborate. Implanting hair is perhaps the most labourious task, as is the case of some female stars. Each strand of hair is implanted one by one, using real human hair. And the effect, when combined with the sparkle in the figure’s eyes – try looking into Julia Roberts’ or Princess Diana’s – is totally stunning.

You can learn all about the craft of wax work from the second-floor exhibit on the history of Madame Tussauds. The museums’ souvenir boutique carries an interesting collection of memorabilia and quirky accessories you might want to bring home with you.

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Nong Nooch Tropical Garden & Cultural Village #pakettourthailand

Nong Nooch Garden is set in a 2.4sq.km. beautifully landscaped park and can easily make an all-day trip. The entire area is more like a theme park, with daily cultural shows, restaurants and accommodation as well as a vast area showcasing individually themed gardens. A leisurely stroll through the botanical park is like taking a journey around the world, through its many famous gardens, whether 17th-century French garden, Stonehenge, or European Renaissance garden. Equally fascinating are species-specific gardens, such as cactus and succulent plants, orchid nurseries, tropical palm gardens, bonsai and topiary garden.

Due to its vast landscape, it’s unlikely that you will hit all the attractions within Nong Nooch Garden by walking alone. It’s a good idea to rent a bicycle and explore the garden at a leisurely pace. Don’t miss the orchid nurseries which house more than 670 native species and hybrids all in one place – the largest collection in the country. Showcasing exotic-shaped leaves and blossoms, the cactus and succulent plants garden is both educational and eye-opening.

Meanwhile, the French garden, with its symmetrical design and perfectly manicured shrubs modeled after the gardens of Versailles, is another big highlight. An interesting feature is the skywalk, a shaded, 1.1km elevated walkway that takes you through the topiary garden, European garden, tropical palm garden, butterfly hill and Stonehenge garden. Apart from the botanical park, Nong Nooch Garden features daily shows at the Thai Cultural Hall. Enjoy the spectacle of sights and sounds in a classical Thai dance, Muay Thai or ancient drum performance, as well as the elephant talent shows. Other activities include paddle boats, elephant rides and cycling.

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Temple Of Reclining Buddha #pakettourthailand

Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and a must-do for any first-time visitor in Bangkok. It's one of the largest temple complexes in the city and famed for its giant reclining Buddha that measures 46 metres long and is covered in gold leaf. It’s an easy ten minute walk between here and the Grand Palace, and we recommend coming to Wat Pho second, because even though the golden Buddha here is just as popular many people don’t take the time to wander around the rest of the complex so the experience tends to be far more relaxing. This is also a great place to get a traditional Thai massage. Wat Pho is often considered the leading school of massage in Thailand, so you really are in good hands here. Since December 2012, entrance to the temple costs 100 baht and you can visit any time between 08:00 and 17:00.

The highlight for most people visiting Wat Pho is the Reclining Buddha. The figures here are impressive: 15 metres tall, 46 metres long, so large it feels like it has been squeezed into the building. The Buddha's feet are 5 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious 'laksanas' (characteristics) of the Buddha. 108 is a significant number, referring to the 108 positive actions and symbols that helped lead Buddha to perfection. You’ll need to take your shoes off to enter, and if you would like a little good luck, we recommend purchasing a bowl of coins at the entrance of the hall which you can drop in the 108 bronze bowls which line the length of the walls. Dropping the small pennies in makes a nice ringing sound and even if your wishes don’t come true, the money goes towards helping the monks renovate and preserve Wat Pho. As this is a revered image, all visitors must wear appropriate clothing; this means no exposed shoulders or skin above the knee.

As we said before, it really is worth taking a look round the rest of the temple. Wat Pho also has good English speaking guides who will provide interesting information for around 200 - 400 baht, depending on how many people there are in your group and how good your negotiating skills are. If you prefer, you can wander alone. Recommend sites include four chapels that contain 394 gilded Buddha images, long lines of golden statues from different parts of Thailand sitting in the lotus position. Although the intricately detailed murals that cover the walkways around Wat Pho will require a book or guide to decipher, the exquisite murals are so detailed and intricate that even if you don’t understand all the imagery you can still appreciate the artwork. Finally in the courtyards at Wat Pho Temple are some comical looking Chinese statutes that were once uses as ballasts on ships and 91 chedis (or stupas) decorated in ceramic pottery flowers and colourful tiles.

Wat Pho was the first public university in Thailand, specialising in religion, science and literature. It is now more well-known as a centre for traditional massage and medicine. After a walk around the temple there is nothing quite like a relaxing foot or head and shoulder massage. If you've never tried a traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho is a good place to experience this popular leisure activity. It's quite different to most other forms of therapeutic massage and tends to be invigorating rather than relaxing, incorporating yoga style postures to relieve stress and improve blood circulation. This is a very popular activity at Wat Pho temple, so we recommend you pop in before your treatment to book a spot, or you might end up with a long wait.

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Chao Phraya River in Bangkok #pakettourthailand

Like all urban rivers, the history of the Chao Phraya is intertwined with the city it flows through. The original site was chosen by early settlers because of its fertility and abundant fish. Later King Taksin, after the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese, located his new capital here, on the western banks today known as Thonburi.

In 1782 King Rama I, finding the eastern banks more favourable, founded modern Bangkok and celebrated the occasion by building some of the world's most beguiling temples. Later still the canals it feeds became famous, earning Bangkok its 'Venice of the East' epithet. And, meanwhile, eminent Western authors like Maugham, Conrad and Coward were singling out the Chao Phraya as one of their favourite spots in the Far East.

‘The River of Kings’

Truly, the River of Kings - as King Rama I named it - is the lifeblood of Bangkok. And not just because of this rich history. Around 50,000 people still use its ferries to get to each day. Slow barges bearing cargo coast upstream. Kids still frolic in the russet-brown water. Wooden shacks, mottled by the elements, still lurch over the water.

Soaring hotels and condominiums hem in solemn temples, churches and civic buildings that look 19th century European, while yards away the odd wooden sampan sells noodle soup or dried squid to hungry river workers. It is this juxtaposition of calm and chaotic, modern and traditional, religious and secular, ugly and sublime, foreign and indigenous that makes the Chao Phraya so evocative.

River Boats and Ferries

Five public boat lines, all operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat company, ply the same 21km route: 'local line', 'orange', 'yellow', 'blue' and 'green-yellow'. Operating between 06:00 and 19:30 daily, each is identifiable by the coloured flag hanging off its rear.

The rush-hour only 'local line' stops at all 34 piers, while the other four are express lines stopping at only selected piers. Only the Orange Flag Line, with its flat fee of 15 baht, runs all day and on weekends – for most journeys this fits the bill. The others stop at around 09:00 and begin again at around 16:00. Cross-river ferries operate at most major piers and will drop you to the other bank for 3.5 baht (see Chao Phraya Pier Guide for details).

'Tourist Boats' are another option, offering unlimited trips to nine prominent piers for a 150 baht flat fee (service hours: 09.30 - 15.00 daily). Not a bad deal if you plan to do a lot of hopping on and off over one day, want more comfort and the sites to be pointed out to you. Bear in mind though – these run every 30 minutes while the public lines used by locals typically run every 15 to 20 minutes. Other options for exploring the river include hiring a long-tail boat (usually includes trips down the city's canals), a river cruise or dinner cruise. All give a different perspective on this fascinating river.

Chao Phraya River

Phra Arthit Road runs parallel to the Chao Phraya River, stretching from Phra Sumen fort to Thammasat Universty. Lined with quaint shop-houses, cosy hole-in-the-wall restaurants, bars and cafés with live music, this is where the artsy type convene after sundown before hitting nearby Khao San Road. The nearest river pier is Phra Arthit Pier.

Thewet is scintillating. People come here to make merit by releasing fish or to feed the school of frenzied catfish scraps of bread. There's also a ramshackle yet photogenic wet market, and the Royal enclave of Dusit nearby. The nearest river pier is Thewet.

Oriental, the old Westerner Quarter with crumbling European architecture, antiques shops and the venerable Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where some of the 20th century's most eminent scribes once stayed. The nearest river pier is Oriental.

Pak Khlong Flower Market, a living breathing oriental market teeming with life and colour, is one of the most pleasant places to spend an early morning. Find fresh flowers of all species, fruits and vegetables at wholesale price. The nearest river pier is Rajinee.

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Jim Thompson House in Bangkok #pakettourthailand

The lovely garden-enclosed compound sitting on the bank of the Saen Saeb Canal would have gone completely unnoticed, had it not been for a legacy left behind by a middle-aged American man named Jim Thompson. His elegant residential enclave, comprising six traditional Thai teakwood houses transported from Ayutthaya and Bangkok’s Ban Krua community, echoes Jim Thompson’s 30-year love affair with Southeast Asian art and cultural heritage. 

An architect by training and an avid collector of Asian objets d’art, Jim Thompson’s keen eyes and flair for design breathed life into everything he touched. After his discharge from military service in 1946, Jim Thompson decided to settle down in Thailand, where he dedicated over 30 years to reviving Thai silk – then a dying cottage industry – and introduced it to the world’s most respectable fashion houses and catwalks in Paris, New York, London and Milan. 

The same goes for his Thai house, which was no ordinary teakwood villa complex filled with incongruous collections of antiques, but a breathing museum – even then – that embodies Jim Thompson’s life-long passion and whimsical design choices. One day in 1967, while at the height of his success, he mysteriously disappeared into the Malaysian jungle, and thus began the legacy of Jim Thompson…

Where East Meets West

In the shadow of surrounding trees, the house’s inconspicuous façade belies a tastefully decked entry foyer, itself an unconventional architectural feature in traditional Thai houses and a preamble to Jim Thompson’s signature East-meets-West style permeating throughout the house.

A clever lighting arrangement draws your eyes to two wall niches displaying a 17th Century standing Buddha and a wooden hand-carved figurine. High above your head, a Belgian chandelier glistens from the ceiling, while the floor is laid out with Italian marble tiles, punctuating the heavy wood accents on the walls and indoors staircase.

A Tasteful Collection of Art and Antiques

Upstairs, you are greeted by a series of decorative wall hangings that Jim Thompson acquired from various Buddhist temples. Like ancient murals, they tell stories of the Buddha’s previous and present lives as well as his spiritual journey towards attaining enlightenment. From here, proceed to the right and encounter the solemn sandstone Buddha image guarding the entry to the Thai kitchen, which now houses Jim Thompson’s exquisite collection of Benjarong porcelain ware.

The dining room is housed inside the 19th Century teakwood villa Thompson bought from its owner in Ayutthaya. On the dining table, fashioned from two Chinese mahjong tables, the blue-and-white porcelain set is laid out in its full glory, as if dinner is about to be served, with Thompson seated at the head of the table, his back to the windows. 

Jim Thompson House - Living at the Water’s Edge

Set between the private quarter and the dining area is the living room, constructed from the 100-year-old wooden house Jim Thompson bought from the Ban Krua Muslim community just across the canal. The villagers at Ban Krua were the first weavers of the Jim Thompson silk brand. Jim Thompson used to row across the canal and back every day, until he decided to build a permanent home here.

With a four-metre-high ceiling and one open-sided wall, the living room is a lofty area overlooking the Saen Saeb Canal. Thompson masterfully converted the four windows into four display niches, upon which he placed four Burmese guardian spirits (or ‘Nats’) carved from wood, a gift from the Burmese government.

Master of His Own Trade

As you wander from one room to the next, you can’t help but admire Jim Thompson’s thoughtful eclecticism and meticulous attention to details. His sophisticated taste and in-depth knowledge of Southeast Asian art shine through the rare antique and art collections placed tastefully in each room that enrich the overall ambience, rather than just show off his wealth.

While respecting local traditions and customs, he was no slave to them either. The staircase and bathrooms are found indoors, rather than outdoors as you would normally find in traditional Thai homes. Satellite houses, which normally would be linked through an open courtyard area, are all grouped under one roof with a covered walkway. And the decorative window panels, which traditionally face outwards, face in. Jim Thompson’s skillful adaptation of the local style to suit his western upbringing was years ahead of its time, rendering a timeless twist to what would otherwise be labeled as ‘classic’ or simply ‘colonial’. 

The Jim Thompson Brand

After Jim Thompson’s mysterious disappearance, a court-appointed administrator, which 10 years later became The James H.W. Thompson Foundation, took over the management of his house and assets. Today, the brand Jim Thompson also extends to an art centre, souvenir boutique, restaurant and café, as well as banqueting facilities located in the same vicinity. With an outdoor terrace by the canal, the elegantly appointed Araya Hall caters for gatherings of between 40 and 80 people, whether a corporate function, meeting, fashion show, wedding banquet, press conference, private luncheons or dinners.

Jim Thompson House

Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 (last guided tour at 17:00)
Location: Soi Kasemsan 2, opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Road.
BTS: National Stadium
Address: 6/1 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road
Tel: +66 (0)2 216 7368
How to get there: Take exit 1 from the BTS National Stadium Station, turn right into Soi Kasemsan 2 and continue walking all the way to the very end. The museum will be on your left-hand side.

Bo.Lan Restaurant Bangkok #pakettourthailand

An Amazing Thai Restaurant In Sukhumvit

Bo.Lan has been recognised for many years as one of the best Thai restaurants in Bangkok. Famed for initiating the concept of fine dining Thai cuisine in the city, here you can sample age old recipes made from the absolute best ingredients but presented with the flair of European haute cuisine. 

The famous pairing of head chefs 'Bo' (Duangporn Songvisava) and 'Dylan Jones' decided to move the restaurant to bigger premises in mid-2014, with the bigger and bolder Bo.Lan now located on Sukhumvit Soi 53, a few hundred metres from Thong Lor BTS Station. 

Thankfully, their unwavering dedication to pure Thai cuisine still remains; if anything, it is even more pronounced, with dinner served from a choice of set menus only, and a la carte offerings available for lunch along with a prix fixed menu and a full set. 

The renovated house is noticeably larger than their old premises, yet there has been a clear ambition to keep the rustic and inherently Thai ambiance that has become a trademark of Bo.Lan. Return customers will recognise the liberal use of Thai baskets and woodwork as decoration, as well as a well manicured garden that is at once welcoming and tasteful. But with more space to play with, there are now three main sections to the dining room and more space between tables (although it is still highly recommended to book in advance).

As you enter the restaurant you will find a small farm shop selling seasonings, pastes and oils – testament to the philosophy at Bo.Lan of using organic, locally produced ingredients that not only taste great, but also promote local farmers. 

There are three set menus available to choose from, with most guests opting for the Bo.Lan Balance set at 1980 baht (not including tax or service), although there is a reduced option (1680 baht ++) and a vegetarian set (1980 baht ++). It must be said that to sample your way through the entire six course set takes around two hours or more so this is not the place for a quick bite, but food aficionados will rejoice in the range and depth of food served. A powerful Thai cocktail is served first and sets the mood, balancing strong flavours together. This is followed by a platter of appetisers (amuse bouche), elegantly presented and distinctly flavoured. Personal favourites include the steamed salmon with dill and a northern Thai interpretation of laab salad. 

The third course is changeable depending on the season and availability of ingredients before the main course is served. Typical to Thai dining, the main course consists of five or six separate dishes delivered together which are then shared. It is tradition to be served a curry, salad, something grilled, something fried and a soup. This is all eaten with rice to temper the strong flavours. The mains is where the skill of the chef really shines, with each dish delivering incredibly individual flavours and aromas, an interplay of herbs seemingly picked fresh from the garden.

To finish the meal, two desserts are served, first a classic ice-based sweet with coconut milk and palm seeds called ‘nam keng sai’ (meaning ‘in ice’), before a heavier black sticky rice cake with longan fruit. Finally, an eclectic and artfully prepared plate of petit four or little sweet bites mark the end of the feast, designed to be eaten with tea.  

With recipes inspired by traditional Thai cooking, this is in no way a Thai fusion restaurant. In fact, due to the difficulty in sourcing and preparing ingredients, some of the dishes offered at Bo.Lan are rare, even for locals Thai people. There will surely be tastes and combinations new to diners here but just trust in the skilled professionals in the kitchen and leave your preconceptions at home. It is important to note that everyone of your group must agree to take either the short or long set course because, as explained, Thai tradition dictates that course are served to be shared. 

Bo.Lan is not your everyday local eatery. This is the kind of place to invite your discerning friends or when you want to impress visitors who think they have tried it all before. Dishes are elaborate both in presentation and taste and each bite is a pleasant gustative experience with a mix of texture, flavour and spice.

Opening Hours: Dinner (Tues-Sun) 18:00 - 01:00 (last order by 22:30); Lunch (Thurs-Sun) 12:00 - 14:30
Location: 24 Sukhumvit Soi 53
BTS: Thonglor Exit 1
Tel: +66 (0)2 260 2962 (advanced reservation necessary)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bolan/57368824571
Price Range: Bo Lan Balance Set Menu - 1,980 baht ++

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Most Popular Dinner Cruise in Bangkok #pakettourthailand

Apsara Dinner Cruise in Bangkok

Luxury Dinner Cruise by Banyan Tree

Seeing the amazing temples of Bangkok at night whilst you drift along the Chao Phraya River is not to missed. Run by Banyan Tree Hotel, the luxury of the Apsara makes for an extra-special night out. Coming to rest in front of the famous sights, passengers are treated to a tasty Thai dinner whilst enjoy the view. The rice-barge takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete the tour, travelling past Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) and the Grand Palace to  the golden Rama VIII Bridge. This trip on the water takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy Bangkok by night and some delicious groumet dishes. It truly is a magical and romantic evening.

The tour runs from 20:00 until 21:45 every day.
Starts at River City Pier.
The boat will pick you up from River city pier at 20:00 and you will be welcomed aboard the beautifully renovated rice barge by the captain and his crew whilst enjoying a drink. The boat departs in the direction of Rama VII Bridge, slowing in front Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn), The Grand Palace and many other famous sites. Dinner is served along the way and on your return to the pier there is a brief stop in front of Wat Arun so ensure you get that perfect photo. You return to River City Pier at around 21:45.

Bangkok Grand Pearl Cruise

Experience the Chao Phraya River under candlelight with this dinner cruise on the luxurious Grand Pearl. After being welcomed on board with warm smiles and cocktails, you'll begin a journey up the river, starting at River City Pier, then passing such iconic sites as Wat Arun, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. 

After enjoying a lavish Thai and international buffet dinner, relax under the stars and moonlight, as a live band enhances the mood with background music. At Rama VIII Bridge, the cruise turns around, allowing for one last glimpse of Bangkok's time-honoured temples.

19:00
Check-in at La Grande Perle Restaurant, River City Shopping Complex.

19:20
Boarding the Grand Pearl, the most luxurious cruise liner on the Chao Phraya River. Be welcomed by our crew in typical ceremonious Thai fashion with warm smiles and enjoy a special Grand Pearl welcome cocktail.

19:30
Departure from River City Pier. While you enjoy your drinks, take in the beautiful night-lit scenery on both sides of the Chao Phraya River as the captain pilots the boat up-river. You will have the opportunity to take snapshots of the two most magnificent night views of Bangkok: Wat Arun - The Temple of Dawn - and the Grand Palace with Wat Pra Kaew - The Temple of the Emerald Buddha. After all the passengers have enjoyed their picture opportunities we will return to The River City Shopping Complex, enjoying the beautiful decorations and awesome sight of colored lights on the riverside.

20.00
Dinner is served under moonlight, accompanied by live music and a Thai Classical Dance Show. You will delight in the Thai and International cuisine offerings in a sumptuous buffet with a Sushi corner prepared with skill and renowned care.

21:30

Arrival back at River City Pier. We are sure that you will have enjoyed our Amazing Dinner Cruise. Thank you so kindly for entrusting us with this memorable evening.

Wanfah Dinner Cruise in Bangkok

Treat yourself to a memorable night aboard one of Bangkok's most fabulous dinner cruises. Imagine an unfolding scene of glittering temples, historical landmarks and waterfront dining venues, as you cruise along in a beautifully decked, teakwood boat.

As the twilight sky changes its colour to deep purple and indigo, a sumptuous dinner featuring Thai and seafood dishes will be served. Enjoy your dinner amidst the rhythmic sound of classical Thai music and graceful dance movements, depicting the story of the great Indian Ramayana epic and rural Thailand's folk tales.

19:00 – 21:00

The Wah Fah cruise leaves the River City Pier and starts the upriver journey through the historic section of the Chao Phraya River, passing the Temple of Dawn, luxury riverside hotels, Saphan Phut iron bridge, Wat Phra Kaew and The Grand Palace. Enjoy a delightful spectacle of classical Thai dance and music as you feast on a sumptuous Thai and seafood dinner. For charter service, Wah Fah Cruise is ideal for cocktail parties and dinner service of up to 120 guests.

Anantara Manohra Cruise in Bangkok

The Manohra Rice Barge Dinner Cruise is a romantic option for a unique and culture experience. Cruising down the Chao Phraya River, the Manohra will introduce you to Bangkok by night. It’s a spectacular and memorable experience as Thai culinary delicacies are served as you glide down The River of Kings and take in the spectacular sights.

Manohra can accommodate up to 40 guest diners and en route you will pass the famous Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), the magnificent Grand Palace, The Royal Barge Boathouse, and numerous other temples and fascinating landmarks.

19:30
Depart from Manohra Cruise pier at the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa and travel upstream on the Chao Phraya River. (Second pick-up at Saphan Taksin Pier at 19:45).

20:00
Five course dinner on deck.

21:30

Guests have the choice of three drop-off locations: Saphan Taksin pier or Anantara Riverside Resort & Spa.

White Orchid River Dinner Cruise

Enjoy the best of both worlds – a luscious buffet dinner while you take in Bangkok’s riverside sights on board a cruise boat. Sip on a welcome drink as you pull away from Si Phraya Pier and head up river to Rama I Bridge, Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), The Royal Grand Palace (Wat Pra Kaew), Rama VIII Bridge. The Chaophraya River is the beating heart of Bangkok and is a fascinating exhibition of all things Thai. Feast on a Thai/Western buffet and enjoy the live music followed by Thai classical dancing. Simply soak in the sights of the city from the open-air deck – this tour presents the best of the river and city. Enjoy!

19.30
Check in at White Orchid River Cruise Counter ( River City Shopping Complex ) Si Phraya

19.45
Departure from River City Pier. Welcome drink to be served while cruising along Chaophraya River pass Rama I Bridge, Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), The Royal Grand Palace (Wat Pra Kaew), Rama VIII Bridge and return.

20.00
Enjoy Thai classical dancing, and a buffet dinner will be served with variety of delightful Thai/Western cuisine and entertainment.

21.00
Enjoy live music, as well as disco on the cruise. Later, watch the special show Cabaret Show on Cruise and relax on the open-air deck with 360-degrees views of the river and city.

21.45

Arrive at River City Pier and transfer back to your hotel.

River Star Princess Dinner Cruise

View the most famous and majestic sights of Bangkok from the comfort of a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. The romantic two hour journey passes The Grand Palace, Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn), right up to the modern Rama 9 suspension bridge, and while the scenery passes on either bank of the river you can enjoy an excellent buffet of Thai and International cuisine. Accompanying the three course dinner is a Thai classical dance performance and once dinner is finished, the lights are turned down and the music turned up for a disco inside the cabin, while outside the serenity of old world Bangkok can be enjoyed over a leisurely drink as the cruise sails gently downstream.

19:00 - 21:30

Check in at Yod Piman Pier for 19:00 and soak up the atmosphere along the riverside promenade. At 19:30, board River City Princess, take your seats and enjoy a welcome drink to the sounds of traditional Thai instruments. From 19:45 dinner is served: three courses of Thai and International cuisine, including meat and seafood options. Arrive back at Yod Piman Pier at 21:30.

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10 Things to do with Kids in Bangkok #pakettourthailand

10 Things to do with Kids in Bangkok

Bangkok has something for every breed of child, be they bookworm, games arcade aficionado or the full-of-energy kind. Here is just as much fun and adventure to be had for little people, and the possibilities are endless. From exploring delicate butterflies and a fascinating underwater life, to an exciting boat trip on the Chao Phraya River and lots of shrieks at a water park. And if you can take a moment between working your way down this top-ten list to vote for your favourite, we’ll be very thankful. 

1 Siam Ocean World

Get nose to nose with the fascinating underwater creatures only separated from you by glass, or dare even to dive among sharks! Among the startling array of luminous fishes, behold Oriental Small Clawed Otters, fascinating Weedy Seadragons and freaky Moon Jellies. Fun and informative interactive features keep anyone interested for hours.

2 Fly a Boeing 737 (simulator of course!)

A simulation flight is an extra-special gift for everyone, from young children who dream of being pilots to those who have a passion for planes, and according to research it can even help those who are scared of flying find their wings. The experience feels so realistic that the cockpit in Bangkok has even been used in films and TV shows, and although it isn’t a bargain, it still costs significantly less than in Australia or Europe.

3 Surf at Flow Rider

Flow Rider is an artificial wave machine and beach club in the heart of Bangkok that provides a great way for the whole family to have fun, keep fit and cool off – all while learning a new sport. Flowriding is basically an amalgamation of surfing and wakeboarding on an inflatable ramp which has a thin sheet of water pumped up and over it to simulate a perpetual breaking wave.

4 Kidzania

Kidzania is the very latest and, without a doubt, most innovative addition to the 'edutainment' scene in Bangkok. This is unlike anything we have seen before and the level of fun has been raised to a brand new level. Kidzania, originally a Mexican company, has been opening family entertainment centers since 1999 in Santa Fe, then in 11 additional locations around the world; Bangkok being the latest one.

5 Art in Paradise Trick-Eye 3D Museum

Art in Paradise, the very successful interactive attraction which started in Pattaya, is now open at Esplanade Shopping Mall on Ratchada road. Also refered by locals as the Trickeye Museum or 3D Museum, Art in Paradise is great fun for couples, friends and families to spend a few hilarious hours, especially on rainy days. Esplanade Mall is located on the outskirts of Bangkok, but the MRT station is right in front of the mall.

6 Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Madame Tussauds has stepped down from the pedestal and embraced her visitors with a revolutionary concept – the wax museum with exhibits you can touch, hug, play with and even kiss. Imagine shooting hoops with the Houston Rockets centre Yao Ming, practicing Kung Fu with Bruce Lee, or scoring a goal while the effigy of David Beckham watches you. 

7 Ice Skating

Here's another cool (literally!) excuse to escape from the heat. Bangkok has several great ice rinks - one even that is Olympic-sized. If you're a bit wobbly on skates, take a lesson. If you can glide on the ice like a pro, you're in for great fun! 

8 Siam Park City

Kids are at their happiest when they can splash, wade, dive and ride down slippery slides freely. Parents can do some relaxing in the shade or join in on the fun. 

There are exciting rides and pools for all kind of water babies. Siam Water Park is Bangkok's coolest places to get wet. There is enough to see and do at Siam Park to spend an entire day here, with a large area dedicated to a water park with exhilarating slides, and a separate amusement park with some fantastic rides for both small and big kids.

9 Snake Farm

Forget everything you might have seen in any so-called 'Snake Farm' in tourist regions of Thailand. If you are even just a bit curious about the world of reptiles the Bangkok Snake Farm at the Red Cross Institute is a real revelation. It's informative as much as fascinating and surprising to realize how few snakes are actually dangerous and how many are a blessing to have around your house.

10 Safari World

Safari World is a zoo for those who don't like zoos… of course like any animal parks it has some good and some not so good sides but here animals certainly do have huge amount of space to roam free. Opened since 1988, Safari World is divided in two distinct areas: The open space of Safari Park where you can drive through in your car or in the park bus represents 480 acres for its open zoo and 180 acres for its bird park, then the Marine Park which is more of a traditional zoo mixed with shows and souvenir shops.

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