Mall Madness: Bangkok's MBK Shopping Centre

Having shopped in NYC, London and Paris I thought I knew a thing or two about big city shopping. That was before I landed in Bangkok, Thailand, a city that takes mall culture to a whole new level. 

Bangkok's bustling MBK Center

First up on our visit was Bangkok's busiest mall: the chaotic and colorful MBK Shopping Center. If you've ever been to New York's Canal Street you've experienced something of MBK's charm. Now imagine hundreds of stalls selling everything from handbags and sunglasses to electronics crammed into one hectic, 7-story mall and you've got the idea. 


Bargaining is expected here so don't be afraid to negotiate - but keep it friendly and don't forget to smile. 


If you're feeling hungry after all the bargaining, stop by the 7th floor food court for a fun bilingual intro to Thai food. While the 5th floor boasts international restaurants this is where the local shoppers eat, and where you can find a spicy papaya salad or shrimp Pad Thai for 45 Baht (about $1.50). 


My MBK finds? A cheap and cheerful Birkin-inspired ostrich bag and over-sized gold sunglasses, which have already made it into my regular wardrobe rotation. 

***

A car to go with that latte madam?

When only the real thing will do, a visit to the Siam Paragon is in order. Just one Sky Train stop from MBK, the Paragon is a world away. In this soothingly quite interior you can find not just luxury goods from the world's top designers but even pick up the latest BMW or Lotus model if you feel the urge. 


Sadly I had to resist these last temptations. A girl only has so much room in her carry on after all...