As the number of malls in Bangkok is getting close to that of 7-Eleven stores, choosing the one that’s worth your while is a first-world problem you might face every weekend. Since we can’t stop you from enjoying this national pastime, we’ve decided to give you a concise look into five new malls that have opened up in the city to help you figure out where you should spend your time — and, of course, money.
Disclaimer: Guru cannot be held responsible for any future credit card debt you may incur as a result of reading this article.
The EmQuartier
The concept: The EmQuartier opened last Friday as part of The EM District, which consists of the new mall, a revamped The Emporium, and the soon-to-be-opened The Emsphere. Now do you understand what they’ve been (and will be) building for so long? The shopping complex has positioned itself as a fashion centre and curator, housing brand-name shops as well as cool concept stores. To celebrate its opening, prizes worth a total of 30 million baht are up for grabs.
Highlights: The Q Stadium on the sprawling first floor features carefully picked clothes and accessories for urban lifestyles from 50 international brands. Pieces by established and up-and-coming Thai designers are showcased at the Qurator, on the second floor. Concept store Another Story is divided into six zones. Here, you can design your own stationery, appreciate artwork or participate in a workshop (malls don’t just have to be about mindless shopping, you know).
High-end offerings include Valentino’s first flagship store, which comes complete with a VIP lounge. Celine’s first new concept boutique is also here, along with exclusive pieces from luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Dolce & Gabbana. Men can pick up swimming trunks with gold stitching from Vilebrequin, while Korean retailer Stylenanda and Japanese brand Beams make their home here.
Check out Quartier Food Hall on the basement level for a food court featuring international fare, restaurants and take-home food shops. Hot Star, a fried chicken franchise from Taiwan, is on this level. Take a photo with its bigger-than-your-face piece of chicken to show off on Facebook.
Burn off the calories at the second branch of Virgin Active, which has also opened at EmQuartier. They’re offering 50 per cent off the activation fee for those who join now.
Head there if: You love the smell of a new mall and you want to spruce up your wardrobe big time as The EmQuartier’s midnight sale takes place until Apr 6. M card members who spend between B5,000 and B50,000 will receive cash coupons. Every B2,000 spent at the Gourmet Market gets a B200 cash coupon in return. Tempting offers for credit card holders — Kasikorn Bank (10am-noon, on Apr 4) and Citibank (10am-noon, on Apr 5) — are also available. Who knows, you may win a condominium as a result of your shopping spree.
- (10am-10pm; The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Soi 35, BTS Phrom Phong,
02-269-1000, http://www.theemdistrict.com, http://fb.com/theemdistrict.)
London Street
The concept: From the outside, London Street looks like a smaller version of the Palace of Westminster, complete with the famous Big Ben. The first “community food mall” by MK Restaurant Group, a leading restaurant chain operator in Thailand, was officially launched last Saturday. This new dining destination features a London vibe and five restaurants under one roof.
Behind the large front doors lies a street with recreations of many London icons — a double-decker bus, a phone booth, lamp posts — that are perfect photo ops. The five featured restaurants are hotpot chain MK, Japanese restaurant Yayoi, teppanyaki specialist Miyazaki, Western cafe Le Petit and Thai restaurant Le Siam.
Highlights: Known names such as MK and Yayoi probably don’t excite you, but the good news is that all of these restaurants have been poshed up with new decor, cutlery, staff uniforms and exclusive “London Street only” dishes.
Enjoy an MK high tea set, which features a selection of dim sum and roasted duck, while the staff does a dance routine to a Britpop song. For every B700 spent at any restaurant in London Street, you’ll receive freebies. Get a London Street membership to enjoy further privileges.
Head there if: You want to pretend you’re in London, duh. Don’t forget to wear a scarf or hold an umbrella to make your pictures look more convincing. People looking for new entries into their food porn album should also consider dropping by.
- (10am-9pm; 2259 Phattanakan Road, between Phattanakan Soi 43 and 45,
next to Tesco Lotus, 02-203-4482, http://www.londonstreetpattanakarn.com.)
The Paseo Park
The concept: If you can’t get enough of that Nippon feel and have already visited Terminal 21 and Digital Gateway, consider The Paseo Park for a full-scale Japanese town experience. It’s the third property by developer TBN (which has opened two malls of the same name in Ramkhamhaeng and Lat Krabang). The 50-rai Paseo Park, which was officially opened on Mar 25, is decorated to represent the Edo period, Heisei period and futuristic Japan.
Highlights: The developer takes creating a Japanese atmosphere seriously. You can’t miss the large red torii and lantern at the entrance. A small stream, a koi pond, a tower, (fake) sakura trees and wooden exteriors of restaurants and shops should make you feel as though you’re strolling through the set of a samurai movie. The community mall also has a good selection of Japanese restaurants, as well as drive-through services from Starbucks, KFC and McDonald’s.
Head there if: You’re a cosplayer who needs a backdrop for your photos. You should feel right at (your character’s)
home here.
- (10am-10pm; Kanchanaphisek Road, between Phetkasem and Boromratchonnanee Roads, 02-106-9889, http://www.thepaseobytbn.com, http://fb.com/thepaseobytbn.)
Tha Maharaj
The concept: Officially opened on Mar 12, Tha Maharaj is the new open-air lifestyle mall in an old neighbourhood — one rich in culture and history. It was developed by Supatra Real Estate, an affiliate of the Chao Phraya Express Boat. Seven low-rise buildings are on the plot, which was previously used for parking. Besides eating and shopping, the riverside venue also hosts art exhibitions, concerts and weekend markets.
Highlights: Sip your Starbucks coffee while enjoying the river view. Cool coffee drinks and clothing are on offer at Favour Cafe, which uses a moka pot, creating strong brews with a unique aroma. Check out the affordable macaroons (B25) and other home-made cakes (under B100) at Trust Me I’m A Baker. Try a slender version of Thai-style curry puffs at Puff Stick, which also offers pastries with interesting stuffing such as Japanese seaweed salad and bananas with almonds. Eat your ice cream on a giant piece of warm cookie served in a frying pan, at Creamery.
During Songkran (Apr 13-15), there will be fun workshops, arts and crafts activities, traditional Thai food vendors, food trucks, games for kids, Thai temple fair games and more, from 4-10pm.
Head there if: You’re good at following directions, as getting there requires a bit of boat know-how. You can board the Chao Phraya Express Boat and get off at Pran Nok/Wang Lang Pier. From there, catch a short ferry ride to Tha Maharaj. Alternatively, get off at Tha Chang Pier and walk to the mall. You can also catch a Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, which stops in front of the mall, from Sathon Pier.
- (10am-10pm; 1/11 Trok Mahathat, Maharaj Road, 02-866-3163-4,
http://www.thamaharaj.com, http://fb.com/ThaMaharaj.)
Yodpiman River Walk
The concept: This riverside community mall sits on an arch of the Chao Phraya River, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view at night. The venue is comprised of six renovated warehouse buildings in colonial style. To get there, take a Chao Phraya Express Boat and get off at Pak Khlong Talat Pier.
Highlights: Enjoy the breeze as you stroll down the 300m river walk. Take a photo against the beautiful backdrop of the river at night on the large balcony area on the first floor. Have a Thai dinner at Mango Tree on the River. Eat ice cream out of a tom yum pot at Yotse.
Places of interest within walking distance are Pak Khlong Talat, where you can buy fresh flowers and fruits; Saphan Phut, for more photo ops; and Saphan Phut night market (Tue-Sun 7pm-1am). The mall also offers a tuk-tuk shuttle service if you want to visit other attractions.
Head there if: You have a professional camera and want to capture a sweeping view of the river at night.
- (10am-10pm; 240 Atsadang Road, 02-623-6851-55, http://www.yodpimanriverwalk.com, http://fb.com/YodpimanRiverWalk.)
