Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [133]
Kathmandu Photo Gallery (Map; 0 2234 6700; www.kathmandu-bkk.com; 87 Th Pan; 11am-7pm Sun-Fri; Skytrain Surasak) Bangkok’s only truly dedicated photography gallery is located in a restored Sino-Portuguese shophouse. The small upstairs gallery plays host to changing exhibitions by local and international artists and photographers.
Queen’s Gallery (Map; 0 2281 5360; www.queengallery.org; 101 Th Ratchadamnoen Klang; admission 20B; 10am-7pm Tue-Mon; klorng taxi to Tha Phan Fah) This royally funded museum presents five floors of rotating exhibitions of modern and traditionally influenced art.
Surapon Gallery (Map; 0 2638 0033; www.rama9art.org/gallery/surapon/index.html; Tisco Tower, 1st fl, Th Sathon Neua; Skytrain Sala Daeng, Metro Silom) Unique contemporary Thai art.
Tang Gallery (Map; 0 2630 1114; basement, Silom Galleria, 919/1 Th Silom; 11am-7pm Mon-Sat; Skytrain Surasak) Bangkok’s primary venue for modern artists from China has also edged its way up to become among the city’s top contemporary galleries. Check the posters in the lobby of the Galleria to see what’s on.
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Department Stores & Shopping Centres
Bangkok may be crowded and polluted, but its department stores are modern oases of order. They’re also downright frigid, and Sunday afternoons see a significant part of Bangkok’s entire population crowding into the city’s indoor malls to escape the heat. By no accident, the Skytrain stations also have shaded walkways delivering passengers directly into nearby stores without ever having to set foot on ground level. Most shopping centres are open from 10am or 11am to 9pm or 10pm.
The selection is surprisingly good at Bangkok’s shopping centres, but don’t expect any bargains; most imported items cost more than they would elsewhere. Another quirk is that shop assistants follow you around the store from rack to rack. This is the definition of Thai ‘service’ rather than an indication that they’ve sniffed you out as a shoplifter. And be sure you’re satisfied with an item, as returns are largely unheard of.
MBK Center (Mahboonkhrong; Map; 0 2217 9111; cnr Th Phra Ram I & Th Phayathai; Skytrain National Stadium) This colossal mall has become a tourist destination in its own right. Swedish and other languages can be heard as much as Thai, and on any given weekend half of Bangkok can be found here combing through an inexhaustible range of small stalls and shops. This is the cheapest place to buy contact lenses, mobile phones and accessories, and name-brand knock-offs. It’s also one of the better places to stock up on camera gear, both new and used.
Siam Center & Siam Discovery Center (Map; cnr Th Phra Ram I & Th Phayathai; Skytrain National Stadium) These linked sister centres feel almost monastic in their hushed hallways compared to frenetic MBK, just across the street. Siam Discovery Center excels in home decor, with the whole 3rd floor devoted to Asian-minimalist styles and jewel-toned fabrics. The attached Siam Center, Thailand’s first shopping centre built in 1976, has recently gone under the redesign knife for a younger, hipper look. Youth fashion is its new focus, and several local labels can be found on the 2nd floor.
Siam Paragon (Map; 0 2610 8000; Th Phra Ram I; Skytrain Siam) The biggest, newest and glitziest of Bangkok’s shopping malls, Siam Paragon is more of an urban park than shopping centre. Astronomically luxe brands occupy most floors, while the majority of shoppers hang out in the reflecting pool atrium or basement-level food court. The 5th floor is home to Kinokuniya, Thailand’s largest English-language bookstore.
Central World Plaza (Map; 0 2635 1111; Th Ratchadamri & Th Phra Ram I; Skytrain Chitlom) After being left behind in the mall race, this behemoth box has gutted itself and transformed from ho-hum shopping mall to extrahuge ‘lifestyle’ scene. An elevated walkway links the mall to the Skytrain and several other local mega-malls.
Gaysorn Plaza (Map; cnr Th Ploenchit & Th Ratchadamri; Skytrain Chitlom) A haute couture catwalk, Gaysorn’s spiralling staircases