Shopping around Bangkok – Platinum Mall, Pratunam Market and Sampeng Lane
28 March, 2011Bangkok is well-known to be a shopping paradise for all kinds of stuff from clothes, accessories to even IT products – not only can you get whatever you want here but you can also get it at a cheap price (if you know how to bargain well). For some tips on bargaining, our previous post on “how to bargain in Hong Kong” also applies here.
To enjoy a holiday with the ultimate shopping experience in Bangkok, there are 3 key shopping areas to note:
- Pratunam Shopping Area;
- Chinatown (Sampeng Lane) Shopping Area; and
- Chatuchak (Jatujak) Weekend Market
We will cover just Pratunam and Chinatown in this post. The Pratunam area is well-known for its many shopping centres, open-air market and clothing wholesale distribution centres. Depending on your preference, you can get a wide range of stuff at different prices with very different shopping experiences all within walking distance of each other. Simply take a look at the map below and check out the number of ‘S’ symbols (which stands for shopping malls/markets).
Pratunam Wholesale Market
Located at the intersection of Ratchaprop and Petchburi roads, the Pratunam Wholesale Market is one of Bangkok’s major markets which sells clothes, shoes and fashion accessories at wholesale prices. This market is open as early as 8am and the busy periods when most shops are open and also when the crowds come in are usually from 11am to 2pm. This market is not for the claustrophobic as the shops are lined along small alleys – just when you thought that’s it for this market, another small alley comes up right around the corner offering more clothes and shoes.
You will find all kinds of clothes here from winter jackets, working attire, suits to even outrageous dancing sequined *bling bling* costumes. You can also pick up wallets, belts at reasonable prices – just don’t expect Armani, Gucci quality (even though the brand name seems to indicate so). The Pratunam Wholesale Market is located just beside Amari Watergate Hotel where Paul’s Fashion is located.
Platinum Fashion Mall
If you prefer shopping in brightly lit air-conditioned malls, just cross the Petchburi road – follow the locals when crossing the road as the cars and motorcycles don’t observe the zebra crossing – and you will find the relatively new shopping centre: Platinum Fashion Mall (most shops open at 11am). Here you will find mainly women’s clothing and fashion accessories spread out across 6 floors (Male fashion take up just one floor). The fashion sense here is quite updated and you might even find clothes here that have yet to make it to the blogshops in Singapore; blogshops are also known to source their clothes from here. This is a wholesale mall so don’t be surprised by the large number of shoppers who bring along huge trolley bags stuffed full with clothes from various outlets in the mall.
You can also get items at very reasonable prices – provided you buy in bulk, usually three items and up. The price you pay will be about 30% lower per piece. Some shops allow you to mix different types of items, for example, purses and bags, shirts and trousers. You will sometimes find 2 price tags on the same item – the lower one is the wholesale price; check with the shop assistants on what’s the wholesale price, how many items do you have to buy to enjoy this discounted price and can you mix different items to make up the numbers.
There are just 3 golden rules to note when shopping here and it is practised in almost 90% of the shops here:
- No Trying – you are not allowed to try on the clothes; The clothes might be stretched or soiled with multiple trying by walk-in customers; since the bulk of their business is retailers buying in bulk, such stretched clothings will not be “sell-able”.
- No Change – Same principle as above
- No Refund – As above. If you can’t even swap for another item, don’t bother about refunds.
If you are hungry or thirsty after a whole day of shopping, pop by the cafes located at the basement or the food court on Level 5 for a quick bite before continuing your shopping adventure in Platinum Fashion Mall. If you are planning to take a taxi from Platinum Fashion Mall, ignore the taxi stand and just hail a taxi off the road – the taxi queues are usually very long and you will be constantly pestered by taxi and tuk tuk touts waiting by the roadside. The metered taxi fare from VIE Hotel Bangkok to Platinum Mall or Pratunam Wholesale Market is only about 40 Baht.
Pantip Plaza
Just a few metres away from Platinum Fashion Mall, you will also find Pantip Plaza which is well-known for its cheap IT accessories and counterfeit versions of software and DVDs. If you are looking for thumbdrives, DVDs, wireless mouse and keyboard, compare prices across different shops and bargain hard for the best deal.
Chinatown Sampeng Lane
Right across town on the other side of Bangkok lies Chinatown – another shopping + food paradise. It will cost about 160 baht (metered fare with no traffic jam) for a taxi ride from Platinum Fashion Mall to Chinatown Sampeng Lane. Here you will find all kinds of fashion accessories e.g. hair bands, scrunchies, clips at wholesale prices (but you will have to buy in bulk – 3 or more pieces). Not all shops here cater to walk-in customers and they usually have minimum orders for 50 or more pieces so unless you have plans to buy 50 hair bands, it’s best to stay away. Shops here close at 6pm so after a busy shopping day in Chinatown, you can check out the many roadside stalls offering seafood and Thai food at reasonable prices.
Comments (86)
kay
30 March, 2011 at 5:28 amAnd if you forgot to buy something they can help you, can try personal shopper bangkok
Jarred Tockey
9 April, 2011 at 8:01 amcool web-site. Offered me a even better understanding travelling. Thanks a lot buddy
Nisha
21 April, 2011 at 5:26 pmThanks for the insight, I have been to Malaysia and the shopping mall looks similar! But thanks for the info when I go to Bangkok, and its interesting to know you can have a personal shopper!
Johan
23 April, 2011 at 5:41 pmwhat does it mean by Personal shopper how he help me
videogratuites
23 April, 2011 at 7:19 pmYou can hire personal shopper for the day to show you the best places where to buy what you want (and you usually save compared to the price that a local will pay) , but you can also send personal shoppers to buy what you need for you, and it’s so convenient in a big city !!!
SIAMAK
9 May, 2011 at 8:16 pmHi
I’m looking for kids stock lot garment in thailand
pleas help
thanks
assistantshoppingbangkok
9 May, 2011 at 11:55 pmThank you for your post.
If you are looking for garment or any other products from Bangkok and Thailand you can contact us on Personal-shopper-bangkok.com
johan
10 May, 2011 at 2:37 amwhat price diff usually compare to dubai , malayisa is that cheaper i need ladies stuff, penties, blows, t shirt , long flapper, pls reply
kaykhanitta
10 May, 2011 at 2:43 amA lot cheaper than Dubai and Malaysia, and most of all, the best choice is in Thailand for garment, as these people don’t cheat as in China and know what is quality !
Weekend Shopping Getaway at Bangkok Thailand | Singapore Travel Blog
15 May, 2011 at 11:00 pm[…] Shopping the afternoon away at Platinum Mall’s wholesale fashion shops […]
gigi
16 May, 2011 at 4:27 pmCool blog. Just wondering, do u ever lost around pratunum market? Any advise not to get lost?
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
16 May, 2011 at 4:38 pmYes its quite easy to get lost in pratunuam market – just ask the shopkeepers and they will point you in the right direction but because there are so many exits – there is a risk of conflicting instructions; if you are not in a hurry, just take your time and just walk straight towards any direction and you will find an exit.
Johan
16 May, 2011 at 4:39 pmCan any body let me know what is hotel stay price in Prutnam market, is that fine hotel available not 4 star or 5 star but reasonably good atmoshper.
please reply
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
16 May, 2011 at 4:41 pmyou might want to check asiarooms.com for the rates – some hotels around the area include Baiyoke Sky, VIE Hotel
Avvee
27 May, 2011 at 1:52 pmHeys Great Post! Could you enlighten if bargaining is encouraged at Pratunum , Platinum mall and Pantip ? Cuz some prices i noticed are already so low, but hey if i can get a better deal i wouldn’t mind either (:
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
27 May, 2011 at 2:58 pmYes bargaining is ok at the malls but not the cut 50% type. U can try at chatuchak for the cut 50 – 60% type bargain
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16 May, 2011 at 10:36 pm[…] travels. Check out About page to find out what this blog is all about.Besides being home to a great wholesale accessories shopping street at Sampeng Lane and a beautifully designed boutique hotel at Shanghai Mansion, Bangkok Chinatown at Yaowaraj Road […]
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29 June, 2011 at 11:53 pm[…] to follow our travels. Check out About page to find out what this blog is all about.Besides shopping in Chatuchak Market, Platinum Fashion Mall, Pratunam Market in Bangkok, PassportChop also had the opportunity to check out an unusual market just 75km southwest of […]
pin
13 July, 2011 at 10:27 pmDo you know of any contact person in Bangkok whom I can engage to buy specific products on my behalf then arrange for delivery to Singapore and Malaysia? Thanks!
Elaine
14 August, 2011 at 10:38 pmCould you please advise me where to shop for genuine weft hair extensions and the procedure at the airports?
Jo
16 August, 2011 at 12:39 amHi Elaine, i just got back from BKK. airport procedure’s pretty standard. You alight the plane, take the travelators towards the customs ( there are signs in English ) , join the (really long) queue for the international passports, go through and collect your bags at the other side. Head out into the arrival hall, ignore anyone who approaches you no matter how nice they look. Head down to lvl 1 to the public taxi queue, show the personnel on duty your hotel name and address, they’ll help communicate it to the taxi driver, and you’re on your way (:
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
17 August, 2011 at 1:13 pmHi Elaine – for accessories like hair extensions, you can look for them at Sampeng Lane at Chinatown.
Anna
18 August, 2011 at 8:53 pmHi, Can you help me that let me know somewhere for bussines? i would like to buy ladies’s clothes? where would the right shop i can get with good price? and how much i can carry back to Viet Nam? and Do i have to pay for tax or something else? and Is it safe for going bussines alone there? One more thing, how much is the cost in Baiyoke hotel? lots of infor in internet, i dont know whick one is correctly. Thank you very much.
aakash
16 September, 2011 at 6:50 pmi also need some what same info
fashionmode
17 September, 2011 at 4:03 amWhy don’t you ask the personal shoppers in Bangkok ? They helped to find clothing for my shop, good price and good service, I will use it again soon.
raquel naraja
28 November, 2011 at 7:48 amHello, I’m planning to go in Thailand Bangkok,Can you help me and let me know any information regarding my clothing Business?for ladies’s and for kids clothe’s ? where would the right shop i can get with good price?30,000 baht is it enough for starting for my business?and is any shipping cargo there like LBC ? One more thing, how much is the cost in Baiyoke hotel? lots of info in internet,But i dont know which one is correct.please help me…thanks
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
4 December, 2011 at 4:22 pmFor Ladies and Kids clothes, you can find lots of them at Platinum Mall and Pratunuam Market. They are mostly wholesalers and they offer great discounts to people who buy in bulk. There are no particular shop I would recommend as I dont have experience dealing with them in wholesale purchase. Not too sure abt shipping and Baiyoke hotel (can check out asiarooms.com for good rates).
Azahari
30 November, 2011 at 1:01 pmcould you suggest me as a first timer in Bangkok, Thailand what are good souvenir for my collagues back home that represent Thailand
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
4 December, 2011 at 4:19 pmDefinitely food – lots of dried foodstuffs. at chatuchak market, you get lots of knick-knacks e.g. cups, plates, key chains, t-shirts. you will be spoilt for choice on what to buy for them when you shop at Chatuchak Market
Yossy
7 December, 2011 at 9:55 amDo you know where 2 find branded copy clothes like fred perry,superdry etc in ptatinum/siam/paladium?
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
8 December, 2011 at 3:38 pmDon’t think you can find them there.
Thonburi Bangkok
18 December, 2011 at 10:40 pmHi, Neat post. There is a problem along with your web site in web explorer, could check this? IE still is the market chief and a big part of other people will pass over your magnificent writing due to this problem.
buythiscomputer
18 December, 2011 at 11:08 pmI am now using IE and there is no problem with this site.
YUUKI REN
23 January, 2012 at 4:58 pmHello Zhiqiang & Tingyi! Thank you for your information! Superb website!
Where is the best place for me to buy A4 paper?
Hope you can help me!
Arigato! Have a nice day!
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
26 January, 2012 at 3:01 pmNot quite sure. can try any bookstore around the area
Benjina
15 March, 2012 at 8:42 pmI’m the one who loves to shop at Platinum shopping mall, it’s not only to have a reasonable price but the quality ones, just in case, you’re good at negotiating 🙂
abel odje
13 August, 2012 at 10:15 pmGood day, i am from africa. can you help me with information of the area or location in turkey where computer software is sold
thank you
Adeline Chua
13 November, 2012 at 3:32 pmIs there wholesale on Chinese dried food like fish maw, sea cucumber n on which day n the operating hours. Is it very far to walk to Chinatown if we were to take BTS to Hua Lamphong station in order to avoid the jam? How to beat the jam n save more time?
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
15 November, 2012 at 10:33 amJust walk along Yaowarat Road and you will see lots of these on sale – if you buy more, you shld be able to ask for wholesale price; if you cant get the price you want (reasonable one), just move on to the next stall.
Yes. it is quite far to walk to Chinatown from Hua Lamphong station – maybe 15 – 20 minutes; can take a Tuk-tuk (shld bargain not more than 30 Baht) Take a metered taxi but taxi will be caught in the jam.
canad
17 November, 2012 at 9:29 amHeya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and
I find It truly useful & it helped me out much.
I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.
red
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canada
20 November, 2012 at 1:24 pmGreetings! Very helpful advice in this particular
post! It is the little changes that produce the most significant changes.
Many thanks for sharing!
May Chung
20 November, 2012 at 8:49 pmHi, could you please recommend reasonable hotel around Pratunam area?
Is Glow Pratunam nearby please?
How do I get to Pratunam area from the Airport.
Thanks much for your advice.
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
20 November, 2012 at 10:37 pmGlow is nearby. If you are into shopping, you can consider Novotel Platinum – located right on top of Platinum Mall zone 3 – you can shop til you drop and then put your shopping back in your hotel (just walking distance) and then continue shopping!
The 28.6km Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link has two trains — City Line and Express Line.
The City Line starts from the Phraya Thai Airport Link station. It costs 15 baht per person until the end of year (15-45 baht after that), leaves every 15 minutes, stops at all eight SARL stations along the way to the airport and makes the journey in 30 minutes. Runs 24 hours a day.
The Express Line leaves from the main Makkasan SARL station and travels directly to Suvarnabhumi Airport, costs 100 baht (150 baht from January 1, 2020), leaves every 30 minutes and makes the journey in 15 minutes. Runs from 6am to 1am.
From Phraya Thai station, you can take a cab to your hotel in Pratunam area – shld be quite cheap – about 3-5 Sing dollars.
May Chung
25 November, 2012 at 11:38 pmDear Zhiqiang & Tingyi,
Thank you once again for your kind recommendation.
May God bless you always.
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
25 November, 2012 at 11:42 pmyou are welcome 🙂
– Zhiqiang and Tingyi
Lolli
20 November, 2012 at 8:59 pmIs there a train from the airport to town?
If yes, kindly advise the name of the train station to get off.
tks & rgds,
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
20 November, 2012 at 10:34 pmThere are airport express services to Bangkok: http://airportraillink.railway.co.th/en/02_routing_services/01_sa_express.html
The stop to get off will depend on where you want to go.
The 28.6km Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link has two trains — City Line and Express Line.
The City Line starts from the Phraya Thai Airport Link station. It costs 15 baht per person until the end of year (15-45 baht after that), leaves every 15 minutes, stops at all eight SARL stations along the way to the airport and makes the journey in 30 minutes. Runs 24 hours a day.
The Express Line leaves from the main Makkasan SARL station and travels directly to Suvarnabhumi Airport, costs 100 baht (150 baht from January 1, 2020), leaves every 30 minutes and makes the journey in 15 minutes. Runs from 6am to 1am.
Bangkok-Personal-Shopper
21 November, 2012 at 12:40 amYou can walk for AIRPORT LINK STATION to PLATINUM, it is around 500 meters only.
Indra hotel is good and cheap on AGODA.
Personal Shopper Bangkok.
May Chung
25 November, 2012 at 11:51 pmThanks to all for your kind recommendation.
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Gorki
25 November, 2012 at 2:35 amHi. i will go to bangkong for holiday and i want to bring gift for my friend who is crazy about 2pm-nichkhun. where can i buy 2pm stuff i mean korean pop stuff in bangkok? thanks!
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
25 November, 2012 at 11:48 pmI havent seen 2pm stuff in Bangkok but maybe you can try Mah Boon Krong where they sell almost anything.
John
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8 December, 2012 at 2:02 pmI couldn’t resist commenting. Very well written!
jayaweera
19 December, 2012 at 1:20 amdon’t buy electronic items from Indian shops in Indra market. fake brands and copies are sold there. i have bought a samsung galaxy s III that was a fake . be careful when you buy
jayaweera
19 December, 2012 at 1:22 amif you have been cheated by sellers in indra market, pl report
Thenash
3 January, 2013 at 6:20 pmI am looking for the best place to purchase fashion accesseries and cloths. That I can put at markets to sell. Can you guys advise me where is the best and cheap places.
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
18 January, 2013 at 12:21 amPlatinum Mall and Pratunam market has lots of clothes sold at wholesale prices – just walk around the area and you find a lot of such shops
cherry
26 February, 2013 at 10:19 pm@Thenash In Chatuchak market you can find almost everything in a very good price
ELISA Y. MANAMBIT
22 March, 2013 at 9:42 pmIm looking the best price of different kinds of clothes blo
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stella
22 May, 2013 at 12:31 pmHi
May I ask how do I go to platimum mall from shanghai mansion hotel by mrt?. Which station do I alight and how do I work from that station to platimum mall. Tks
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
22 May, 2013 at 1:43 pmThe nearest BTS station to Chinatown is Hua Lamphong. However, it will involve a lot of walking to the station from Shanghai Mansion. I suggest you either bargain with a tuk-tuk or just take a metered taxi to Platinum Mall direct or to Hua Lamphong BTS. If you choose the latter, then you should get off at BTS Chidlom or Ratchetewi station. Both of which will involve at least a 1 km walk to Platinum Mall.
stella
20 September, 2013 at 6:48 pmHi
May I ask any good massage house near shanghai mansion hotel? Had you tried this restaurant called “Vietnamese and More”? If u have, may I know is it within walking distance from shanghai mansion hotel? Is there any spa services in sha ghai mansion hotel?
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
20 September, 2013 at 6:56 pmwe didnt try any massage houses during the trip. The Vietnamese and More restaurant is not within walking distance and it is very far away from Shanghai Mansion. there are no spa services in shanghai mansion
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Ritesh Ved
17 February, 2015 at 8:11 pmHi, can you suggest me where i can buy motorcycle accessories and merchandize in whoelsale. I am looking for stuff like motorcycle tshirts, helmets, protective gear, wallets, caps, stickers, keychains and so on..I want to retail these here in my market.
Thanks 🙂
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
18 February, 2015 at 5:26 pmi am not sure about this. sorry
Rahul Patil
8 November, 2015 at 7:27 pmIndira market is very nicely. I recently shown this market.
in this market reasonable somethings items.but not some items is not reasonable to reach . i m from india in maharashtra state
I again and again visit this mall.
thank you
coo
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lois
8 October, 2016 at 2:46 pmIs there a cargo to india?what are the charges and how long does it take? Plz let me know…much appreciated.
Zhiqiang & Tingyi
8 October, 2016 at 8:37 pmSorry. I am not sure about this
soly
3 August, 2017 at 9:21 pmhello! can you help me find suppliers for the passport holders and other small leather items. i am interested to start a business of personalized passport holders, etc. just like the ones in bangkok.
thank you