Got a free weekend and an itch to shop? Bangkok’s calling. Just two and a half hours from Singapore, the Thai capital has long been a shopping haven — where air-conditioned luxury meets buzzing street markets, and every corner hides a new find.
If you’ve only got 48 hours to spare, don’t worry. With a bit of planning (and a good pair of shoes), you can pack in both big-name malls and night markets without feeling rushed.
Whether you’re hunting for fashion steals, local crafts, or simply an excuse to snack between shops, this 2D1N Bangkok shopping guide rounds up 7 must-visit spots to make your short getaway count.
Day 1 – From designer streets to neon nights
1. Siam Paragon – Bangkok’s luxury powerhouse
Kick off your shopping adventure at Siam Paragon, one of Bangkok’s most iconic malls. It’s home to global luxury brands, gourmet supermarkets, and more-ideal for a morning of browsing before the crowds build. Even if you’re not splurging, the window displays, cafes, and local designer boutiques make it a great place to warm up your wallet (or your camera).
- Address: 991 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
- Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
- Nearest BTS: Siam Station (CEN), using Sukhumvit Line and Silom Line
2. Siam Center & Siam Discovery – trendy local brands side-by-side
Just next door are Siam Center and Siam Discovery, where you’ll find local Thai labels and concept stores. Think fashion-forward pieces, lifestyle goods, and sleek cafes perfect for a midday caffeine fix. Siam Discovery’s open layout and creative installations give it a museum-meets-shopping vibe-great for travellers who enjoy design as much as deals.
- Address: 979 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
- Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
- Nearest BTS: Siam Station
3. Platinum Fashion Mall – affordable fashion in bulk
If you’re in the mood to bargain, Platinum Fashion Mall is your playground. Known for wholesale-style fashion shopping, it’s packed with hundreds of small stalls selling clothes, accessories, and shoes at wallet-friendly prices. Buy more than one item and you’ll usually get a discount. Bring cash, stay hydrated, and set a budget before you lose track of time.
- Address: 222 Phetchaburi Rd, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
- Opening hours: 9am – 8pm
- Nearest BTS: Chit Lom Station, Exit 6, use R-Walk
4. Jodd Fairs Night Market – street food meets streetwear
As the sun sets, switch gears at Jodd Fairs, Bangkok’s liveliest night market. You’ll find trendy clothes, handmade goods, and endless food stalls — from grilled seafood and Thai milk tea to mango sticky rice. The atmosphere is electric, and prices are friendly for casual shoppers. It’s the perfect spot to end your first day with dinner, dessert, and a few late-night finds.
- Address: Rama IX Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310
- Opening hours: 4pm – midnight
- Nearest MRT: Rama 9 Station
Day 2 – Local finds and chill retail therapy
5. Chatuchak Weekend Market – Bangkok’s iconic shopping maze
Start your morning early at Chatuchak, the city’s most famous weekend market and a rite of passage for any shopper. With over 15,000 stalls spread across 35 acres and 26 sections, you’ll find everything from handmade crafts and vintage clothes to plants, ceramics, and souvenirs. Go early to beat both the heat and the crowds, and bring small change for easier bargaining. If you need a break, grab a coconut ice cream and people-watch-it’s part of the fun.
- Address: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
- Opening hours:
- Saturday – Sunday, 9am – 6pm
- Wednesday – Thursday, 7am – 6pm (Plant section only)
- Friday, 6pm – 12pm (Wholesale only)
- Nearest BTS: Mo Chit | Nearest MRT: Chatuchak Park
6. ICONSIAM – riverside luxury & culture
After a morning in the market, head to the Chao Phraya River for a dose of modern luxury. ICONSIAM is Bangkok’s grandest mall, mixing designer boutiques with local crafts and cultural showcases.
Inside, SOOKSIAM recreates a traditional floating market with regional food stalls-perfect for lunch or a snack stop. The open terraces also offer a great view of the river, especially in the afternoon light.
- Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
- Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
- Nearest BTS: Charoennakorn Station (Sky Train Gold Line)
7. Terminal 21 – A global airport-themed finale
Wrap up your 48-hour spree at Terminal 21, a fun, airport-themed mall where each floor represents a different world city. From London’s double-decker buses to Tokyo’s neon alleys, it’s shopping meets travel photography.
Prices are mid-range, and the mix of local boutiques and international chains makes it ideal for last-minute gifts before you fly home. Don’t miss the food court on the top floor — it’s one of Bangkok’s best-value bites in a mall.
- Address: 88 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Bangkok 10110
- Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
- Nearest BTS: Asok (Exit 1) | Nearest MRT: Sukhumvit (Exit 3)
Wrap-up: Your 48-hour Bangkok shopping sprint
Two days in Bangkok go by fast. But if you plan smart, you can easily cover the city’s best of both worlds — glitzy malls for comfort and night markets for character. Between designer brands, local crafts, and street eats that double as shopping breaks, Bangkok never really stops offering something new to discover.
If you’ve caught the retail bug, consider making this quick getaway a yearly ritual. Before your next trip, it’s worth checking out our travel insurance for peace of mind, digital multi-currency accounts to save on exchange fees, and miles cards to stretch your spending.
Pro tip: Use the UOB PRVI Miles Card to earn up to three miles per dollar on overseas spending — including all that shopping in Thailand. It’s an easy way to make every purchase work a little harder for your next flight.
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This article was first published in MoneySmart.
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