Bangkok is an ideal place for a short stopover on your way to, or from, the beach resort. A major reason for stopping in Bangkok is shopping!Here's a brief guide to the shoppingmecka of Thailand.

Bangkok is both charming and chaotic with hectic traffic, exhaust gas and people everywhere. But if you love shopping –you have to love Bangkok. Giant malls and gallerias are situated between Siam Square and Central World Plaza and this is where many shopaholics find their shopping paradise. Gaysorn and Siam Paragon are gallerias for the one who’s after luxury. Just a stone’s throw away, in the crossing of Rama I and Phaya Thai, you’ll find the huge mall Mah Boon Krong Center – also known as MBK. The mall holds hundreds of shops on six floors. When it’s time for a well-deserved break you can pay a visit to the seventh floor, made for entertainment only, and sing karaoke or chill in the movie theatre. Other gallerias to keep in mind: The Emporium – one of Bangkok’s most luxurious department stores on Sukhumvit Soi 24 Oriental Plaza – luxury fashion and jewelleries on 301 Charoekrung, 38 New Road Pantip Plaza – five floors of all kinds of electronic devices on 4 Rajdamri Road A shopping spree in Bangkok is not complete without a visit to the markets. The weekend market Chatuchak Market is not only the largest market in Thailand but probably even the largest in the world. With its 15 000 stands and an area of 142 000 square meters you can be sure to find what you’re looking for – and more. Another market well worth a visit is Khao San Road – the well-known and busy backpacker street. Here you can find everything from pirate copies to Thai designer clothing. Young and old backpackers come here to meet new friends and a visit is a must. Pratunam Market on Ratchapraprop Road and Petchaburi are according to many the best place in the city for a bargain, especially when it comes to clothing. Open 24-7. The Floating Market is situated outside the city and is today considered more of a “tourist trap” than a good market, but the chaotic display is still worth a visit, even if just for the adventure. Find your flight to Thailand here

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