Terminal 21

Terminal 21

Don’t let the airport-like name fool you. This shopping mall is one of the best places to visit in Bangkok if you’re looking for a mix of local and international brands, as well as plenty of unique buys. Terminal 21 is unique in more ways than one – even by Thailand’s shopping standards. Every floor of the mall has been themed to a different international city. Enter at the level of the BTS station and you’ll be in Paris; go up a floor and it’s Tokyo; another floor and you’re staring at the iconic red phone booths of London. The Caribbean, San Francisco, and Istanbul also figure into the design theme.

Other malls of note include the high-end Siam Paragon, and adjacent Siam Discovery, which has more moderately priced chains; fun cafés; and the super luxurious Virgin Active Siam Discovery, self-dubbed “the largest gym in Southeast Asia.” Here, visitors can rock climb, try anti-gravity yoga, or visit the unique “Sleep Pod” rooms for the ultimate in relaxation.