10 Best Places to Shop in Silom and Bang Rak, Bangkok

Silom Soi 5 was nicknamed Soi Lalai Sap, or "Melting Money Lane," because the shopping here is so good. The air-conditioned shops and sidewalk vendors sell a huge variety of inexpensive men's and women's clothes (including selections from up-and-coming Thai designers), handicrafts, and snacks.

In a prime spot by the Chao Phraya River, this complex of renovated warehouses contains eateries, bars, shops, and a large number of market-style vendor stalls. The shopping focuses on local products, from clothes and handicrafts. You can get here via a free shuttle boat from the Sathorn Pier next to BTS Saphan Taksin station. At one end of the complex near the riverbank stands Asiatique Sky, a 60-meter (197-foot) Ferris wheel that grants a majestic view of the city on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Rounding out the attractions are colorful early-20th-century-style carousels and a full-size replica of the Sirimahannop tall ship, a 475-ton three-mast vessel which was once Siam's the largest sailing ship, trading cargo between the kingdom and Europe in the late 19th century. The decks have been converted into a restaurant serving Thai and international cuisine from 4 pm to midnight.

The shops of this pioneering company are prime places to buy silk by the yard and as ready-made clothes. The prices are high, but so is the quality and design, and staff members are knowledgeable. In addition to this Bang Rak shop there are numerous other locations throughout the city, including at the Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula, CentralWorld, IconSiam, and many other shopping centers and five-star hotels.

The chocolates here made with beans from a Chumphon cacao farm won a gold medal in Paris as a preeminent example of showcasing terroir. Along with plain chocolate, there is chocolate flavored with black pepper, salted tamarind, and shiso seeds, as well as other varieties. There's also a café serving chocolate-based drinks, cookies, brownies, truffles, and more.

Among the knickknacks stacked floor to ceiling, this shop has some of the most finely crafted silver cutlery in town.

Bangkok’s oldest red-light district, once frequented by U.S. troops stationed here during the Vietnam War, is these days also known for a night market with cheap electronics, readymade dresses, T-shirts, sex toys, and fake designer goods. Be wary of pickpockets, as it gets very crowded.

This showroom near the Mandarin Oriental sells hand-forged items in bronze, brass, and stainless steel, including unique flatware.

This shop in River City is a good stop for shoes and jackets, along with leather everything else, including pants, skirts, purses, belts, and other accessories.

This massive ceramics shop has a huge inventory and makes dining sets, bowls, and vases to order. The specialty here is benjarong---intricately designed traditional Thai bowls and plates made with five colors (black, yellow, red, green, and white) and outlined in gold---but there are other designs as well.

The master cobbler here can copy just about any men's or women's leather shoe, ankle boot, or boot, or create a bespoke design, and have it finished within seven days. Prices run $150–$250 or more, depending on the materials selected. Leather jackets, bags, wallets, cuffs, and other accessories are also available.