Bangkok’s Pratunam insider guide: 10 shopping places only locals know about

Who doesn’t love Pratunam? It has LOADS of trendy items for sale, is super easy to get to and most importantly, sells super affordable things. Hence, it’s no surprise as to why travellers always make sure to allocate one entire day for Pratunam when they’re in Bangkok.

But sometimes, even one day isn’t enough; there are just so many shops, one can easily lose track of time at a place. (Not to mention if you lose your sense of direction in this shopping jungle – especially with the hoards of shoppers and similar stalls around – that’s a few hours of your day lost.)

Get ready to say goodbye to those problems. As someone who’s lived in Pratunam for 20-something years, I’ve personally visited and shopped at various shops here, and I can confidently say that I know most of the ins and outs here. Here’s sharing some of the best spots with you guys!

Curious? Read on to find out more!

TripCanvas Tip: Almost all stores in Pratunam sell at wholesale prices (you must buy at least three pieces to be considered as wholesale). However, most stalls allow buyers to buy only one item albeit at a higher price.

Read more:

• 15 local must-try food in Pratunam where you can eat after you shop in Bangkok!

• 20 Bangkok’s incredible hotels in Pratunam for under $50

• 14 Night markets in Bangkok within 30mins from Pratunam you won’t want to miss (ranked from super secret to most famous)

1. It’s a girl’s paradise – Soi 1

If there’s one place you shouldn’t miss no.matter.what when in Pratunam, it’s Soi 1 (a green-coloured building located next to City Square). There are tons of women’s clothing apparel and it’s super cheap with most items going for only around 70 Baht per piece (wholesale price)!

I personally fell in love with their cute purple velvet tops and checkered shirts. 😍

If you’re into something simpler, they also sell corgi and Japanese print T-shirts. The latter’s design was especially cool, and is suitable for both him and her! I almost couldn’t resist buying the entire store…

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2. So many fantastic plus-size clothing options – Krung Thong Plaza

It can be frustrating to shop in Pratunam for those with a fuller body shape since most of the clothing sizes being sold are quite small in size. So we’re here to help with some of those woes.

At Krung Thong Plaza, you’ll find all sorts of plus-size clothing (on floors 2 to 4). During my shopping trip, I found so many silk pyjamas, body-fitting party dresses, flowy summer dresses and more – with sizes up to 5XL. I especially loved their patterned pyjamas (they had a pink short-sleeved pyjama top with yellow ducks!! Too cute! >.<).

P.S. They also have regular sized clothes on the first floor (and a few on the upper floors).

3. Your all-in-one shopping stop – Red Corner Plaza

Oftentimes, I don’t know what to buy beforehand until I reach a shop, and only once I’m there do I remember that I needed/wanted this particular something (call me a shopaholic 😉). If you’re like me and often get into this pickle, you should probably come to Red Corner Plaza.

What’s amazing about this place is that there are so many clothes for both adults and kids. If you’re shopping for winter fashion, ou’ll probably want to check out the groovy alien sweater or the pink checkered coat. There are cartoon jackets for the kids and sporty jackets for the guys too.

But if you’re into summer get-ups, try the 50s midi dresses that are all now back in trend.

4. It’s a themed mall! – City Complex

No, I’m not talking about the mall’s design like Terminal 21. I’m talking about how each floor has its own specialities, so you can head straight to the specific floor when you want to buy something in particular, saving you time and hassle. Here’s a brief introduction to this mall:

• Floor 1: Bottoms (includes jeans, pants and skirts)

• Floor 2: Casual and Formal Wear

• Floor 3: Costumes

• Floor 4: Traditional Clothes (includes Thai, Korean, Chinese, Japanese)

5. Be a fashionista in no time – Poonsup First, First Plaza & Yanee Plaza

Staying in style is so difficult, especially since fashion trends change so fast. Thankfully, these stores sell affordable trendy clothes for gals. I was able to find some really cute flowery off-shoulder dresses here, as well as fashionable skirts that can brighten up any outfit.

For Muslim ladies, there’s a store located at the end of the street selling long sleeved dresses, skirts and jackets.

P.S. They also had formal shirts with cute collar designs the last time I was there.

6. Time to shop for more banging variety (men’s and children’s clothes here!) – Baiyoke Gallery (B-Gallery)

Not satisfied with the shopping scene at Indra Square or Baiyoke Tower? Head over to Baiyoke Gallery (Baiyoke’s third and latest string of malls) located opposite Indra Square. Although most of the clothes sold here are female-oriented (lace dresses for 50 Baht!), there’s a lot more men’s and children’s stuff to be found here compared to other places.

For guys, you can find affordable T-shirts and polo shirts – either in stripes, plain or covered with graphics. There’s also cute kids’ shirts from as low as 60 Baht and frilly dresses for daddy’s little girl.

7. Where shoppers collide – Petchburi 21 Road

Believe it or not, I’m talking about actual collisions here – with people bumping all around and along the road. Why? There are tons of shoppers trying to get to different stores, as well as look at the cute items being sold along this uber narrow road. (Plus it’s Bangkok and this place is located between City Complex & Krung Thong Plaza).

But don’t let that put you off, the shopping scene here is AWESOME! Expect ultra cute accessories like feather earrings and Christmas-themed hair bands, as well as your beloved usual fashion items such as denim jackets and kiddies wear.

And if you ever get hungry, there are food carts here too – mostly located near the front of Soi 21. Fried sausages or squid eggs? Yum!

8. Love clothing that’s a bit fun, playful and groovy? – The Market outside Baiyoke Gallery

Think you’ve bought enough? Think again, and after leaving here with bags of funky-wear, you’ll definitely be agreeing with us! You’ll find everything from unicorn loungewear and sailor-themed shirts, to pants for kids or pretty, glittery spaghetti-strap tops for girls.

There’s also a Marvel T-shirt store selling cool graphic tops printed with Superman and The Avengers – the kids (or your eldest one) will love them (from 150 Baht!).

9. Go on your last shopping spurt – Platinum

Pratunam might close at 5pm but that doesn’t mean your shopping day is done; Platinum isn’t closed yet, and they won’t for another three hours, which means MORE SHOPPING!

With more than 2,000 wholesale fashion and accessory shops gathered in one crazy place, this mall is the one that delivers some serious damage to your BP (Baht Points, not Battle Points😉).

Not sure where to shop? In Zones 1 and 2 (in Building A), you’ll find mostly fashion and accessory items, whereas you’ll find a lot more bags and shoes in Zone 3, which is in Building B.

10. For absolutely all your electronic needs – Pantip Plaza

Broken phone? Oh no!… But, no worries if you’re in the area! Stop by Pantip Plaza and replace your current one.

So this mall sells everything that’s considered an electronic item. Yep, you read that right. EVERYTHING. Whether it’s phones, laptop computers or SD cards, you’ll find them all here.

Other than IT items, there are fast food stores and restaurants on the ground floor if you’re feeling hungry. My favourite Thai restaurant ‘S&P’ is here too, as well as A&W, The Pizza Company and McDonald’s.

Special Mention: Your go-to mall for fabrics – Shibuya

Seems kinda random but not if you happen to be an interior or fashion designer – or something along the lines… Looking for flower-patterned or plain fabrics? Shimmery or cotton ones? Lacey or embroidered? Whatever it is, you’ll definitely find it here since there are three entire floors filled with materials (Floors 3-5).

There are also three courier services available here – Kerry Express, J&T Express and Flash Express. So if you’ve bought more than what you can carry, just bring it over to one of these stalls to get them shipped to your intended destination.

P.S. Besides fabrics, Sibuya also sells other items like clothes, leather belts, sandals and more.

How’s that for a shopping adventure in Pratunam? I bet you’ll need to buy more luggage at the end of the day because you’ll be bringing tons of purchases back home for sure. But don’t worry, Pratunam sells suitcases and houses courier services too! Happy shopping! 😀

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