In historic Siam Square just north of prestigious Chulalongkorn University, a wealth of shopping centers and boutiques. Siam Center is in the middle of it all.
It may sound superficial, but some people come to Bangkok with the sole intention of shopping. The variety of merchandise, prices, and venues make shopping in the capital of Thailand a lot of fun. The markets are a mind-expanding experience in themselves. But there are hundreds of malls, too, and each one has its own niche. Siam Center, the second instalment in the Malls of Bangkok series, is perhaps the most youthful. With two radio stations and hip Asian designer boutiques like Thailand's own Playhound by Greyhound and G2000 blu from Singapore, Siam Center attracts students from nearby Chulalongkorn as well as fashion victims.
Playhound by Greyhound
Thailand is traditionally known for its exquisite silks. During the mid-twentieth century, American Jim Thompson promoted the Thai silk industry, based in the northeast region of Isaan. More recently, Bangkok has positioned itself as an up-and-coming fashion center. The well-established Greyhound focuses on the Asian market. Because of this, its style is international but not European. Greyhound Original features clean, classic lines. Playhound is more irreverent, and experiments with big patterns.
91.5 Hot Wave
On the fourth floor in a giant plexiglass box with white and red plastic mod accents, 91.5 Hot Wave is on the air. Putting a radio station in Siam Center was an idea so nice they did it twice. There's also Radio.in.th, whose studio doesn't boast a lounge area like 91.5. But there are big windows that encourage passersby to stop and stare.
Tipayaphongpoosanaphong
More Thai fashion, but this designer is just starting out. He studied fashion in Paris, where he also trained in Emanuel Ungaro's workshop. He has recently struck out on his own, and describes his style as "street couture chic."
VNC
This funky shoe shop started in Malaysia and has since expanded to open stores in Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. VNC, or Vincci, features original styles that are hard to find outside Asia. Like Greyhound, they are interested in international trends, but with a regional twist. They're also interested in quality. This spring there are plenty of versions of the shiny mule favored by many women in Southeast Asia. There are also some pretty amazing Chuck Taylor-gone-wild tennis shoes that look like Jackson Pollock and a graffiti artist worked on this season's look.
There are dozens and dozens of stores in Siam Center, as well as the ubiquitous food court if and when visitors tire of shopping. Young and local designers rub shoulders with big multinationals like Lacoste and Billabong at this fashion-and-accessories heavy mall. Juxtaposition, variety, and choice are what make shopping in Bangkok ever-interesting.
Siam Center is at the Siam stop on the BTS Skytrain. You can easily get there by Skytrain, bus, taxi, moto, or on foot, depending on your point of departure. The next featured mall is Century the Movie Plaza.
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