How to Find the Best Places to Shop on the Riverside

Often regarded as the home base of some of Bangkok's most iconic temples and cultural points of interest the Riverside is also a recreational and retail heartland revered by visitors from around the world. Littered with sprawling shopping complexes and quirky local markets the Bangkok riverside offers shoppers a variety of retail opportunities in a truly scenic setting. From finding bargains to hitting the must-shop hotspots here are a few guidelines on finding the area's best shopping venues.

Step 1: Secure a Strategic Base Hotel

The first step in enjoying the best shopping experiences the Bangkok Riverside has to offer is securing accommodation close to some of the area's top retail hotspots. Easy access to the riverside's shopping venues are one of the attributes of popular Bangkok resorts such as the AVANI Riverside Bangkok hotel which offers a central position within easy distance of the riverside's most coveted shops and malls. Helping visitors make the most of their time in the riverside a strategic base location will serve as an added advantage to all shopaholics vacationing in the Thai capital.

Step 2: Do Your Homework and Create a Checklist

Before heading out to explore the multitude of retail opportunities available in the Bangkok riverside area visitors should do their homework and find out which shopping venues and boutiques are of particular interest to their personal shopping needs. Whether it's finding out which malls are in the closest proximity to one's hotel or learning which local markets offer the best bargains on clothes and footwear doing online and offline research of the riverside's many retail possibilities can go a long way in leading to a pleasant shopping experience for first time visitors.

Step 3: Hit the Riverside Malls

Some of the most coveted shopping venues on the riverside are of course its exquisite collection of high end malls and department stores. Ideal shopping grounds for brand conscious shoppers in search of leading labels and lifestyle products the plush environs of the riverside malls are stacked high with designer goods from the world's top fashion houses. Must-visit highlights include Robinson Bangrak and the four storey River City while Asiatique houses a whopping 1500 stores and over 39 restaurants is arguably the riverside's largest retail hotspot. Easily accessible via the Saphan Taksin BTS station the warehouse-like venue is not only a great place to shop and dine but also entertain one's self with Muay Thai performances as well.

Step 4: Discover the Riverside's Markets

Travellers who are in search of a more authentically Thai retail experience on the Bangkok riverside should explore the region's enchanting local markets. Must-shop venues include Pak Klong Talad or the Bangkok Flower Market which a 24 hour market abloom with flowers of a thousand hues all year long while the Saphan Phut Night Market is equally impressive with its clothing and accessories. A wonderful shopping spot for vintage goods hunters the affordable rates at this popular night market close to the Memorial Bridge also makes it a hit with visitors. The religiously inclined shopper should explore the Amulet Market although the Ta Tian Market also offers visitors a unique retail experience even by Bangkok's standards.

Step 5: Don't Forget Souvenir Hubs

Those on the lookout for the riverside's best souvenir hubs should look no further than Oriental Plaza Place in Soi Charoen Krung 38. Home to an impressive 50 stores selling locally produced handicrafts and art work the venue resembles a well maintained art space rather than a souvenir retailer. Several fine art boutiques and jewellery stores are also among the shops at OP Place which is one of the best venues to pick up antiques and tailored items. The Chao Phraya Shopping Arcade is also home to a host of souvenir retailers including those specializing in Thai silks and wooden furnishings.