CentralWorld (former WTC), Bangkok

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ZEN - Central World Plaza

The largest shop-central in Bangkok. Located in Siam center in Bangkok very close Erawan Shrine. From Siam Paragon you have to walk about 5 minutes.
To see all ZEN you need one or two days because its to big (or the biggest shopping center in Thailand).


Information
Name: ZEN
Attraction Type: Shopping
Location: Siam square in Bangkok
City: Bangkok
Pictures in the web: Markets and Shopping areas in Bangkok


My Photos
First Photo: Inside ZEN
Second photo: The first floor of ZEN
Third photo: Inside ZEN
Forth photo: Inside ZEN
Fifth photo: TV Show in ZEN

What to buy: Books about Thailand, maps.....

What used to be the World Trade Centre has been resurrected as another sparkling new addition to the Universe of shopping malls in Bangkok - Central World...6 storeys of shopping workouts and delights, and that is not the end. There is a gym and tuition centres on the higher floors and if you care, be properly attired of course, go straight up to the 17th storey for some chic chi meals and drinks and drink in the sights.

There is a huge ZEN departmental store within the mall as well, offering, lo and behold, another few floors of shopping workouts.

And people say that the world's economy is in dire straits.

What to buy: What your money can buy.

What to pay: What your money can buy.

If you are looking for a great hairdresser in Bangkok, I highly recommend Hair By Phonatip at the Cut & Curl Salon in Central World.

Mr. Phonatip (nickname Neang) speaks excellent English which always makes me feel more comfortable when I'm in a new salon.

Whether you just need a trim or you want a whole new look, almost every hair treatment is provided, including haircuts, styling, coloring, straightening, extensions, etc. Since Phonatip speaks English you can explain exactly what you want done, as well as ask about local restaurants and sights. Although you probably did not go to Bangkok for a haircut, if you need one this is the perfect place for a tourist to head.

He also has a new website: www.HairByPhonatip.com

Give him a try, you won't be disappointed.

What to buy: Almost every hair treatment is provided, including haircuts, styling, coloring, straightening, perms, etc

What to pay: Market rates which are much less than in the West.

Southeast Asia's biggest lifestyle shopping complex CentralWorld, Bangkok accommodates everybody's taste, pocket and style. The latest addition to the city's 'mallscape' is the newly and fabulously revamped CentralWorld, which is officially the largest mall in Southeast Asia.

What to buy: These malls are where you'll find the city's finest fashion stores, global brands, book shops, speciality stores, accessories stands and all kinds of luxury designer lifestyle goods. Not only are you spoiled for choice; it's all super easy to navigate. Shopping malls are modern and air-conditioned, thus a pleasant alternative to the bustling hot markets, and most complexes are easily accessible via the city's modern and efficient Skytrain (BTS) system. Just don't forget to sport comfortable shoes!

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In and around the Central World Place there are many, many shops. There is always a nice atmosphere and lots of activities on the street. And the airco in the shopping centre is nice, certainly if its 35 degrees outside!

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It claims to be the largest lifestyle shopping complex in south-east Asia (Maybe it is since it has 560,000 Square meters of floor space and as it sprawls over 8 levels. There are two department stores – Thai-owned Zen and the Isetan Japanese store. In addition there are hundreds of other small stores, over 50 restaurants, two cinema complexes, Bangkok’s largest supermarket with many international brands not previously available, a fun park and a hotel.

In the CentralWorld or Central World Plaza, Bangkok you will find six interconnected shopping zones which offer different feel and unique features. In this shopping complex 100 escalators and see-through lifts are built. Particularly speaking, the design of this huge shopping complex is basically influenced by the shopping street concept whereby shoppers can take a good look of the stores at a glance.

After checking out stuff at Central World Plaza you can easily move to other famous shopping centers, markets and stores which include Gaysorn shopping center, Big C Ratchadamri, Amarin Plaza, Siam Paragon, Siam Center, MBK Center, Platinum Fashion Mall, Pantip Plaza, Pratunam Market.

What to buy: The flagship department stores are Zen and Isetan, but the core is a labyrinth of shops, restaurants and entertainment, including cinemas and an ice-skating rink. Located on the seventh floor is the Thailand Duty Free Shop, which is the only government-operated, downtown duty-free shop in the country. Step into the World Trade Center in the morning and you will not see the sun for the rest of the day!

Central World mainly has High Street brands which target the middle to upper-middle class thais and tourist while Siam Paragon has wider range from High Street to Designer brands which target the middle to high class.

What to pay: Maxx out your Credit Card!

The shops inside Centralworld are generally open from 10am until 9pm everyday.

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I didnt like this shoping too much. Its the same shoping that you can find in every part of the wolrd.
Big department store that you can find world´s classic clothes. Armani, Prada, Gucci and many others.

Next is a British originated store chain that seems to sell quite rubbish clothes. At least the stores that I've visited in the Great Britain and Thailand were all looking really cheap.

The clothes are sort of trendy, but on the other hand lack enough details and features to really stand apart from the crowds -- in positive aspect. If you are running low on money, this might be a good place. Otherwise, I would go somewhere else.