CentralWorld Bangkok – shopping, lifestyle and food paradise in the heart of the city

Bangkok is a paradise for shopping fans. But among all the shopping centers, the CentralWorld Mall stands out.

It is not only one of the largest shopping malls in Southeast Asia, but also a place that goes far beyond shopping.

If you only think of boutiques, you’re missing out on a lot: events, art exhibitions, street food, tech stores, rooftop bars, co-working spaces, live music and Buddhist ceremonies – you’ll find it all here, often on the same day.

I was skeptical at first. Another huge shopping center? But the CentralWorld Mall surprised me: modern, versatile and surprisingly well organized despite its size.

The atmosphere is open, international and yet deeply rooted in the local culture.

The facts: Size, location and structure

CentralWorld Mall is located in the Pathum Wan district, directly on Ratchadamri Road – just a few steps away from the Chit Lom and Siam BTS skytrain stations.

With over 550,000 square meters of retail space, it is one of the largest shopping centers in the world.

The building comprises eight floors, divided into the following main areas:

• Fashion: International brands such as Zara, Uniqlo, H&M, Mango, as well as Thai designer labels
• Tech & Gadgets: Apple Store, AIS, Samsung, DJI, Canon
• Beauty & Wellness: Sephora, Boots, Watsons, spa and beauty salons
• Lifestyle & Deco: Muji, Loft, HomePro
• Cinema & entertainment: SF World Cinema with IMAX, VR zones, e-sports arenas
• Co-working and learning spaces: particularly popular with expats and digital nomads
• Food & restaurants: Two large food courts, supermarkets and dozens of cafés

My impression of the shopping experience

What I particularly liked: The mix of well-known international labels and a surprising number of local brands.

Anyone interested in Thai fashion will find modern, high-quality collections here – away from souvenir stores and cheap goods.

The paths are spacious, well signposted and there is seating in almost every area.

The shopping center is air-conditioned, but not freezing cold – a detail you learn to appreciate in Bangkok.

There is also free Wi-Fi, modern toilets and several lounges. I never felt lost or stressed, even though the complex is huge.

Tip: Book a guided tour of the city’s most important sights to learn more about the history of Bangkok.

Food in the CentralWorld Mall – variety on eight floors

The CentralWorld Mall is also in a class of its own in culinary terms. Particularly noteworthy are:

• The 7th Floor: Here you will find high-quality restaurants – from Japanese cuisine (Ootoya, Yayoi) to Thai fusion, burgers and vegan food.
• Food Court (6th floor): Inexpensive, clean and with a huge selection – Thai classics such as Pad Thai, Som Tam, Khao Man Gai or Chinese and Indian dishes.
• Large supermarkets: Tops Market and Gourmet Market with Western and Asian foods
• Cafés & bakeries: Think Space, Arabica, After You Dessert Café, Starbucks Reserve, Kyo Roll En

For me personally, a visit to After You was a must – the Shibuya Honey Toast is famous in Bangkok, and rightly so. If you like sweets, try it.

Tip: On the first floor you will also find the internationally renowned Cheesecake Factory.

The “Summer Street Food” food market in front of the CentralWorld Mall

The “Summer Street Food” street food and event market takes place almost daily in front of the main entrance on Ratchaprasong Square – especially in the afternoon and at weekends.

There are grilled skewers, papaya salad, mango sticky rice, freshly squeezed fruit juices, mini pancakes, spicy curries, Thai milk tea and much more.

The prices are not cheap, but ok, and the hygiene is high. Particularly charming: some stalls are run by families who have been selling here for years.

In terms of taste, there are definitely better street food markets in Bangkok. Nevertheless, we enjoyed grabbing a snack here and sitting down on the deckchairs in front of the mall.

Tip: This Bangkok street food tour takes you to Chinatown, where your local guide will tell you more about the history and food scene of the district.

Events and special features

The CentralWorld Mall is not just a place to shop and eat. It is also an event center:

• Christmas and New Year celebrations: the large tree in front of the entrance is a selfie hotspot
• Songkran Festival: water fights and concerts on the forecourt
• Live concerts and K-Pop events: Regularly in the indoor area
• Religious festivals: The “Ganesha Shrine” stands in front of the temple, directly on the grounds

The interior design and art installations also change regularly – if you visit often, you will discover something new every time.

Tip: We show you the 10 best shopping malls in Bangkok here.

Frequently asked questions about CentralWorld Mall

Finally, we answer some frequently asked questions about the CentralWorld Mall in Bangkok.