Many travel guides describe Bangkok as a city of contrasts.
I couldn’t agree more — whether you’re planning a food-focused trip, diving into ancient culture, or simply looking for a laid-back escape, this city delivers on all fronts. And of course, there’s the dazzling shopping scene Bangkok is famous for. Along the BTS Sukhumvit Line (Bangkok Skytrain), it’s hard to miss the fact that nearly every station connects directly to at least one major shopping mall.

Today, let’s take a closer look at the biggest shopping mall in all of Bangkok: CentralWorld.

CentralWorld (เซ็นทรัลเวิลด์)
Open daily from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Getting There: Take the BTS Skytrain to Chit Lom Station — the mall is just steps from the exit.
+66 2 640 7000
999/9 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
CentralWorld Thai Address:
999/9 ถนน พระรามที่ 1 แขวง ปทุมวัน เขต ปทุมวัน กรุงเทพมหานคร 10330 ประเทศไทย

Getting to CentralWorld & Must-Visit Spots Nearby

Getting to CentralWorld couldn’t be easier. Located right next to BTS Chit Lom Station, the mall is easily accessible whether you arrive by Skytrain, tuk-tuk, taxi, or even by boat via the nearby Pratunam Pier (followed by a short walk). One major advantage is the covered Skywalk system, which allows you to move between malls above street level — shaded, breezy, and comfortably removed from Bangkok’s heat and chaotic traffic below.

The surrounding Chit Lom–Siam area forms the heart of Bangkok’s shopping district. Here, massive malls cluster closely together alongside cultural landmarks, food destinations, and local favorites. Below is a practical walk-through of the must-visit spots in the area, starting from BTS Chit Lom and gradually making your way toward BTS Siam.

• Erawan Shrine (ศาลท้าวมหาพรหมเอราวัณ)
  One of Thailand’s most revered shrines, the Erawan Shrine sits right in this area. Step off at BTS Chit Lom and you won’t even need to leave the Skywalk — this sacred site comes into view immediately, bustling day after day with worshippers and curious visitors alike.
  Watch our Erawan Shrine video: Erawan Shrine: Make a Wish!
  Or read the full guide: Erawan Shrine: How to Pray and Give Thanks
• Erawan (Grand Hyatt)
  Erawan Bangkok is a boutique shopping mall directly connected to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. While relatively compact, its upper floor is home to the much-loved Erawan Tearoom, known for serving classic Thai-style afternoon tea.
  There’s also a small but well-curated food court in the basement, including a branch of Nara that’s often less crowded than its flagship locations.
  Watch our Erawan Tearoom video: Erawan Tea Room: Classic Thai Afternoon Tea
  Or read more here: Erawan Tea Room: A Must-Try Traditional Thai Afternoon Tea in Bangkok
• Gaysorn Village
  Gaysorn is an upscale luxury mall with a deliberately refined, low-key atmosphere. It caters to shoppers who prefer quiet elegance over crowds, and its upper floors host several excellent, high-end restaurants.
• Big C Supercenter
  Big C is one of Thailand’s most popular supermarket chains, stocking everything from daily essentials to snacks and souvenirs at budget-friendly prices. It’s an excellent stop if you’re looking for Thai treats you won’t easily find back home — think tropical fruit snacks, spice mixes, instant curry pastes, and spa products at supermarket prices.
  We once picked up a few cups of Tom Yum Kung instant noodles here — each averaged about 13 THB (less than $0.40 USD), an absolute steal by any standard.
  Watch our taste test video: Big C Tom Yum Kung Instant Noodles Review.
• Pratunam & The Platinum Fashion Mall
  Follow the Skywalk from CentralWorld and you’ll arrive at The Platinum Fashion Mall, a massive indoor wholesale center specializing in clothing and accessories, complete with air-conditioning and a surprisingly solid food court. Out front, an open plaza hosts quirky food trucks selling a mix of local bites — well worth a casual wander.
  Directly across the street is the traditional Pratunam Market.
  Arriving by boat? Simply get off at Pratunam Pier.
  Watch our video: Platinum Fashion Mall & Turkish Kebab Wraps.
  Or read more: Pratunam Market: Must-Visit Spot & Delicious Kebab Wraps
• Pratunam Chicken Rice
  One of the most famous places to try Pratunam Chicken Rice sits right across from Platinum Mall. Two rival stalls operate side by side — one in green uniforms, the other in red — both serving fast, affordable chicken rice that has earned a Michelin Plate. Think of it as Thailand’s version of fast food: simple, comforting, and executed at a level worthy of serious recognition.
• Talad Neon Night Market
  A short walk beyond Platinum leads to Talad Neon Night Market, one of Bangkok’s newer night markets. While smaller than Ratchada Night Market or J.J. Market, it still offers plenty of street food and snacks at reasonable prices. If you’re in the area after dark, it’s an easy addition to your evening plans.
• Siam Paragon
  Siam Paragon is one of Bangkok’s most iconic luxury malls, directly connected to BTS Siam Station. If you start at Chit Lom and walk over, it’s a seamless transition. While its food court is pricier than Terminal 21, portions are larger and quality is consistently high.
  You’ll also find an After You Dessert Café here, along with a dedicated durian-focused After You store next door — a rare chance to enjoy durian desserts on site, since many venues ban the fruit due to its strong aroma.
• Siam Square One
  Siam Square One is a favorite hangout for younger locals, packed with trendy shops and casual dining. Just behind it sits the famous Mango Tango, a reliable stop for mango sticky rice if you’re nearby.
• Siam Center
• Siam Discovery
• MBK Center
  The open plaza in front of MBK Center offers a relaxed place to pause, and its food court remains one of the most affordable in this entire shopping district — ideal for a quick, budget-friendly meal between stops.

With so many shopping spots and must-see attractions clustered together, this area truly feels like a shopper’s paradise.
Better still, most of the malls are linked by covered skywalks, allowing you to explore comfortably without battling Bangkok’s heat or traffic.

CentralWorld: Bangkok’s Biggest Shopping Mall

CentralWorld stands out as the largest mall in this entire district — and in fact, it holds the title of the biggest shopping mall in all of Bangkok.

Inside, CentralWorld is divided into several main zones, including:

• Zen
• CentralWorld Plaza
• Groove Dining Zone

The complex was once home to an Isetan Department Store, which permanently closed in 2020. Since then, the former Isetan space has been redeveloped and now hosts a rotating mix of new retailers, pop-up shops, and seasonal events.

Throughout the mall, you’ll find cinemas, bookstores, supermarkets, and a broad lineup of major international brands alongside popular Thai labels — all complemented by an impressive range of dining options.

Walking from the Zen end to the former Isetan side takes several minutes at a normal pace, and with frequent events held in the outdoor plaza, the space can feel almost endless.
No exaggeration — even after multiple visits, it’s still easy to get turned around. Figuring out which skywalk connects to which floor often becomes part of the experience.

Festive Fun: Christmas, New Year’s Countdown & Lunar New Year

The expansive plaza in front of CentralWorld serves as one of Bangkok’s main event spaces, hosting festivals, exhibitions, and performances throughout the year. From the Songkran Festival to elaborate Christmas displays, New Year’s Eve countdowns in Bangkok, and vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations, there’s almost always something happening here.
We once visited just before Christmas and were struck by the scale of the decorations and sparkling lights — along with the sheer size of the crowds they attract.

Food festivals and pop-up markets are a regular feature as well, ensuring no shortage of great eats, lively energy, and casual browsing. It’s no surprise that this plaza has become one of Bangkok’s go-to venues for major celebrations.

On one visit, we even stumbled upon a large Chinese New Year Food Festival, complete with Shaolin monk performances, regional specialties from across China, and rows of street food stalls. We ended up spending nearly half a day here before even stepping inside the mall.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss the two sacred shrines near the former Isetan site: the Ganesh Shrine, associated with blessings for wealth and career success, and the Trimurti Shrine, widely known for prayers related to love and relationships.

Whether it’s your first visit to Bangkok or your tenth, CentralWorld easily earns its place on any Bangkok must-visit list.
Watch our full CentralWorld video below: