A Canberra Girl’s Guide to Bangkok’s retro and vintage shopping scene
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Bangkok is fast becoming known as Southeast Asia’s shopping mecca.
Some of the world’s largest malls have popped up here in the last ten years, from Iconsiam, the $54 billion development with its sprawling riverfrontage on the banks of the Chao Phraya to Terminal 21, the airport-themed mall in the heart of tourist town, Sukhumvit.
All in all, there are over 200 shopping malls in Bangkok.
I recently spent three weeks exploring this vast and crazy city and had the time to dig a little deeper. Below the surface, past the mega malls packed full of luxury brands with price tags to match, Bangkok’s retro, antique, and art shopping scene is absolutely killer.
Pack some comfy shoes, a reusable tote, and your haggling charm because here’s your insider’s guide to this lesser-known side of Bangkok.
Papaya Studio
Why Go: Papaya Studio is a vintage wonderland. Its four floors of treasures will keep you entertained, even if you aren’t in the market to buy—think neon signs, mid-century furniture, old Vespas, weird and wild lighting fixtures, bizarre statues, naff art, cool art, grandma’s lampshades, the odd storm-trooper or two and even a large collection of dentistry equipment. This place is weird, in the best way possible.
What to Expect: It’s a bit off the beaten path and isn’t connected by public transport. Taking a taxi or a Grab from central Bangkok will take you around 45 minutes and set you back around $15 Australian dollars, but the eclectic haul is worth it.
River City
Why Go: Having a whole shopping mall dedicated to antiques isn’t something I’ve seen elsewhere and completely makes sense for the weather in Bangkok. River City is a chic, upmarket hub for Asian antiques and local art; think Buddha statues, wood carvings, art exhibitions and art gallery-style shops. And whilst some of the shops are empty, there is still plenty to see and buy and is worth the trip. The ground floor of the mall has stunning double-height shops with mezzanines and floor-to-ceiling glass shopfronts. Deer heads and hardwood furniture mingle with pricey porcelain and estate jewellery, and as you work your way up the floors, things get no less impressive as art exhibitions sit side by side with shops laden with all manner of curios.
What to Expect: Open daily, it’s air-conditioned, and it’s in central Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River, easily accessible by the tourist boat. You’ll easily spend a few fun hours exploring this place.
Warehouse 30
Why Go: Located in the artsy old town area of Bangkok called Bangrak, Warehouse 30 has a dozen or so separate vendors in their own shops, which blend vintage vibes with modern flair. The must-see for collectors is a store called Horse Unit, which is stuffed to the gills with vintage clothes and ephemera as well as modern products with vintage vibes.
What to Expect: Open daily and centrally located, these shops are accessed via an outdoor arcade-style walkway. You’ll also find coffee roasteries, galleries and even a luxe day spa.
Talad Rod Fai (Train Night Market) Srinakarin
Why Go: This night market is a retro dream for night owls—it’s less touristy, packed with vintage finds, and perfect for a girls’ outing. From leather jackets to antique furniture, it’s a mix of quirky and cool and being a night market you’ll have all the fun of street food, live music and places to grab a cheeky beverage.
What to Expect: Open Thursday to Sunday from 5 pm until 1 am, it’s laid-back with food stalls and live music. Dress in light, breezy clothes as the night time temps in Bangkok can be as hot as the day.
Chatuchak Playground Open Air Weekend Flea Market
Why Go: If you adore the chaos of discovery, the Chatuchak weekend market is for you and right next to the main market that has more than 15 000 stalls is Chatukchak Playground, an open-air flea market brimming with vintage jewellery, old Thai movie posters, funky lamps and kitsch finds, anything your retro heart could desire.
What to Expect: Open from Friday night until Sunday, this market is best accessed via the BTS, skytrain system where you can jump off at Mo Chit and enter the bustle of the markets. It’s hot and crowded and navigating the maze is a workout, but that’s what Bangkok is all about.
If you come to this area on a weekday, you’ll also find antique sellers in the malls and streets surrounding the weekend market. Places like JJ Mall and DD Mall are cavernous troves for the lover of used and old goods. Unlike the main Chatuchak market, these malls are fully air-conditioned and their eclectic and rare finds make the weekday trip well worth it.
If you aren’t exhausted after wading your way through these extensive vintage shopping locations, here are a few more for those committed bargain hunters.
(un) Fashion Vintage collection has a location in the laid-back area of Ekkamai, accessible via the BTS and has opened a second location more centrally located at Sukhumvit Soi 39. Both specialise in vintage leather including boots, bags and jackets.
Or you can get really lost in a maze of street-side stalls and shops at Wat Suan Kaew, where prices and curation are low and the mayhem is high, perfect for the intrepid treasure hunter.
If after all of that the kids are ready to scream, take them to the Mega Plaza. Six stories of toys and collectibles should keep them entertained for a few hours whilst you think about your next vintage find.
