Bangkok: A guide to shopping in Platinum Mall

Platinum Fashion Mall is one of my favorite places to go shopping for inexpensive clothes in Bangkok. In addition to clothes and shoes, there are also shops selling bags and accessories. All of the newest Asian fashion trends are on display and prices are really low, so prepare for some serious shopping therapy.

Platinum Fashion Mall is a wholesale mall, but most stores will allow you to buy individual items at retail price. If you buy 3 or more items from one vendor, you will usually get a really good discount. Platinum Mall primarily caters to the local market, so if you’re a size S at home, you’ll most likely be a size L at the stores in Platinum Mall.

Some shops only sell one-size products and most shops will not let you try the clothes on. I therefore usually write down my measurements in advance and bring a tape measure, so I can do a quick estimate of whether I’ll be able to fit into the clothes.

The mall can get really crowded in the afternoon, so if you want a more relaxed shopping experience, you should go before noon and avoid weekends, when the young Thai fashionistas are out shopping. There are more than 2000 small shops in the mall so do yourself a favor and block out an entire day for a visit.

The quality of the products at Platinum varies, so check your goods carefully before you buy. My overall experience is that the handmade products and the products made in Thailand are of better quality (and more expensive) than the cheaper, but more plentiful Made-in-China items.

The BTS station closest to Platinum Mall is Chit Lom and there is now a walking bridge all the way, but it’s still quite far to walk, so especially post-shopping, when you probably have a lot to carry, I would recommend that you take a taxi even though finding one willing to switch on the meter might be a challenge.

• Platinum Mall consists of an A building (Zone 1+2) and a B building (zone 3). I like the Thai brand Walking in My Shoes, which has a store in Orchard B on the 5th floor in Zone 3.

• There are also two branches of the popular jewelry and accessory brand Pink Pvssy (terrible name!) in Zone 2, one on the 1st floor and one on the 5th floor.

• On the 6th floor there’s a food court, FoodCenter, with a good selection of cheap, tasty food.

Platinum Fashion Mall, 222 Phetchaburi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok