Business area
Hotel near skytrain stations
Central World Shopping Complex
Shopping malls in Bangkok at Central World Shopping Complex
This mega-shopping complex offers one of the most exciting shopping experiences in Bangkok. Occupying some 550,000 square metres of retail space and a total area size of 830,000 square metres – that is 30% larger than any other shopping centre in central Bangkok – CentralWorld is now officially the largest lifestyle shopping complex in Southeast Asia.
It has everything from brand name clothing boutiques, funky fashion, high-tech gadgets, bookshops and designer furniture to imported groceries, a lineup of banks, beauty salons, gourmet eateries and even an ice-skating rink. With so many tantalising options to explore, you could easily spend half a day here without realising it.
Partially rebuilt and recovering from arson attack, CentralWorld is a lifestyle shopping mall with a range of offerings that encompass more than 500 stores, 100 restaurants and cafes, 15 cinemas, Kids' Zone and Learning Centre(Genius Planet Zone), two anchor department stores, as well as a trendy food court, the largest supermarket in Asia and an outdoor square for large-scale events like Bangkok's official New Year countdown party.
Formerly known as World Trade Center, the newly branded CentralWorld, is still home to the very popular department stores Zen (closed until further notice) and Isetan (open). The mall's make-over, however, has not just involved some cosmetic changes to give it an image boost - instead, it has been fully redesigned and revamped, and is brand spanking new for all practical purposes. All that remains of the former glory days, of course, is its location slap-bang in the heart of the Chidlom 'battleground of the malls' with direct Skytrain (BTS) access, and the popular outdoor square area. The two famous shrines are still there too, mind you, just moved a little bit more to the right.
The shopping street concept - in a mall
To prevent shoppers from getting lost, and to help circulate people to all areas and prevent clustering, a clear traffic circulation system was devised that enhance vertical and horizontal movement around the six interconnected shopping zones, each offering a different ambiance and certain unique features.
There are also more than 100 escalators, as well as see-through lifts. CentralWorld's retail layout is influenced by the shopping street concept, allowing shoppers to spec several storefronts at a glance, whilst its overall design has placed a lot of emphasis on natural light / daylight that filters through the many skylights and open wells. Spectacular sculptures by famous artists are used as decoration features, and a glass mobile consisting of 3,500 glass balls hanging in an open well has had the crow
ds in awe.
CentralWorld is on the forefront of technological sophistication too. Two of Southeast Asia's largest LED screens, measuring 9 x 16 metres, overlook the outdoor CentralWorld Square and will be used to broadcast major events. Inside, giant LED screens are also used to broadcast activities from one zone to another.
More than 250 interactive LCD monitors and directories have been installed throughout to provide an estimated 150,000 shoppers daily with information and shopping directories. And the 40 ATM machines scattered around are also the largest number in any commercial complex in Thailand.
Shopping Heaven
Specialised anchor 'mega-stores' - measuring between 2,000 and 8,200 square metres - include SuperSports, PowerBuy, B2S, Central Food Hall, SB Furniture and Toys 'R' Us. The department store Zen spans seven floors, while Zen World on 13 floors offer a fitness centre, spa, yoga, beauty centre, as well as an educational and tourist promotion centre. Among the 500 world-class stores count 35 flagship brands like Zara, Miss Sixty and Timberland, and 36 'first stores' - the likes of the English brand Next.
Good news for parents is the Genius Planet Zone (kids' zone and learning centre) and Thailand Knowledge Park (TK Park), where specialised supervision is provided in an 'edutainment' environment. Go right ahead, here you can drop the kids off with a clear conscience that they will have fun and their minds stimulated while you're getting a good old-fashioned dose of retail therapy.
The indoor parking lot - the largest in Thailand - measures 287,000 square metres and can accommodate 7,000 vehicles. Already completed is the 45-storey CentralWorld Offices, one of the city's most modern skycrapers.
CentralWorld has arrived. Bigger. Better. And, unmistakably, a shopping experience not to be missed. All that's missing is mini golf karts for rent. Oh, what bliss...
Hotel near Central World Shopping Complex
Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00
BTS: Chidlom Address: 4, 4/1, 4/4 Rajdamri Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel: + 66 (0) 264-7000