CentralWorld: a whole day shopping experience

CentralWorld: a whole day shopping experience

CentralWorld is the eleventh biggest shopping complex in the world and the largest in Bangkok as well as entire Thailand. It got its current structure and design after three years of extensive renovation in 2006. The complex is located in one of Bangkok’s busiest tourism and shopping districts, Ratchaprasong (ราชประสงค์), and includes an office tower and a hotel as well.

History

The eight-story mall opened in 1990 and was originally known as the World Trade Center. It was acquired by Central Group in 2002 and named as Central World Plaza which was later renamed to be CentralWorld. The renovated complex in 2006 aimed at attracting 150,000 customers per day.
Ice rink on the 3rd floor. Photo by Discovering Bangkok

CentralWorld was marketed mainly as a middle-class shopping center as opposed to the Siam Paragon that was more focused on the upper-class market. Shopper numbers soon increased at CentralWorld. And Bangkok’s New Year countdown celebration in front of the mall quickly became a ritual in the capital city.

Treat for everyone

The huge complex area has separate zones to cater to different interests. CentralWorld Square is the largest outdoor activity platform in downtown Bangkok. Fitted with 400 dancing fountain heads, the 8000 square meters area in front of the complex hosts some of the large-scale activities in the city. The New Year countdown event is one of them.
Bangkok countdown 2020 at CentralWorld Square. Photos by Discovering Bangkok

The flagship hotel of Centara Grand, a chain hotel, at CentralWorld, is attached to both the CentralWorld mall and the offices at CentralWorld.

If you wish to stay right in the center of Bangkok’s shopping district then the Centara Grand Hotel at CentralWorld is a no-brainer. From the lobby to the club lounge, the genuine and welcoming staffs make your stay memorable in this 57-story 5-star hotel. With a wellness center and a swimming pool area with a lot of greens around, it’s hard to believe that one is in the middle of the city. And if that didn’t interest you, then head over to the rooftop Red Sky Bar on the 56th floor of Centara Grand to get an outstanding view of the throbbing city.
Entrance to Central Departmental Store at Ratchaprasong Intersection. Photo by Discovering Bangkok

For grabbing everyday essentials, Central Departmental Store has its largest branch in the complex. Central Departmental Store, formerly known as Zen, is one of Asia’s first lifestyle trends megastore.

Central Departmental Store is a seven-floor lifestyle department store, for trendy and young buyers, and for people who like world-class fashion and style. It’s located in a fascinating spot at Ratchaprasong Intersection, occupying a whole side of CentralWorld. This mall carries a full range of products including beauty and cosmetics, fashion and clothing, homeware, toys for children, and even an international dining area.
Entrance to CAT First Class Cinema. Photo by Discovering Bangkok

And if you are an entertainment freak, the seventh floor houses the state-of-art cinema complex, SF World Cinema. It has a whopping 15 screen collection including the 800 capacity World Max Screen and the upscale “first-class” theatres.
Central Food Hall. Photo by Discovering Bangkok

The world-class food store, known as the Central Food Hall is also situated on the 7th floor. This renovated food store gives an industrial-look due to its steel frame design. It offers a variety of authentic flavors and styles from all across Thailand. From wine cellars to meatloaf and from grab-and-go coffee to authentic cheese: the heavenly aroma here satiates everyone inside out.
Entrance to Groove at Rama I Road. Photo by Discovering Bangkok

GROOVE is the latest addition to the complex. It offers wide
hang-out spaces including a range of cafes and restaurants in front of the
Offices.

The Offices at CentralWorld is a 652 foot, 45 story office tower. Famous for its sleek design and state-of-the-art technology, it houses some of Bangkok’s most prestigious businesses.

Extravagant shopping
experience

SuperSports, PowerBuy, B2S, Central Food Hall, SB Furniture and Toys ‘ R ‘ us are specialized tied mega stores, measuring between 2000 and 8200 square meters.

More than 30 flagship retailers such as Zara, Miss Sixty, Timberland, Uniqlo, and Next are among the 500 world-class stores that CentralWorld hosts.
Entrance to Supersports. Photo by Discovering Bangkok

The elevated walkway connecting Chit Lom (สถานีชิดลม) with Siam (สถานีสยาม) BTS stations to CentralWorld makes it easy to reach it.
Entrance to the Apple store from CentralWorld Square at Ratchadamri Road. Photo by Discovering Bangkok

Since July 31st, 2020, CentralWorld is home to the second Apple retail store in the city and the biggest in ASEAN. The new Apple store is located in CentralWorld Square, the esplanade in front of the entrance to the complex, and with direct access to the elevated walkway connecting the BTS.

The entire complex buzzes with energy throughout the week, more so over the weekend. If you are visiting for the first time, give yourself enough time to explore all the floor levels.INSTAGRAM FEED@centralworld

CentralWorld is like a big shopping planet with a stunning hotel, an amazing cinema experience, bowling alley, ice rink, food court and a lot more to pump up your spirits.