Pratunam, Bangkok

What is Pratunam like?

Pratunam grew up around a wholesale clothing market and is still Bangkok's busiest fashion trading district. From early morning, its streets fill with traders from across Asia buying in bulk, porters wheeling stacks of boxes and shoppers working through floor after floor of small shops. It's loud, crowded and practical — and just a few minutes' walk north of the polished Siam malls.

Where is it, and how do you get there?

Pratunam is centred on the Ratchaprarop and Phetchaburi road junction, north of Siam and CentralWorld.

• BTS Chit Lom — about 10 minutes on foot via CentralWorld.
• BTS Ratchathewi — about 10 minutes on foot from the west.
• Airport Rail Link, Ratchaprarop — direct trains to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
• Khlong Saen Saep canal boat, Pratunam pier — the fast commuter boat west towards the Old Town.

Best things to do

Platinum Fashion Mall

Several floors of small shops selling inexpensive clothes, shoes and accessories, many of them wholesalers who also sell individual pieces. Prices often drop when you buy several items. Mornings are calmer than afternoons. The food court is a useful lunch stop.

Pratunam Market

The street-level market around the main junction: clothing, bags, accessories and bargains, stretching into narrow covered lanes. Bargaining is normal here.

Baiyoke Tower

One of Bangkok's tallest buildings, with an observation deck near the top. The views are wide, though the deck is older than the city's newer viewpoints.

CentralWorld and the Ratchaprasong malls

Just south of Pratunam, connected by skywalk to Siam. See our Siam guide and shopping guide.

Shopping strategy

• Go early — wholesale trade starts in the morning, and it's cooler.
• Bring cash. Many stalls are cash only.
• Ask about multiple-item prices; some shops sell only in packs of three or more of the same item.
• Try things on where you can — many shops don't allow returns, and sizing can run small.
• Leave space in your luggage, or bring a foldable bag.

Where to eat

Pratunam is full of cheap eating: street stalls around the main junction and the sois, food courts in the malls, and a well-known khao man gai (chicken rice) tradition in the area. In the evening, stalls set up along the main roads. See our street food guide.

Nightlife

Little to speak of. For bars, Sukhumvit is a short taxi ride away; for rooftops, head to Silom or Sathorn.

Staying in Pratunam

Pratunam has many budget and mid-range hotels aimed at shoppers and business travellers.

Advantages

• Walking distance to Siam and CentralWorld
• Airport Rail Link station for Suvarnabhumi
• Lots of good-value hotels
• Cheap food everywhere

Disadvantages

• 10 minutes' walk to the nearest BTS station
• Congested roads and crowded pavements by day
• Little character in the evenings

Pratunam or Siam?

Stay in Siam for the BTS on your doorstep and a smoother first trip. Choose Pratunam if your budget is tighter, you're arriving and leaving via Suvarnabhumi, or shopping is a big part of your trip. See where to stay in Bangkok.