0 THAILAND: BARGAIN SHOPPING AT THE PLATINUM MALL

The Platinum Fashion Mall.

We are near to end our five-day vacation in Thailand so the fourth and last day would be allotted in buying souvenir items and of course something for yourself. I heard that Platinum Fashion Mall offers cheap prices of clothes and other accessories. Therefore after our Terminal 21 tour, we jumped out back in Petchaburi area where we actually staying.

Instead of taking the Sky Train we decided to ride cab which is much faster and convenient for us. We passed by the Central World Mall which is another place to consider buying souvenir items but prices are higher than in Platinum. After nearly 15 minutes ride, we arrived in the area. I forgot how much we paid for the taxi but I’m telling you using meter here is not common especially for foreign commuters so make sure that both of you and cab driver should settled the charge.

And here's the Central World Mall.

HOW TO GET HERE:

Again for budget travelers I don’t recommend taking cab but instead used the BTS Sky Train because it will take you around BKK. If you are already familiar with this transpo, you can get off at Chidlom or Ratchathewi Station. Unfortunately there is no train station near the Platinum Mall so you’ll have to walk for about 15 – 20 minutes.  If you are coming from Chidlom station you will pass by the Central World Mall and if Ratchathewi you will pass by the the Pantip Plaza. I think better to alight at Ratchathewi because from there, you will already see the Platinum fall from afar and you won’t get lost.

THE FOOD CENTER:

We arrived around past noon and before going into shopping spree we decided to have lunch first. Their big food court center is located at the 6th floor. Please take note that food outlets do not accept cash, but no worries they don’t require you to bring credit card. First you will have to line up at the coupon window to get the card. This card is you will be using when buying your foods, you will just load it depend on how much you want. Afterwards you can go to the food stalls and just hand them the card they will swipe it and done. Just in case you have more balance left on your card, then don’t worry you can line up at the refund both and they will give you back how much money you left from the card. Isn’t a good idea? 

  

The Coupon Window.

Here's your card to be used buying food at the stalls.

The refund booth.

The Food Court Center.

So here’s what I got. I deserved huge meal, plus Thailand cuisine really soothes my type of taste. I grew up in Southern Luzon so expect that I preferred spicy foods.  I’m really glad that Thai offers these flavors. I dunno what you call it but likewise in Manila they also serve meal package. I ordered two types of viand plus side dish. I also ordered this soup with crispy chips. And again by the looks of it, these are all spicy all mixed with powdered pepper. XD

Now let’s start to look what is inside the Platinum Fashion Mall. If you are looking for clothes, shoes, accessories and backpacks, this place is really for you. In fact prices in Chatuchak are somehow the same as here and advantage would be the comfort. Worry no more with the heat and the sweat. It is an indoor full air-conditioned wholesale and retail shopping mall. There are thousands of shopping boutiques to choose. 

Although you would noticed from the directory below, all floors are dominated by the ladies wear yet menswear got only one floor at the fourth level. Well you would really and just assumed that girls do perish for shopping. It’s their hobby and pastime. They would die without it so this mall is really catered for our lovely ladies. But don’t worry I heard that more stalls sells male fashion.  

Floor Directory of the Platinum Fashion Mall.

More and More and More Options to Choose!

You gonna love the designs here.

This mall is divided into two wings. Wing 1 is the largest and the older building; it is divided into two zones while Wing 2 is the new building yet the smallest. And again all of the shopping stalls are dominated by the girls. However for our lovely gentlemen, fourth level is enough for us. Though limited choices yet I think it is enough for us. 

REMINDERS:

The more you buy the cheaper it gets. This mall does not really comply with standard price, it depends on how you haggle. Although there are stalls that don’t really give out discounted prices but keep in mind,  there are other stalls offer the same quality or yet the same design at a cheaper price. Here are some of the reminder:

● Please bring cash! Almost or I should say stalls do not accept credit card swipe.

● There are ATM machines all over the place so don't worry if you are running out of money.

● They don't have the fitting rooms. And they don't allow you to try wearing it.

● Most clothes are free size or standard size.

● Again purchase 2 or more items, you'll get discounted price.

● Don't be shy to haggle, the more you talk the more they give you the discounted price.

● There are more stalls to check out. Never stay in one place unless the price is right.

Have a picture ops in front of the Platinum Mall.

Half day is enough for me, I bought enough shirts for me and souvenirs for family back home. Since Platinum Mall is just along Petchaburi where we staying we decided to ride Tuktuk back in hotel. Again this mall worth to visit.  

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.