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Central Chidlom

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Elginah
Elginah
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
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2
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Editor Pick

The Most Elegant in Thailand: Central Chidlom

  • March 3, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by SeenThat from Tel Aviv, Israel
The Most Elegant in Thailand: Central Chidlom



It could be defined as "yet another mall along the Sukhumvit-Ploen Chit-Rama I axis," but it is not. Central Chidlom is the most elegant and one of the most beautiful shopping centers in Bangkok, dating back to an era when they still resembled buildings. Humble in size, no other shopping mall in Bangkok compares to its classic shapes, tasteful decoration and smart design. Built in 1973 and covered up with shiny stones in shades of brown, this is the flagship store of the Central Group, the largest operator of such establishments in the country.

Location and Access

Located on Ploenchit Road, it can be reached through the Chidlom Skytrain Station or by any of the buses heading for the nearby Sukhumvit Road (2, 6, 17, 25, 40, 48, 501, 508, 511, 513, 525). Walking there from the Ratchaprasong Intersection (Where Central World, Amarin Plaza and other shopping malls are located) is possible and even recommended.

The operating hours are everyday between 10 AM and 10 PM.

What’s in the Elegant Beauty?



Central Chidlom could be defined as a department store; however, parts of the eight-story building are occupied by various and independently operated international chains. Generally the items sold here are of substantially higher quality than almost elsewhere in Bangkok; accordingly, the prices are higher.

Clothing and More

On the clothing front, men, women and children have specially dedicated floors each. Despite international brands being present, the selection is rather limited to a few models from each brand. Due to the geographical location of Bangkok, items designed for cold weather and shoes aimed for rough trekking or climbing are not available.

Some brands enjoy special display areas within the relevant floor; if searching for a specific item it is worth asking the clerks since not every item in the store is advertised. Since it caters to a substantial population of foreigners living in the city, big size items are readily available here. Bedding and linen items can be also purchased.

Home improvements and electrical goods items are sold on the higher floors. The selection is good, but the prices are steep; electronic items are better bought at Panthip Plaza. A good strategy under the circumstances is taking a general look at he merchandise, deciding what item is worthy of buying and then searching for it elsewhere. Surprisingly, it may be available at a lower price even at other shopping malls owned by the same management company, Central Patanna.

Food

Central Chidlom is remarkable for its upscale food store on the ground floor; it is one of the best shops in Bangkok for imported foods like cheese and meats. Near this store is the Food Cellar, a small restaurant serving international dishes and snacks.

Beyond that, several coffee shops and light meals restaurants are located almost on every floor. The most remarkable one is the Loft on the top floor offers Thai, Indian, Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese and other international foods. The place resembles a supermarket, where food is charged on a special card given at the entrance; the customer pays before leaving. I must remark that despite the excellent quality of the food, it is rather pricey for a department store; many restaurants in the area offer better and more comfortable deals.

Guest Shops in Site



B2S

B2S is a Thai bookstore and media chain; their three-story shop at Central World is their main location in the country, but the one in Central Chidlom is friendlier. It offers a decent choice of books and music on the top floor of the mall. Within it, Starbucks features a second counter in the building.

Starbucks

Starbucks has here one of its smallest branches in the city; however, it is also on of the most attractive ones since it is placed on the ground level with a large glass wall facing Ploen Chit Road. The place has a KSC Hotspot, allowing connecting to the internet while sipping a good coffee. As mentioned, they have also a small desk at the top floor.

The Oriental Hotel Shop

I have reviewed in the past the excellent Author’s Lounge; the place was recognized as serving the best coffee in Bangkok. The Oriental Hotel – where the Author’s Lounge is – has a food store within the Central Chidlom, offering a golden opportunity to enjoy and take home its excellent products.

Others

Other shops in the complex include Swarovski, specializing in jewelry and watches, Bangkok Bank, Burberry and Dunhill both offering fashion and accessories for women, the Qi Shiseido Salon & Spa, the TV Air Bookings travel agent, the Greyhound Café and finally the Inlingua language school.

Only for Tourists

A 5% discount is automatically offered on all goods for tourists, and the store helps also in getting the VAT refund; just remember to bring the passport to the Customer Service counter and they'll issue a Tourist Discount Card. Interpreters, a shipping service and currency exchange are also offered. Related to this is the fact that all major credit cards are accepted and that several ATM’s are scattered around the building.

From journal Big Buildings of Bangkok

Editor Pick

Central Department Store - Chitlom

  • October 7, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Elginah from Stavanger, Norway
A multi-layer department store with just about everything. There''s quite a wide selection for different budgets - especially for those of us who cringe at prices at home (Norway). Good quality (and name brand) clothing at set prices - no bargaining activity here. Staff are more than willing to help and most can speak English.

There''s a permanent sale of sorts on the 6th floor - from Tissot watches to baby push carts with discounts from 5% to 70%.

Once you''ve made your selection in say, British India, you''ll need to follow the salesperson to the cashier. Tourists get a 5% discount when initially paying (you just have to fill out a very short survey form) - no passport necessary. And then you get a 5% discount coupon for your next purchase. Then you can either lug the stuff around to Calvin Klein, or drop them at Bag Deposit.

When you''re done for the day head for the VAT refund (7%) area, in the store, if you''ve spent + 2000 Baht. Passports are requested, but I only had my driver''s licence which they accepted. Check the receipts next to the form before signing (as the purchases are recorded in Thai). Remember to fill out the form on the same day as the purchases. You get your actual refund (minus 100 Baht service fee) at the airport - be sure to follow the signs before going to check-in, and have the purchases on hand for inspection.

From journal Trip to Thailand

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