Missing this huge building at one of Bangkok's central junctions - where the two Skytrain lines meet - is difficult; especially since its massive renewal. The old and dark structure was replaced by huge amounts of glass and offers now a river of light.

The old World Trade Center is called now Central World Plaza and is owned by the same group operating the Central shopping centers and Big C supermarkets in Bangkok. Located near Siam Square and Siam Paragon, it opens its doors everyday at 10am.

The biggest Thai shopping mall includes six shopping zones and two department stores. At its four corners are offices, a 55 floors high hotel, and the Zen and Isetan stores facing the Central World Square, shops and restaurants occupy the space between them. The Thai kindness is evident everywhere here, at the Isetan Department Store I fixed my sunglasses which were bought in a different continent and they refused to charge me with a huge and disarming smile.

All the main brands are represented at the Central World Plaza; it would take more than a day just to explore its 500 world-class stores and at least twenty restaurants of varied styles. If arriving in a shopping spree mood, then it is recommended to get a Tourist Privilege Card that gives a 5% discount and a 7% VAT refund at participating shops and restaurants. Money changers compete for space with jewelries, movie theatres, designer clothes, electronics, home shops, antiques, watches, an ice skating ring, English books stores and an awesome array of restaurants.

Duty Free

The top floor hosts the Power King Duty Free; if shopping there the goods are picked up at the airport before the departure, a passport and a valid flight ticket are essential for shopping there. Unfortunately, the same products can be found elsewhere in the city at much better prices - even considering the taxing differences.

Food

Fusion and international food can be enjoyed at MIXT, Hou Yuu, Fondooz, China White, Fuji, Le Casbah, Sizzler, MK Restaurant, See Fah, Coca Suki, and Triple O; the meals are attractive and surprisingly good. Thai food is offered mainly at Daidomon, which is the perfect place for experiencing the popular mookata meals so favoured by locals. Coffee and snacks are offered at Sun Moulin, the Cream & Fudge Factory, Ms.Sasa, Baskin Robbins, and Blue Cup. Starbucks has a branch on the "Balcony on 3rd." Black Canyon Coffee is a Thai coffee shop with an interesting menu of local snacks.

Paying

In Thailand it is better to pay in cash with local Money, any other option is more expensive. Many places add the commission to the credit card company to the product's final agreed price, i.e. after the bargaining. The commissions are usually surprisingly high if compared to the European ones, since credit cards are far less popular here. The Baht exchange rate changes daily and each bank sets its own buying and selling prices.

Centralworld has recently emerged from the old World Trade complex with a total make over and bright new feel. It claims to be the largest lifestyle shopping complex in south-east Asia and as it sprawls over 8 levels, I can believe that. There are two department stores – Thai-owned Zen and the Isetan Japanese store. In addition there are hundreds of other small stores, over 50 restaurants, two cinema complexes, Bangkok’s largest supermarket with many international brands not previously available, a fun park and a hotel.

What makes this place different for me is the Zen store. Zen Central is one of Bangkok's trend setting lifestyle centers for young, fashion conscious shoppers. Originally opened in 1990, Zen now features a cutting edge selection of brands in every category, presented in an exciting atmosphere that appeals to expatriates, tourists, and affluent young Thais. For those who appreciate design, fashion, and creativity, this is a one-of-a-kind lifestyle destination.

Zen epitomises living in the moment - and their decor reflects that outlook. Go there if your definition of shopping equals fun. There are six floors to explore and afterwards you can sit in one of those leather-meets-machine massage chairs. The grooviest shoes, jewellery, watches and accessories under the sun redefine the meaning of cool for some people.

If you need a western fast-food fix there is also plenty to choose from here. The shops inside Centralworld are generally open from 10am until 9pm. In peak season (December to February) a beer garden is set up outside.

But Centralworld is not the only place here for shopping. Gaysorn Plaza and Erawan Plaza are across the road. Each is a luxury boutique mall with many brand names. Gaysorn Plaza has Hugo Boss, Georgio Armani, Prada, and more, while throughout the first and second floors of Erawan Plaza you will find stylish boutique shops featuring the likes of Swarovski-studded heels by Rodo, the only Roger Dubuis outlet in Thailand, and Club 21 - an umbrella of world-class designer items ranging from Kenzo Takada to Sinéquanone, Issey Miyake and Stella McCartney.

But we haven’t finished yet. Also opposite Centralworld is the biggest of the many Big C low-cost megastores in Bangkok but with an EGV Metropolis and a good food court. This is a discount store which opens from 9am to 11pm. Nearby is the government owned Narayana Phand handicraft store.

If you want to shop for Thai stuff without having to deal with the heat at the markets, check out here. Their prices seem reasonable and you don't have to guess and haggle with the salespeople. It's not completely easy to spot as it's inside a small shopping arcade, but look just north of Gaysorn Plaza and you should find it. Items include hand-carved wooden items, ceramics and fabrics. Narai Phand will be happy to ship your purchases to your home country. There’s a Thai food café here should you fancy a bite.