Reputed for its street markets with bargain prices for T shirts, jeans, shoes, calculators, watches, jewelry and souvenirs, Pratunam also has Central World Plaza, which is just rebuilt to be the first class shopping centre in Bangkok. The area has good first class hotels, so if you want a central location with good accommodation, shopping and transport, this is it!
What to do
Shopping:
Pratunam Market
Pratunam is one of the older shopping areas in Bangkok that has a highly-deserved reputation among bargain shoppers.
Passing through the area, you will see many shops on the main roads. But the real activity is in the market hidden behind the stalls and shops. Here youll find a huge variety of low cost clothes, fashion accessories, shoes, watches, electronic gadgets and all sorts of souvenirs. It is usually very congested as there are many eager shoppers looking for their bargains.
Pratunam is the location for Thailand's tallest building, the Baiyok Tower. This is the major wholesale center for the garment trade. It is very popular with minor and major international traders, particularly those from Africa. There is even an African restaurant nearby.
Bargain hunters looking for good deals on computers, accessories and software flock to Pantip Plaza, which is now known throughout the world for its low prices.
Pratunam Market, open daily from morning until late afternoon, is the place for great clothes at rock bottom prices. How to get there: Bus routes 2, 11, 23, 60, 62, 72, 93, 140, 511, 512 Pantip Plaza (The Computer City)
A popular shopping plaza for computer hard wares and accessories, various soft wares, books on computer, entertainment soft wares and games. In this plaza, there are quite sizeable shops selling computer products and several smaller shops offer merchandises at reasonable prices.
Open daily from 10am to 5pm. The bus routes are the same as Pratunam. Or you can come by taxi or tuk-tuk. Everyone knows it. Central World Plaza (former as World Trade Centre)
This huge mall was called the World Trade Center until a few years ago, and doubtless many taxi drivers will still call it that. It changed its name to Central World Plaza. There is an excellent department store - Isetan - within the complex. There are also cinemas and a food court, 2 good bookshops - Asia Books and Kinokuniya, and in peak season (December to February) a beer garden is set up outside. If you need a western fast-food fix there is also plenty to choose from here. It's particularly handy for the Indra Regent, Amari Watergate and Baiyoke Sky hotels, all of which are a short walk to the north.
If there aren't enough shops for you in the centre itself - just cross the road (via the footbridge) and you'll find a huge Big C, the upmarket. Gaysorn Plaza, and several other shopping opportunities. If that hasn't got you all shopped out there's also a new walkway under the Skytrain line which will take you right to the doors of the Siam Center and Siam Paragon Mall. Open daily at 10am.
What to see
Suan Pakkad Palace
A visit to this exquisite collection of traditional Thai homes, set in beautiful gardens, gives you an insight into the appreciation of art and gardening by members of the Royal Family.
Named after the cabbage patch (Suan Pakkad) which used to occupy this land, it was built as a weekend resort by HRH Prince Chombhotpong Paripatra of Nagor Svarga and his consort, Mom Ratchawong Pantip. They took up permanent residence there after World War II.
The compound contains seven traditional houses that display the diverse art collection assembled by these connoisseurs. Images of the Thai Royal Family, model boats, drums and
religious artifacts are displayed in House 1.
The reception area of House 2 exhibits personal items such as ivory boxes and bowls inlaid with mother-of pearl. Lovers of Thai musical instruments will be impressed by the collection in House 3 which also has a palanquin, nielloware and ceramics.
Princess Chumbhots extensive mineral collection is on show in House 4, while House 5 has examples of Ban Chiang pottery. The Sukhothai era is depicted with ceramics, earthenware utensils and figurines in House 6.
The theatrical aspect of Thailand is on display at the Khon Museum is House 7. This exhibit includes Khon masks, costumes, accessories and a model of a troupe performing the Ramakien.
Other displays and exhibitions are in the Lacquer Pavilion and the Marasi Gallery which also has an information system on Ban Chiang art and culture.
How to get there: Bus routes 14, 17, 38, 77
BTS Skytrain : Phaya Thai station. Open : Daily from 9 am. - 4 pm. Admission : 100 baht Tel : 0 2245 4934, 0 2246 1775-6 www.suanpakkad.com
Where to dine
Grappino (Italian)
5th Floor, Amari Watergate Hotel
T.02-653-9000
Grappino beautifully combines fine Italian cuisine, elegant surroundings, unobtrusive service and an excellent selection of wine. Located on the 5th floor and open only in the evenings, Grappino is a treat you definitely should not miss.
Once in a Life Time (Jao Khun Ou)
Soi Petchaburi 17, Pratunam
T. 02-252-8629
One of the best Thai food in town. Most charming with three 60 years old wooden houses nested in a tropical garden. You can be served under the shade of the old mango trees or inside the houses where is each room is decorated with antique furniture. Either way, service is friendly and food is tasty. An unforgettable experience, thanks to the legendary old Thai style decoration, costumes, music, lighting and atmosphere, which has made the restaurant is talk-of the town.
Although there is no subway or sky train passing this area, getting here and around by taxi and bus are convenient.
Bus route: 2, 11, 23, 38, 60, 62, 72, 93, 140, 511, 512
Pratunam Market
Pantip Plaza (The Computer City)
Central World Plaza (former as World Trade Centre)
Suan Pakkad Palace
The reception area of House 2 exhibits personal items such as ivory boxes and bowls inlaid with mother-of pearl. Lovers of Thai musical instruments will be impressed by the collection in House 3 which also has a palanquin, nielloware and ceramics. 
