The capital as well as the largest city in Thailand, Bangkok is one of the Asia’s most popular shopping destinations. Everything from clothing, fashion accessories, and traditional handicraft items to electronic and computer related peripherals can be shopped here. High quality items, low prices, and amazing range of items, are all the highlights of shopping in Bangkok. Many of the shopping malls in Bangkok are open from 10 hrs to 21 hrs everyday. For those who do not have enough time for shopping during day time, then one of the best options for shopping are night markets, which is open late night. With a rich spectrum of shopping malls and markets, Bangkok has everything to cater to all types of shopping enthusiasts.

One of the most popular destinations for shopping in Bangkok is Siam Square, which is strategically situated at Central Station on the BTS Sky Train route. A substantial number of shopping areas can be found here, among which popular are Siam Center and Siam Discovery Center. After a whole day’s shopping, climb the top floor of the Siam Discovery Center, where you can find an elegant cinema complex with relaxing as well as comfortable seats. Just few blocks away from the Siam Center is another much famed shopping mall in the area, namely, Mahboonkrong Shopping Center, which is packed with an array of shops selling items at bargain prices. Popular shopping destinations in the city also include the World Trade Center, located close to the Chit Lom BTS Sky Train Station. It is home to a number of shopping malls such as Isetan and ZEN, apart from a number of duty free shops. Found on the top floor of the center is an ice skating rink and movie theatres.

The Victory Monument in Bangkok was erected in 1941 as a tribute to Thai soldiers, policemen and servicemen who sacrificed their lives for Thailand. The monument was specifically built for the Thai military sacrifices made during the war effort in Indo-China against the French colonial army. This large military monument is situated in Ratchathewi District near the intersection. The War between Thailand and the French broke out in 1940 following the Nazi capture of Vichy France. Seeing it as an opportune moment to launch an attack on the French Colonial forces, the Thai army launched an offensive to reclaim parts of Siam that were annexed by the French in their colonial exploits.

The War lasted for relatively short time and only 59 soldiers died. The Thais were successful in their endeavor and managed to reclaim parts of Laos and Cambodia. Thailand had to cede some these territories to France in the early 1900’s and many patriotic Thai’s felt that they rightfully belonged to them. In reality the fighting between the French and the Thais was inconclusive and the final agreement was in fact brokered by Japan. This agreement saw Thailand having to give up a number of its conquered territories but the French were not appeased either. The monument is designed in Western architectural style and does not feature any traditional Thai designs. The central obelisk rises straight up in to the air and is meant to symbolize the power and the strength of the Thais. Five other statues each one representing the army, navy, air force, the police and the civilian bureaucracy can be seen surrounding the obelisk.