Pratunam is a popular neighborhood in central Bangkok. It has a wide variety of budget-friendly accommodations, lots of shopping malls, and night markets. It is very well-connected to the airport and other areas of Bangkok by ferries, BTS skytrain and Airport Rail Link.
From Pratunam, you can catch the direct airport rail link to get to the Suvarnabhumi Airport. The BTS sky train also takes you to other areas for more shopping and nightlife such as Siam and Sukhumvit.
Additionally, it offers easy access to the local ferries where you can get to the old town to visit famous attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Khao San Road.
The most famous attractions in Pratunam are the Pratunam Market, Baiyoke Sky Tower, and Platinum Fashion Mall. But there are so many other activities and attractions in this area to explore.
In this article, I will show you the list of the best things to do in Pratunam and how to get around to explore these points of interest in this famous shopping district of Bangkok.
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10 Best Things to do in Pratunam
1. Pratunam Market
This is a famous wholesale market located in the heart of Pratunam. Locals and tourists come to the market to buy clothing and accessories items in bulk.
The market is located at the corner of Ratchaprarop and Petchburi Road, which is one of the main roads in Pratunam. It is close to Baiyoke Towers and Amari Watergate Bangkok hotel. It is open everyday from 5am to 9pm.
You can find everything at Pratunam Market including clothes, shoes, souvenirs, and electronic gadgets. The goods at Pratunam are very affordable, especially if you buy 3+ pieces at wholesale rate. You need to practice your bargaining skill as you do at any other markets in Thailand.
Other similar markets to Pratunam Market in Bangkok are Sampeng Market in Chinatown, Chatukchak Weekend Market, and MBK. Pratunam Market has cheaper prices than these places.
When visiting the markets, be sure to bring cash because not all vendors accept cards. As the market is huge, bring comfortable walking shoes. Most shops do not allow you to try on, so it is better to know your sizes. Also, be mindful of pickpockets in busy areas.
If you stay in Pratunam, you can walk to the market. If you stay in other neighborhoods, you can use BTS to get to either Ratchathewi and Phayathai Station then walk for around 1 km to reach the market.
2. Baiyoke Sky Tower
With 304 meters and 88 stories, Baiyoke Tower was the tallest building in Thailand, but now it was surpassed by MahaNakhon Building in Silom.
The building has an observatory on the 77th floor, Rooftop Bar on the 83rd floor, and a rotating deck on the 84th floor. You can visit these attractions during sunset time to enjoy the city’s skyline and the Gulf of Thailand on a clear day.
You can buy a ticket at the lobby for 450 baht to go to the observation deck, the rotating deck, and a drink on the rooftop bar. If you want a buffet, which is 950 baht, you can go to the observation and rotating deck for free.
The lobby is open everyday from 10am to 10pm. There are multiple high end restaurants in the building and as well the buffet on the 79th floor.
The Baiyoke Tower is located within walking distance from Pratunam market. You can take the BTS green line to either Phaya Thai or Ratchathewi Station, then walk for 20 minutes to get to the building. If you don’t want to walk, you can use Tuk tuk or Grab Bike to reach it.
3. Platinum Fashion Mall
If you want to escape from the heart of the outdoor Pratunam market, you can walk to the indoor Platinum Fashion Mall located right on Phetchabri Road, opposite of the Pratunam market.
The mall has 7 floors with lots of stores selling clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, and cosmetics. There are food courts on the 5th and 6th floor and Novotel Hotel on the 6th and 7th floor.
Similar to Pratunam Market, this is the wholesale fashion mall with the luxury of air conditioning and lifts. You can buy cheap items in bulk and remember to bargain.
There are several stalls on the Phetchabri Road in front of the mall, selling drinks, foods, and souvenirs. You can reach Platinum Fashion Mall by taking the BTS train to Ratchathewi station then walk for around 1 km to get to the mall.
4. Palladium Night Market
This night market is located right on the main road of Pratunam, Phetchaburi Road. It is right at the front of The Palladium World Shopping, at the intersection of Phetchaburi and Rathaprarop Roads.
You can walk to Palladium Night Market from Pratunam Market and Platinum Fashion Mall. If you stay in other parts of Bangkok, you can reach Palladium Night Market by taking the BTS train to Chit Lom or Ratchathewi Station, then walk for 1km to get to the market.
Like other night markets in Thailand, it has lots of stalls selling clothes, handicrafts, and street foods. All stuff is similar with other places. If you stay in Pratunam, it is worth checking out. The market is open daily from 6pm to late night.
5. Pratunam Night Market
You can find the night market in the Pratunam Market area. It is a lively place to explore at night to try local street food and buy some souvenirs. To enjoy the best vibe with a lively ambiance and neon lights, it’s best to come to the night market after 6 PM.
6. Indra Square
This is a small two level shopping center located on Soi Ratchaprarop 3, an easy walk from the Pratunam Market and Baiyoke Sky Tower. It is another place to visit after shopping at Pratunam market. You can find counterfeit products such as electronics, clothes, shoes, and toys at the mall.
You can find cheap fashion items and a food area on the first floor. There is a food center as well as electronic products, toys, and accessory stores on the second floor.
7. City Complex
City Complex is another indoor shopping mall located on Phetchaburi Road of Pratunam, opposite Platinum Fashion Mall. Like other malls and markets in Pratunam, it is a good place for cheap fashion shopping.
You can find a food court as well as lots of stores selling clothing, and accessories for men and women. It is lesser-known than Platinum Mall, but is a good place to check out while you do shopping in Pratunam. You can visit all malls and markets in the area in a single trip.
8. Try street food (Indian, Chinese, and Thai food)
There are plenty of restaurants in Pratunam, including upscale restaurants, street food stalls, and footcourts inside the shopping malls. You can try a variety of food in this area, including Chinese, Indian, and Thai food.
There is a high concentration of Indian restaurants around Rapchaprarop Soi 3; you can find Chinese food and Thai food at One food center, as well as the food court in Platinum Mall and many restaurants on the Phetchaburi Road.
9. CentralWorld
CentralWorld is a massive shopping mall located just south of the Saen Saep Canal and Pathum Wananurak Park. The mall is one of South East Asia’s biggest shopping malls, offering a wide range of shop, dining, and entertainment options.
You can find affordable high street brands here including UNIQLO, H&M, and Zara. There are a variety of beauty salons, wellness centers, Electronic Flagship stores, and home goods.
There is a foot court on the 7th floor serving a large selection of Thai and international dishes. The mall is also home to a cinema and an indoor ice skating rink at The Rink. The mall was beautifully decorated during Christmas and New Year.
You can reach CentralWorld by taking the BTS sky train to Chit Lom or Siam Stations, then walk for 300-400m to get to the mall.
10. Erawan Shrine
Erawan Shrine is a famous Hindu shrine located in front of Grand Hyatt Erawan, just opposite CentralWorld. It is easily accessible via the Chit Lom BTS Skytrain Station. It is believed that the shrine brings good luck and prosperity to its visitors.
How to Get Around Pratunam?
Pratunam is home to several BTS stations and piers where you can you it to explore other parts of the city. You can use the BTS train to go shopping at nearby Siam, enjoy the nightlife at Sukhumvit and Silom. You can use the ferries to visit Bangkok Old Town and Chinatown.
The BTS train station running though Pratunam include:
- Phaya Thai Station, this is an important station in the area where you can swap Airport rail Link train to BTS train to get to other parts of Bangkok.
- Ratchathewi Station, this station located near Phetchaburi Road and is where you can take the BTS green line to Siam, Sukhumvit, and the Chatuckchak Weekend market.
- Ratchaprarop Station, this is the second last airport rail link station located in Pratunam.
The Pratunam district is also home to Pratunam Pier, which is an important stop on the Saen Saep Canal to take the ferries and visit famous sights in Bangkok Old town.
The Saen Saep Boat Service offers a fast, and affordable way to get to several locations in the city. It also offers more local experiences than other boat tours along Chao Phraya River.
So, you have it, my list of things to do and see in Pratunam. From wholesale markets, to night markets, and modern shopping malls and skyscrapers, Pratunam has it all.It is also well connected to public transport, making it easy to get around without a car. See more: 8 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok