MBK Center

Bangkok, Thailand

MBK is a vast and always packed shopping centre full of tiny stalls (2,500 of them, to be exact) selling, well, everything. There's a heavy emphasis on clothing, especially the cheap and trendy teen type, but the fourth floor devoted to electronics is Bangkok's best place to buy mobile phones, MP3 players and digital cameras. Before buying a phone you have to be sure which band supports and which ones your country has. The fifth floor focuses on furniture in the rear, and electronics in the front, including a very large Canon store. Stuff on sale include gold, furniture, food, and a part of the sixth floor has been dedicated to handicrafts and souvenirs. Don't miss the dried fruits and Chinese-style snacks (like pork floss) at Champ on the fourth floor, near the central escalator. The top floor has film theatres and restaurants, and there's a large Tokyu department store bolted on the north side. It is possible to bargain for cheaper prices on some items at some independent shop stalls, especially if you are with a Thai friend or family member.