Siam Paragon Grand Opening
Posted by Stuart at 06:18 PM on December 10, 2005Perhaps only in Thailand will the opening of a shopping mall draw the biggest crowd in the country. Well, I don't actually know if the thousands of people at Siam Paragon yesterday was "Thailand's biggest crowd ever", but it was a remarkable turn out for a mall that is less than 50% finished.
But what was finished was fairly impressive: the 6 story atrium with a wall made out of tropical plants, the Lambergini, Masarati, and Porche showrooms, the gourmet grocery store, the biggest aquarium in Asia, the biggest bookstore in Thailand. I've been watching the mall grow from the Siam Skytrain station, and I have to say that the inside is much more beautiful than the outside.
It was also perhaps the biggest collection of VIPs Thailand has seen in years: bank CEOs, politicians, hundreds of big-haired khunying and more male and female models than I have ever seen in one place.
I didn't actually do any shopping, and so I don't know how the prices are, so who knows if I will actually shop there. The Paragon department store is the same as Central Chit Lom. And the food court contains the usual fare. Most of the mall, however, is of little use to me, as it is made up of luxury stores that seem to be aiming for the Asian tourist market. After all, how many Hermes or Prada stores does a developing country like Thailand really need?
In any case, it is a beautiful mall. I am sure I will visit now and then, if for the Kinokuniya bookstore and the easy access from the Siam Skytrain station.
For more details, see SIAM PARAGON: Bt15-billion mall set for grand debut from the Nation newspaper.
Ah...... Siam Paragon, my DREAM mall....
What bookshop is opening there? Asia Books?
I wish I could be in Krungthep right now! I have also seen how Siam Paragon was going up, from nothing into its gigantic mall.....
I think there is an Asia Books there as well (I didn't see it). But the bookstore I was talking about was Kinokuniya, which I prefer over Asia Books any day.
Don't worry Kitjar. It will be here a long time. Besides, nothing wrong with waiting until it's FINISHED before you see it :)
Well, I just don't get it why they can't wait until the arcade is completely finished. Maybe, this is Thailand:)
There was a large story about your missing friend last week in the San Francisco Chronicle, so the search remains active.
I still miss the old Siam Intercon and wonder what happened to the famous phallic temple in the back gardens. Have you heard anything about that?
Carl, I never visited the old Siam Intercontinental. However, it does look like there is still a decent sized garden area behind the mall. It is a mess now -- very overgrown and the pond is full of algae -- but perhaps they will clean it up. I have no idea about the phallic temple, though, but I'll let you know if I hear anything.
Yes, there is an asia books and it's a nice one, very spaceous.
But, I agree with Stuart - Kinokunya rocks. Although, I have to say, Asia Books is cheaper.
I got free plane tickets to Chiang Mai and Krungthep, but only in July!
I'm sure I would be in Bangkok earlier for the Bangkok Motor Show, would not miss it for the world...
So Siam Paragon, here I come........ hee hee
I wonder whether Siam Paragon would be bigger than Seacon Square?
Hi! I am Malaysian and would be visiting Bangkok April 2006. Have heard about this new Mall and would love to check it out. Any recommendations for a reasonably priced hotel (not fussy about standards but should be clean and safe) around this area (and should be near the train stations). My budget around 2000 baht per night.
Thanks!
Kitjar, I have no idea about the relative sizes between Siam Paragon and Seacon Square. Paragon definitely takes up a smaller footprint, but maybe it's taller? Someone said that it is the biggest mall in SE Asia, but I really have no idea if that is true or not.
In any case, it's BIG and it's very beautiful. I went there again last night and I am still very impressed. I am sure you'll love it :)
KL: Hmm... good hotels for 2000 baht around Siam? I think your best bet is the Asia Hotel, which is directly connected to the Ratchatewi train station. (Just one stop from the Paragon Mall at Siam).
It is not fancy by any means, but I think it is "clean and safe" as you mentioned. And I think you can get a decent room for around 1500 baht. Look it up online and you should be able to get some more information.
Yes, I wwent along. I reckon it'll be a great place to see in a couple of months. I can't believe they opened it in that state though.