The city of angels is a divine destination for those who are in heaven when they shop, spa and eat, as Guo Yali discovers.

Even if you are just in town for a few days, shopping in Bangkok is an experience not to be missed. From gleaming air-conditioned malls to cheerful markets, there is a wide variety of ways to while away the hours indulging in some enjoyable retail therapy, add a massage or spa, and discover some delicious local delicacies, and you have a trip made in heaven for those who like to keep the purse strings open.

Central Bangkok, the heart of life in the city

At the heart of bustling sweltering Bangkok is the upmarket lifestyle hub of Central Bangkok, the area bounded by Ploenchit Road, Wireless Road, Rama IV Road and Rajdamri Road, which is home to many of the city's five-star hotels and embassies and also the pleasant Lumphini Park with its wild monitor lizards and turtles.

It's in Central Bangkok that you'll also find the tempting delights and welcoming chilled interiors of refined palaces of luxury consumption such as Central Chidlom.

One of the world's most prestigious department stores, the seven-story flagship store of Thailand's leading retail group is situated on Bangkok's premier shopping avenue, Ploenchit Road, and has a "one-stop shopping" philosophy featuring a wide selection of goods from both international and top local brand names.

In-store services include personal fashion stylists who'll provide professional advice on the attire, make-up, hair styling and accessories that will suit you best.

For Muslim customers there's a prayer room located on the 6th floor.

The store is also a participant in Bangkok's VAT refund for tourists scheme, which means most tourists will be able to claim a VAT refund of from 4 to 6.1 percent if they spend 2,000 baht ($64) or more in a day and claim a refund at the airport.

The store also has a not-to-be-missed Food Loft, which features a difficult-to-decide choice of mouthwatering dishes from a wide range of different cuisines.

Just a few minutes walk from Chidlom is one of Bangkok's most popular and exciting recreational destinations for young urbanites. CentralWorld is a buzzing 550,000 square meters - that's 77 soccer fields - of retail and entertainment, including two mega stores ZEN and Isetan, more than 500 stores, 100-plus restaurants, a 15-screen cinema, an ice skating rink and the largest supermarket in Asia. There is even a 5-star hotel, the Centara Grand at CentralWorld should you want a home away from home in the area. And if you have kids in tow but want to indulge your own I-want inner child, you can drop them off at the play and learning centers, Thailand Knowledge Park or Genius Planet Zone, where there are trained supervisors to keep an eye on them and guarantee they make the most of the edutainment environments.

CentralWorld is huge and there is so much to see and do you'll find time flies and your legs getting sore. While there is no way to turn back the clock there is ready relief for the latter as there are number of outlets offering Thai massages and spa treatments inside the mall.

For some relaxing refueling Heaven on the roof of Zen World Tower offers the choice of four rooftop restaurants offering taste bud temptations and some bird's eye views.

What to buy

Luxury goods from international brands such as Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Vivienne Westwood at Chidlom, and leading Thai designers such as Flynow and Jaspal, as well as other local favorites, such as Thann, for spa products, and NaRaYa for bags.

How to get there

Chidlom BTS Skytrain Station gives direct access to Central Chidlom Department Store and there is a skywalk from the station to CentralWorld.

http://www.shoppingatcentral.com/

http://www.centralworld.co.th/th/index.aspx

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