Daniel Yoon
Google
The MBK Center is a sprawling shopping complex that, unfortunately, offers little of value. Most shops are filled with knockoff goods and low-quality merchandise, making it a frustrating place to shop. The mall is also packed with tourists and questionable characters, creating an environment that feels uncomfortable and even unsafe at times. If you must visit, stick to the upper floors for slightly more reputable options. Rating: 1/5.
Full Review:
The MBK Center in Bangkok is often touted as one of the city’s must-visit shopping destinations, but after spending some time there, I can confidently say this mall does not live up to the hype. While it boasts an impressive 2,000 shops, it quickly becomes clear that the majority of these are filled with knockoff goods and low-quality items. The focus seems to be on vendors pushing counterfeit products—if this is your scene, you might find it interesting, but for anyone else, it's an overwhelming disappointment.
The crowds only add to the problem. The mall is constantly packed, often with tourists and large groups of people huddled around specific stalls. Unfortunately, this creates an uncomfortable atmosphere, especially when you factor in the number of individuals looking to scam or pickpocket tourists. On more than one occasion, I witnessed groups of people casing tourists, attempting to swipe wallets, and creating a general sense of unease. If you do decide to visit, be extra cautious with your belongings—make sure your valuables are securely tucked away and keep a close eye on your things.
As for the mall itself, the lower floors are best avoided entirely. They're crowded, poorly laid out, and dominated by the same cheap, low-quality goods. If you do find yourself at MBK, head straight to the upper floors where you can find slightly more reputable stores, a Yoshinoya, and a movie theater. These areas offer a bit of a reprieve from the chaos below, with a more manageable atmosphere and slightly better shopping options.
In short, MBK Center is a place I would strongly recommend avoiding unless you're specifically hunting for cheap knockoffs or prepared to endure the chaos. It feels more like a tourist trap than a legitimate shopping destination, and for the price of the time and frustration it demands, you can easily find better malls in Bangkok with safer and more enjoyable experiences.