Mind the Gap

April 22nd, 2008

Taking JJ underground. Text and photos by Duangtawan Nilayon

Just like any major world capital, Bangkok can now boast an underground shopping mall. Whether that’s an improvement on hot and dusty markets—but lively and full of variety—has yet to be proven. The Underground Shop by MetroMall (MRT Chatuchak, Chatuchak park exit, 02-275-4559. Open daily 10am-9pm. www.metromall.co.th) has more than 60 shops connected to the underground MRT station. To be fair, there is another underground mall in MRT Sukhumvit station, but it is dedicated to IT, while this one sees a Siam Square-ish variety that seems to attract dek naew only.

So, is it a serious contender to JJ? No. The shops are mostly all the same and targeted at young teen girls. Short dresses, leggings, necklaces, and accessories are ubiquitous. Take Tigers Cry (block 41, 08-1818-9878. Open daily 11am-8pm). For B250, you can get a copycat Abercrombie slim-fit T-shirt. Or opt for a knee-length dress at B350-490. If you want something for the office, drop by at Dolly & Dollars (block 35, 08-1294-3953. Open daily 10am-8pm) for a more formal look. Dresses are B700-1,750 and hand bags are B800-1,500.

A little bit more originality can be found at Cha-V (block 32, 08-4654-5271. Open daily noon-7pm.), a purveyor of handmade earrings, bracelets and hair clips. Prices start as low as B29 for a decorated hair clip. The truly naew will make a point of visiting Cheeze Shop (block 61-64, 02-664-4260. Open 10am-9pm). Owned by Cheeze magazine’s team, fans of the indie mag will be in heaven there, thanks to T-shirts, jeans, shoes, cassettes, CDs, eyeglasses, bracelets and other secondhand goodies at reasonable prices. Prices range from B50-250—not as cheap as treasure island Klong Tom but not a bad deal considering the air-con comfort and no crowds to elbow you.

Once you’re done shopping, get a haircut or surf the net to kill some time before heading back up. Bonita (block 42, 08-6557-0430. Open daily 10am-9pm) is a small salon where you can get a haircut for a mere B80-B120 (depending on the length of your hair). Or go play online games and check emails at Mega Speed internet café (08-4123-5846. Open daily 10am-8pm). B30/hour, B100/4hours, B250/12hours (Mon-Fri 10am-2pm is B20/hour.)

Now, you’re all set to eat and drink. Corner Metro Mall (block 9-10, 08-1820-1351. Open daily 10am-9pm.) has a delicious chakangraw black jelly (B15) but nothing else worth mentioning. You’re better off chilling at Coffee Today (08-1457-2762. Open daily 8am-8pm). With comfy sofas and good coffee at affordable prices, this standalone café is a good place to rest your weary feet and drinks are only B30-45.