Imagine a mall where you can shop for all of the things you usually find at JJ in air-conditioned comfort—and any day of the week, not just weekends. No more squeezing through huge groups of dek naew on sweaty weekends, no more running around for hours just to find a toilet and no more problems finding a parking space.
JJ Mall (588 Khamphangpetch 2 Rd., 02-618-3333. Open daily 11am-8pm. www.jjmall.co.th) squeezes hundreds of shops into three stories, beginning with a ground floor dominated by shops selling fabric, shoes, gifts and Thai handicrafts. Turtle Shop (G222, 02-265-9664/5) stocks an impressive array of popular animated characters including Kitty, Daniel, Cinnamoroll, Sugar Bunny and other Sanrio products. There are also mobile phone straps (B525), lamps (B360) and ceramic dolls (B500-2,000) for sale. And, unlike other stores selling cheap fakes for B199, everything in this store is authentic.
If modern pop art is your style, check out Image Plus (G306, 02-265-9367). Though not as unique as Warhol, the computer generated graphic patterns on plastic frames (B89-650) are quite chic. Or you can have them printed on canvas, for B2,500. They also create window display designs for businesses, consult on interior design and plan events. On the same floor, there’s a small chocolate café called Kokoa Hut (G300, 02-265-9361. www.kokoahut.com) in the middle of several fabric stores. At B30-50/gram you can satisfy your sweet tooth with tasty dried fruits dipped in milk chocolate. Assorted chocolates go for B15-17/piece.
Most of the first level shops have a woman-centric theme. Oh! La La (F107, 08-1432-7996) sells lingerie, women’s wear, jewelry and hand-made necklaces. Siam Square-style dresses are B380-580 and bling-bling necklaces are B320. If you want a beachside décor, wash up on the shores of Tik Seashell (08-1666-1620.) It specializes in furniture made from seashells: lamps, photo frames, wind chimes, you name it. Prices range from B29 to B3,500.
The second floor, or “S” floor holds a special treat. Hidden in the midst of Jatukham shops, two no-name stores, (S139A/ S170-171, 08-1404-1287) have a delightful collection of old toys, antiques, gramophones (B8,000-20,000), and Heineken neon signs (B5,800). If memories of the old-days put you in the mood for a candle-lit dinner, drop in at Halo craft (S248, 02-265-9324) for an aromatic candle (B80-1,000) and let the romance fill the air.
Getting there:
Bus No: 122, 136, 138, 145, 182.
MRT Khamphangpetch, Exit 2. (Warning: It’s a very long walk.)
