MOST people think that activities in Bangkok are limited to visiting temples and floating markets, watching elephants, experiencing legit Thai massages, and sampling street foods. But what would you do when you’ve done it all yet you’re still left with a few hours to spend in the capital city of Thailand?
In search of more cheap finds to buy, we spent one day in Bangkok exploring Terminal 21, a themed-mall located in the Grand Centre Point Sukhumvit building in Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana. You may be wondering how a mall that sounds more like a place for loading and unloading commuters became capable of luring both tourists and locals. At first I was reluctant to go; who wants to shop around a bus station-sounding mall, anyway? The idea initially seemed dull to me, but in retrospect, I have no regrets navigating the floors and aisles of this underrated tourist attraction.
Terminal 21, I’ve learned, is actually an airport-themed mall. Each of its nine floors have been designed to portray some of the world’s most famous places: Caribbean on the lower ground floor, Rome on the ground floor, Paris on the first level, Tokyo on the second, London on the third, Istanbul on the fourth, San Francisco City on the fifth, San Francisco Pier on the sixth, and finally, Hollywood on the seventh. Among the landmarks and structures that captured my attention include the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hollywood Sign, the Japanese Torii, a statue of the Queen’s Guard, and Britain’s classic red telephone box.
The mall has a maze of apparel boutiques, food stalls, restaurants, cafes, gourmet market, movie theaters, and other stores that sell affordable yet quality goods and services, too. Although these are definitely plus factors, the store offerings and presentations were undoubtedly outshined by the mall’s washrooms — the attractions that make Terminal 21 worth visiting. The toilets all over the mall are meticulously decorated to be consistent with the city featured on its respective floor. My favorite was the 3rd floor washroom constructed to resemble a portion of the London Underground.
The unique concept depicted in Terminal 21, which opened in 2011, creates diversity in the mall’s environment, something which most luxury malls lack.
Serving more than just a feast for the eyes, Terminal 21 transforms your shopping experience into an unforgettable adventure.
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