On the surface, this Bangkok retail zone made up of luxury malls Siam Paragon, Gaysorn, CentralWorld, Siam Center and Siam Discovery is only about big brands.

But mixed in with the Chanel and Louis Vuitton are plenty of stores selling impressive locally made wares, from art and home decor to cutting-edge fashion, that definitely qualify as being among the best of Bangkok shopping.

Less-established Thai designers are featured on Siam Square, across from Siam Center. A few blocks away from CentralWorld, on Petchaburi Road, is tourist-favorite Platinum Fashion Mall, a massive wholesale center selling clothes, shoes and accessories.