Central i-City Shopping Centre Is An Exact Replica Of Bangkok
Malls start to look similar and boring, especially if you go shopping often.
Central i-City Shopping Centre at Shah Alam keeps things fresh through Thai street food stalls, gorgeous installations and even workshops endorsed by Tourism Thailand.
Located 1 hour away by car from Kuala Lumpur, the mall is the brainchild of the owners of popular megamall Central World Bangkok — managed by Central Group.
Their Thai-inspired installations are a part of the Sawasdee Thailand event which runs until 5 May.
If you’re planning a weekend getaway to Kuala Lumpur, here’s why you should stop by Central i-City Shopping Centre, to visit mini-Bangkok as well.
Replicas of Thai huts, tuk-tuks & street life
Central i-City Shopping Centre has huts and stalls that mimic traditional Siamese architecture and Bangkok’s street life.
We’re familiar with tuk-tuks which are the cheapest way to visit Bangkok’s many shopping destinations — and we’re hoping to catch a ride.
A trip to Bangkok isn’t complete without the sight of their popular floating markets featuring friendly vendors, traditional fishing boats and fresh goods.
While the shopping mall doesn’t boast of an indoor river, their small pond includes water lilies and colourful sampans that make the replica seem more authentic.
Thailand’s dress codes changed a lot in the past few decades but you’ll be able to revisit the era through viewing these silk wrap-around garments, Thai dresses and stitched garments.
Elephants have been revered in Thailand since ancient times. Their association with royals and constant presence on battlefields have made them a symbol for wealth and power.
We’re not sure how you feel about meeting a massive elephant up close, but we’re sure you’ll love these sculptures.
Authentic Thai food & stalls
Those who have a passion for authentic Thai cuisine can binge on local delicacies at their Bangkok Street Life area.
We’ll never get enough of irresistibly sweet and diabetes-inducing Thai milk teas. We’ve been obsessed with many tea brands in Singapore, but we’re hoping to buy lots with a Ringgit price tag.
Thai supermarkets boast of sweet and spicy concoctions that will surely tickle your taste buds.
Feast like a king thanks to the favourable 3:1 exchange rate, if you change your currency at the right opportunities.
Thai workshops
Cultural connoisseurs can spend their weekend by attending free workshops about pandan-leaf folding, Batik painting, traditional dessert-making and Muay Thai.
Get your kids away from their iPads through activities that are guaranteed to help them learn something new or strike up friendships along the way.
Listen to the beat of classical music trying your hand at traditional Thai cultural activities.
Have a taste of Bangkok
i-City Shopping Centre’s Sawasdee Thailand event runs until 5 May.
To get to the mall, you can book a trip from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur International Airport via Scoot, Jetstar or AirAsia. From there, take a 40-min cab ride.
The mall can trace its origins to Central World Bangkok which belongs to Thailand’s holy trinity of massive mega malls.
Similar to its Bangkok branch, we’re sure you’ll find retail shops and food stalls which are native to Thailand or found internationally.
Address: No. 1, Persiaran Multimedia, Seksyen 7, Jalan Plumbum 7/102, I-City, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-5525 0099
Opening Hours: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Website: Central i-City
Featured image from Instagram and Retail News Asia.
