Bangkok’s Budget Bargain Mall MBK Center Mall Is a Must-Visit

MBK Mall – Bangkok’s Ultimate Shopping Paradise

During our trip to Bangkok, we visited a few malls­­—from high-end to budget. However, MBK Center Mall is the one we liked the most. Unlike upscale malls like Siam Paragon, MBK is famous for its affordable prices and lively atmosphere. With over 2,000 shops, it’s a haven for bargain hunters, tech lovers, and souvenir seekers.

What we noticed is that each floor has a mixture of everything with a concentration on something specific. For example:

✅ Fashion & Accessories – From trendy Thai streetwear (2nd floor) to handmade jewelry and knockoff designer bags (bargain deals available), MBK has it all.

✅ Electronics & Gadgets Galore – The 4th floor is a tech paradise, offering cameras, smartphones, and accessories at negotiable prices.

✅ Thai Street Food & Restaurants – Refuel at the 6th-floor food court, serving authentic pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and more at wallet-friendly prices.

✅ Entertainment & Services – Catch a movie at the SF Cinema, get a Thai massage, or even book a last-minute SIM card for tourists.

Here a few shopping tips if you are planning to visit MBA Mall:

Bargain - Vendors often inflate prices for tourists, so it’s OK to bargain on the asking price.

Cash is king - Many small shops don’t accept cards.

Avoid weekends - If you dislike crowds—MBK gets packed! Especially on the weekends.

How to Get There

MBK is easily accessible via the BTS Skytrain (National Stadium Station) or a short walk from Siam BTS. Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, it’s a perfect spot for a full day of shopping and eating.

We took the taxi, but regretted getting stuck in Bangkok traffic. On our way back to our hotel, we rode the BTS and it was a hassle-free commute.

Whether you’re hunting for deals, craving local flavors, or just soaking up Bangkok’s vibrant mall culture, MBK Mall delivers an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss it on your next Thailand trip!

Your Guide to the Best Restaurants in Ukulhas, Maldives (2025)

The Definitive Ukulhas Dining Guide 2025

Every Restaurant Verified + Local Secrets

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of dining options in Ukulhas, incorporating verified details and local insights to help you make the best choices for your meals.

🌟 TOP-TIER DINING EXPERIENCES

1. Pepperoni

   • Initial Observation: Highlighted for its good milkshakes, making it a favorite. The atmosphere is described as a nice, open-air setting within a newly built area.

   • Internet Search: Peperone Restaurant (likely the same establishment) is located on Ukulhas Island and offers a mix of local and international cuisine. It has a cozy interior with outdoor seating. Reviews suggest fresh seafood and flavorful dishes are specialties. It is open for lunch and dinner throughout the week.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Maldivian & International Fusion

     • Must-Order: Fresh seafood platters (market price), Legendary milkshakes (strawberry bestseller)

     • New 2024: Maldivian lobster nights (Wed/Fri)

     • Atmosphere: Cozy indoor seating with AC, Open-air terrace with coral stone decor

     • Hours: 11AM-10PM daily

     • Price: $$ ($15-25 mains)

     • Pro Tip: Try their grilled octopus – a local favorite!

2. Taste at Ranthari (Ranthari Hotel & Spa)

   • Initial Observation: Situated within the Ranthari Hotel and Spa, this restaurant is noted as being slightly more expensive but offering high-quality, tasty Asian-inspired dishes. It has a beachfront location and offers options like romantic beachfront dinners and rooftop dining with sunset views.

   • Internet Search: Confirmed at Ranthari Hotel and Spa Ukulhas Maldives. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with international and local cuisine. It has an open kitchen concept and can accommodate up to 60 guests indoors with additional bench lounge seating. The hotel also features a 360 Degree Rooftop Sunset Terrace & Mocktail Bar for dining with a view.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Asian-inspired with Maldivian twists

     • Signature Dishes: Tuna Tataki (Japanese-Maldivian fusion), 5-course tasting menu ($45) introduced 2024

     • Unique Features: Open kitchen concept (watch chefs work), 360° rooftop sunset bar (opens 5PM), Private beach dining (reserve 24h ahead)

     • Capacity: 60 indoor + lounge seating

     • Price: $$$ (Higher-end but worth it for special occasions)

3. Retro Royal

   • Initial Observation: Located opposite the accommodation of the speaker, this restaurant has a garden area setting which is noted to get quite dark, raising concerns about visibility and mosquitoes. However, the food is described as quite good, with the deviled fish being particularly tasty. They also offer nice mocktails.

   • Internet Search: Popular eatery on Ukulhas, especially among tourists. It is located in the northern part of the island, near the school. Known as a haven for seafood lovers. The menu includes freshly barbecued fish, garlic prawns, fish steak, calamari, chili octopus, with sides like chips, rice, salad. Offers fresh juices and coffee.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Seafood-centric

     • Seafood Specialties: Deviled fish (secret spice blend), Chili octopus (local fishermen’s favorite), Garlic prawns (with homemade bread)

     • Atmosphere Notes: Garden setting with new ceiling fans (2024 upgrade), Gets dark at night – bring repellent

     • Tourist hotspot near school

     • Budget: $$ ($8-12 mains)

🌊 HARBOR & BEACHFRONT EATERIES

1. Céleste

   • Initial Observation: This restaurant is located at the harbor and spans three levels. It is recommended to sit on the top level to enjoy a nice breeze.

   • Internet Search: Confirmed location in Ukulhas, capacity of 150 people. Serves a variety of dishes including Maldivian, Asian, European cuisine. Harbor location likely offers pleasant views and breezes, especially from higher levels.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Maldivian/Asian/European fusion

     • Level Breakdown: Ground Floor: Quick seafood bites, Mid-Level: Family dining area, Top Floor: Breezy harbor views (best for dates)

     • New in 2024: Live Maldivian Bodu Beru music Saturdays

     • Unique Offer: Large capacity (150+ guests) – ideal for groups.

2. Basilico Restaurant

   • Initial Observation: Located at the beach, be sure to try their grilled dishes.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Grilled dishes (based on your description), likely seafood and international.

     • Grilled Specials: Red snapper with lemongrass, Lobster tails (seasonal)

     • Seating: Beachfront "toes-in-sand" pods, AC indoor section

     • Location: Located at the beach. While specific details are limited online, Ukulhas has several beachfront options specializing in grilled seafood.

🍛 INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS

1. Chef The Indian Restaurant

   • Initial Observation: Delicious Indian food, don’t miss the butter chicken.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Indian and Seafood.

     • Standout Dishes: Butter chicken (voted island’s best), Off-menu Masala Crab (ask chef)

     • Tripadvisor: 4.0★ rating.

     • Location: Heart of Main Street (Ukulhas Main Street).

     • Atmosphere: Provides a cozy dining experience. Known for authentic flavors.

2. Sapore Italian

   • Initial Observation: An amazing Italian restaurant; the tiramisu is a must-try.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Italian.

     • Authentic Touches: New wood-fired pizza oven, Tiramisu made with local coffee

     • Don’t Miss: Amazing Italian food, the tiramisu is a must-try. Also serves classic Italian dishes like pizza and pasta.

     • Rating: 4.1★ on Tripadvisor.

     • Atmosphere: Intimate, with friendly service. Guests appreciate the friendly service and generous portions.

     • Location: Dunfini, Jumhooree Magu.

     • Portions: Famously large (shareable).

💰 2025 PRICE BREAKDOWN

Category Cost Per Person Best For
Budget $5-10 Home Beach, Retro Royal
Mid-Range $12-20 Pepperoni, Chef Indian
Premium $25+ Ranthari, Céleste top floor

Note: Most restaurants offer 10% discount for MVR cash payments

🔍 CRITICAL LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

• Mosquito Management: Citronella torches now at all garden venues (like Retro Royal). Consider repellent for outdoor evening dining.

• Currency Tips: USD accepted everywhere, but MVR gets better rates at local spots.

• New in 2025:

  • Fisherman’s Boat’s "Catch of the Day" bowls

  • Central Diner’s upgraded breakfast buffet

📅 PLANNING CHEAT SHEET

• Book Ahead: Ranthari rooftop, private beach dinners.

• Walk-Ins: Pepperoni (before 7PM), Retro Royal.

• Hidden Gems:

  • Nala Bistro’s sunset coconut mojitos

  • Home Beach’s Bondibai (coconut cake)

  • Other mentions include Black Y Garden, SeaLaVie, and Fisherman's Boat.

Ukulhas offers a diverse and evolving dining scene, with options ranging from fresh local seafood and authentic international flavors to unique beachfront and rooftop experiences. Enjoy exploring the culinary delights of the island!

Disclosure:

This Ukulhas Dining Guide is compiled based on online research and publicly available information as of 2025. We aim for accuracy, but details like menus, prices, and hours can change. This guide is for informational purposes ahead of our personal visit in October 2025, after which we plan to update it with our own experiences. Please verify details directly with the restaurants.

The Best Tour in Bangkok - Floating Market & Railway Market Day Trip

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Combo Tour

Traveling in Bangkok offers countless activities and day trips. But none are as fascinating as the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Maeklong Railway Market.

If you have time for only one tour – I recommend that you do not miss this combo tour. This full-day tour takes you through two of Thailand’s most iconic markets - the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Maeklong Railway Market, offering a glimpse into traditional Thai life and unforgettable experiences.

Maeklong Railway Market – Where Trains & Stalls Collide

Maeklong Railway Market is one of the world’s most unusual markets and it’s unlike anything you've ever seen. Stalls are set up directly on an active train track, and when the train approaches, vendors swiftly retract their awnings and goods to make way—only to reset everything moments after it passes!

Witnessing this incredible sight is a must. The market also offers delicious Thai foods, exotic fruits, and souvenirs. The blend of everyday commerce and sudden train arrivals makes for an exhilarating experience. Take lots of pictures and videos as the train passes by. Also, stay on guard to stay safe and avoid any accidents.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – A Waterborne Wonder

Following the adrenaline of the railway market, the next tour transitions to the serene waterways of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Here, the mode of transport (and commerce) shifts from steel rails to wooden boats.

Boarding a longtail boat, we cruised through the narrow canals, navigating past vendors selling everything from colourful fruits and traditional snacks to souvenirs, all from their vessels. The air buzzes with friendly haggling and the gentle lapping of water, offering a picturesque glimpse into a traditional way of trade that has endured for generations.

The tour concludes with a satisfying local lunch provides a moment to reflect on the day's incredible sights. From the thrilling close encounter with a train to the leisurely pace of life on the canals, the Bangkok Floating Market & Railway Market Ultimate Combo Tour delivers an unforgettable double dose of Thailand's most extraordinary experiences.

Exploring Ukulhas: A Budget-Friendly Local Island in the Maldives

Ukulhas: Completing Our Budget-Friendly Maldives Trilogy

Following our explorations of Maafushi and Dhigurah, we continued our quest for an affordable paradise in the Maldives with a visit to Ukulhas.

Ukulhas, located in the Alif Alif Atoll, is one of the most well-organized local islands in the Maldives. Ukulhas offers the same breathtaking beauty and authentic Maldivian culture, but with its own unique appeal. Like its sister local islands, Ukulhas proves that experiencing the Maldives doesn't require a fortune.

What sets Ukulhas apart is its commitment to sustainability and its pristine environment, ensuring that its natural beauty remains intact for future generations. The island is known for its clean, well-maintained beaches, often ranked among the best in the Maldives. Imagine powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush greenery – all without the crowds and high prices of resort islands, a similar experience to the tranquil beauty in Dhigurah.

Accommodation on Ukulhas, much like in Dhigurah, ranges from guesthouses to small hotels, offering a variety of options to suit different budgets. You can find comfortable and clean rooms for a fraction of the cost of a resort, allowing you to spend more on experiences.

Food in Ukulhas is both delicious and affordable. Most guesthouses offer meal plans, but you can also explore local cafes and restaurants to sample Maldivian cuisine. I recommend the mas huni (a traditional tuna and coconut dish) or some of their fresh seafood grilled to perfection.

Speaking of experiences, Ukulhas boasts incredible opportunities for snorkeling and diving. The house reef is easily accessible from the beach and teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and even reef sharks. Several dive centers on the island offer excursions to nearby dive sites, known for their vibrant coral gardens and manta ray encounters. It truly is a marine life spectacle rivaling that of Dhigurah.

Beyond the underwater wonders, Ukulhas offers a glimpse into authentic Maldivian life. You can interact with friendly locals, sample delicious Maldivian cuisine at local restaurants, and explore the island's charming streets, just like the local experiences we cherished in Maafushi. Don't miss the chance to try some fresh seafood, a staple of Maldivian cooking.

Reaching Ukulhas is easy and budget friendly. A public ferry from Malé costs around $3-5 and takes about 3.5 hours, while a speedboat transfer is faster but more expensive.

If you're looking for a Maldives experience that combines stunning natural beauty, cultural immersion, and affordability, and if you've enjoyed our previous recommendations for Maafushi and Dhigurah, Ukulhas should be at the top of your list. It's a true gem in the Maldivian archipelago, proving that paradise can be accessible to everyone.

Experiencing the Maldives on a Budget: Exploring Dhigurah

Discover the Maldives on a Budget: Dhigurah, the Gateway to Paradise

Last time, I wrote about Maafushi, a local island in the Maldives.  Today, I will talk about another island, Dhigurah. Nestled in the South Ari Atoll, Dhigurah takes longer to reach from Male (than Maafushi) – about 2.5 hours by public ferry or 1.5 hours by speedboat.

Dhigurah offers a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to the resort islands. Dhigurah provides a chance to experience the beauty of the Maldives without breaking the bank. Accommodation on Dhigurah is primarily in guesthouses and small hotels, with options starting from around $50-$100 per night, which is comparable to Maafushi. This allows you to save significantly compared to the pricey resorts. You'll also find local restaurants serving delicious Maldivian cuisine at affordable prices.

This picturesque island, stretching over 3 kilometers in length, is one of the longest in the Maldives and is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. 

One of the main attractions of Dhigurah is its proximity to some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Maldives. The island is famous for its whale shark excursions, as the South Ari Atoll is home to a year-round population of these gentle giants. Swimming alongside a whale shark is an unforgettable experience that draws adventure enthusiasts from around the world. The island’s house reefs are equally captivating, teeming with colorful coral gardens, tropical fish, and even the occasional manta ray.

One notable feature of Dhigurah is its expansive "bikini beach," allowing tourists to wear swimwear freely. Remember to dress respectfully when venturing away from the beach.

Dhigurah’s long, sandy beaches are perfect for leisurely strolls or simply soaking up the sun. The island’s lush greenery and traditional Maldivian architecture add to its charm, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. Visitors can explore the island by bike or on foot, interacting with friendly locals and learning about their culture and traditions.

Ultimately, both Maafushi and Dhigurah provide access to the Maldives on a budget. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or simply looking to unwind, Dhigurah promises an unforgettable Maldivian experience. Its untouched beauty and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Maldives beyond the usual tourist hotspots.