Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri Review: The 7 MUST Know

Check out our Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri Review before your visit! Why?

First, the supercenter is usually the very first icon you visit in Bangkok. For example, it is near the bus or train station connected with the DMK and BKK airports.

Second, it is very close to other must-see icons including multiple Shrines (including the famous Erawan Shrine, Trimurti Shrine, and Ganesha Shrine), Central World, Platinum Fashion Mall, and Pratunam market. There is a great variety of shops nearby in the area, including most of the unique Bangkok Hawaiian shirts.

For eating, it is also situated just within 5 minutes walking distance from Gaysorn Armani Bangkok where you can find the best buffet – Copper Beyond in Bangkok (remember you better book in advance to secure a seat).

Together, it forms a good day tour at Ratchadamri.

Lastly, it is probably the last stop you visit before departing Bangkok. It is because it has the most souvenirs including snacks, accessories, and even pharmacy items available in Bangkok.

That’s why we aim to bring you the 7 things you should (or even must) know before visiting it to ensure you have a great journey.

Free Locker Service Big C Super Center

If you arrive early in Bangkok or plan to settle at your hotel only after completion of the first-day itinerary, you would probably need storage service. Unfortunately, if you try to search locker or storage service online in Ratchadamri, the answer could be very confusing. Let alone if you try to search for free locker service.

Not many people know that Big C Super Center Ratcahamri provides a 2-hour free storage service. There is no limit on the size or even the quantity of the items that you store. In general, you can store your hand-carry or even standard airline check-in baggage there. The counter is on the 3^rd floor of the center. You will be given a plastic tag as an identification for baggage claim.

By far the “2-hour’ rule is not strictly enforced; you can claim your baggage before the center closure, i.e., 2 AM. However, I would advise you not to abuse the service or even risk going overnight. After all, the essence of the free storage service is for you to ensure a pleasant experience for shopping in their supermarket (2^nd floor) or home session (3^rd floor).

The free storage service is just at the left corner (west) side of the 3^rd floor near the toilet. It is a service you must know, especially if you just finished the first round of shopping in other places like Chatuchak Weekend Market or Jodd Fairs Night Market.

2. You are eligible for a VAT refund for shopping in Big C Super Center

First, there is a 7% VAT for most transactions in Thailand, including shopping in super supermarket. The good news is that your purchase at the Big C Super Center, including the supermarket section, is REFUNDABLE.

Yes, that means you can get a tax refund for buying souvenir snacks like dried durian, other fruits, chips, fish, etc. Not only snacks, but everything you buy in the supermarket, including cooked food and shampoo, is tax refundable.

However, there are two things you need to take note of.

1. Each transaction (each receipt), must exceed 2,000 THB (~ USD 62). So you’d better group your purchases together in one go
2. Second, you must take the receipt to the 3rd-floor service center (the same place for the free storage) for registration. You don’t get the refund straight, instead, you need to take the registered receipt to the refund counter at the airport to complete it. Remember it must be the same passport for registration and actual claim at the airport.

With such a discount (7% refund), it makes the supermarket there the best place for souvenir snack purchases!

3. There are two Super Rich  currency exchanges nearby

Again given the good connection with both DMK and BKK airports. You are likely to reach the Super Center as your first stop in Bangkok. If you have not exchanged THB yet (especially since there is no good rate in DMK airport), the Super Rich (exchange shop) on the 2^nd floor (East side) of the center provides one of the best rates in Bangkok. For more details about THB exchange, you may refer to our summary on the best place for THB here.

However, given the convenience and good rate, you may find a long queue there. To save time, you may take a minute’s walk to another Super Rich Thailand (The green one) nearby at Gaysorn Center, 2^nd Floor. You just need to take a 3-minute walk via the skywalk outside the Super Center from the Super Rich  (the orange one). This way you can skip the queue without walking on the street.

4. There are two BTS stations near Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri

There are two BTS stations (Chit Lom and Siam Station). If you get off at Chit Lom station (Sukhumvit Line), you will need to walk for around 9 minutes from Erwan Shrine and Gaysorn Village. If you get off at Siam station (interchange station for Sukhumvit and Silom Line), you will need to get back on for around 9 minutes, passing by the Central World.

Because of its proximity to Central World (the pick-up points for most local tours), it is also a good place to hang out before you start your day, including a visit to Bangkok Safari World, Bubble In The Forest Cafe, and different floating markets.

5. Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri is not only about the supermarket or Big C

There are multiple shops including some coffee shops and McDonald’s on the ground floor; a massage shop, Super Rich, and other souvenir shops on the 2^nd floor and a food court on the 4^th floor. Especially there is a cheap local apparel shop just located near the check-out counter of the Big C Supermarket on the 2^nd floor. The price could be as low as 80 THB (~2.5 USD) there.

So remember not to miss the hidden gems.

6. From DMK / BKK to  Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri (or vice versa)  

You can take Airport Bus A3 at 50 THB to Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri, where the bus will drop you off at the front of McDonald’s. Or from the center, you can go to the opposite side (outside Central World) for the bus station for A3 going to DMK.

If you are going to the Supercenter from BKK, then you will have to take the airport rail link and get off at Ratchaprarop station and vice versa. The only drawback is there is a 17-minute walk from Big C Super Center Ratchadamri to Ratchaprarop station and it involves crossing multiple streets.

Don’t forget the two Kuang Heng Pratunam and Go Ang Pratunam Hainanese Chicken Rice stores are also nearby, in case you are looking for your last meal before departing Bangkok.

7. There are more than 100 sample snacks for free taste at Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri

Big C Supercenter offers an impressive selection of snacks that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. From savory chips like pork chips, dried fish, and fried seaweeds to sweet treats like dried mango, durian, and coconut candies. There are probably more than 100 if not 1,000 kinds of snacks in the Supercenter.

From nuts to sweet treats and international delicacies, shoppers can find something for everyone. What sets Big C apart is the opportunity for customers to sample their favorite snacks before making a purchase, with over 100 free taste options available.

Of course, not all snacks have free taste, but I suggest you go around the supermarket to try everything you are interested in before buying first. In some sense, it is quite a snack buffet.

Conclusion

I hope you will find our Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri review useful. These 7 things would surely help you to enhance your trip experience in Bangkok.

Leave me a comment about your visit to the Supercenter.