In 1999, a driving range on Prachanivet 1 Road was transformed into a new-concept fresh market—clean and convenient—and filled with vendors who suffered from the economic crisis. Over several years Bon Marché has built up a large following among discerning cooks. But it’s not just a fresh market anymore: Bon Marche has been expanded into a community mall with a shopping plaza, education institute, financial pavilion, café and wellness center.

Its six zones are located surrounding a fountain with the renowned Bon Market at the front. Vendors of fresh vegetables, fruits, imported meat, royal project products, bakeries, plastic ware and beauty products line the aisles, which are wide, clean and also convenient for those in wheelchairs. Even if you’re not shopping for raw ingredients, there is still plenty of food. The buns at Pen Bakery (02-933-8611) are yummy and inexpensive (B20 per bag). Gelato (B40 per scoop) is served fresh at Dream Cones (02-616-9951, www.dreamcones.com); while meat lovers would do well to head to Bon Beef (08-9533-7285) for take-home Aussie meats. For a full meal, the Bon Food Court serves international meals from Vietnamese to Laotian—just don’t go comparing it with the Food Loft (it’s a little more DIY than that).

Further to the left is the Bon Service building, which has a bank on the first floor and La Beauté (#A218-221, 2/F, Bon Service, 02-158-0256. Open daily 8am-8pm) on the second. This pharmacy is a local version of Boots with a selection of beauty products from Paul Mitchell to Roc. The shop is also an official distributor of Tahitian Noni Products, which offer everything from beverages to skincare products. Behind this is the royal project’s Phu Fah (#A243-244, 2/F, Bon Service) outlet selling folk products. Some of them are not that old, and they’re even interesting.

Bon Jewelry is where jewelry shops abound, mostly the kind aunties love. Sakura (1/F, Bon Jewelry, 08-9165-1662) sells colorful petite-et-jolie pendants and accessories for young girls.

The nearby four-story Bon Plaza mainly targets an older, auntie crowd; however Be Jorn (#B147, 1/F, Bon Plaza), Ibis Collection (#B248, 2/F, Bon Plaza, 08-1666-5055) and Baby Baba Bobo (#B220, 2/F, Bon Plaza, 08-1346-6828, 08-1618-1969) have cute and sweet women’s wear and accessories. Arika Shop (#B253, 2/F, Bon Plaza, 08-1316-6861) is good for imported Japanese-style products ranging from plaid dresses to ice cube trays. Best bargain bags at Amy (#B106, 1/F, Bon Plaza, 08-1250-6389) are all B199, but make sure you choose the right ones. Fleur (#B258, 2/F, Bon Plaza, 08-1647-4340) produces natural skincare products while Sharina (#B271, 2/F, Bon Plaza) offers tailor-made watchstraps made from genuine leather. Sleek vases and decorative items can be found at Merry Life (#C211, 08-9494-1191).

The third floor is home to educational institutes including Gourmet Club (3/F, Bon Plaza, 02-954-2295, 08-1932-4301, www.gourmetclubthai.com), a cooking school offering expertise on Thai, European, Japanese and desserts. On the forth floor is Leaders Fitness (4/F, Bon Plaza, 02-580-2211, www.leadersfitness.com) where selections of classes ranging from aerobics to yoga, plus spa treatments, are available.

After wandering throughout the mall (even without shopping bags!), it’s worth taking a rest at Café du Lac (between Bon Plaza and Bon Restaurant). Sit and stew with a book (perhaps from nearby North Shop, #B118-119, 1/F, Bon Plaza) and a cup of tea (B40). Though Bon Marché may not be your type of regular retail therapy, with the browsing options and activities available there, it’s a good place to enjoy a break from your usual shopping routine.

ESSENTIALS

Bon Marché is located 500 meters down Prachanivat 1 Road from Viphavadi Rangsit Road. Plenty of parking is available. To get there by bus, take number 29, 134 or 510 from BTS Mor Chit to Wat Samian Nari, then walk, get a motorcycle or songtaew bus. Shops are open daily 8am to 6:30pm.