Wanderlust Welshman

If you are planning a trip to Bangkok this year, there is a brand new world waiting for you right in the heart of the city. Forget everything you know about traditional shopping centers. On the fifth and fifth A floors of Siam Paragon, a massive fifteen thousand square meter space called Nextopia has opened its doors, and it is quickly becoming the most talked about destination for travelers.

Whether you are a solo explorer, a digital nomad, or traveling with family, here is why Nextopia needs to be on your Bangkok itinerary.

A City of the Future

Nextopia is described as a prototype for the world of tomorrow. The moment you step inside, you feel the temperature drop and the air freshen, thanks to a sixteen meter high indoor waterfall and a special radiant cooling floor. Unlike the humid streets of Bangkok, the atmosphere here is infused with the scent of a pine forest, making it a perfect escape from the tropical heat.

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Top Experiences for Visitors

The best part about Nextopia is that it is interactive. It is designed to be a place where you play, learn, and contribute to a better world.

• The Kinetic Floor: As you walk through the zone, your footsteps actually generate clean electricity. There are real time displays that show how much energy you and other visitors are creating just by moving around.
• The Giant Globe: This is the largest LED globe in Thailand. It uses live data from NASA to show beautiful, moving images of our planet and the current state of our global climate.
• Vertical Farming: You can see how food will be grown in future cities. You even have the chance to harvest fresh herbs and vegetables.
• Digital Butterflies: One of the most popular activities is designing your own digital butterfly. Once you finish your creation, you can watch it flutter across the giant waterfall that spans three levels of the mall.
• AR Binoculars: Use the augmented reality stations to see hidden layers of technology and sustainability throughout the space.

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Perfect for Photos

If you love sharing your travels on social media, Nextopia is a dream. The lighting is bright and natural, coming through massive glass windows and a unique sky roof. Every corner is designed with art in mind, from the Tree of Life entrance to installations made from recycled ocean waste. It feels like a mix between a futuristic art gallery and a lush indoor garden.

Dining and Shopping

After exploring, you can grab a bite at one of the many new restaurants. Famous names like Gordon Ramsay Street Burger and L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele have opened here, offering delicious food in a sustainable setting. For shoppers, the Ecotopia section is a must visit, featuring hundreds of eco friendly brands and unique gifts that support local Thai communities.

Traveler Tips

Nextopia is located inside Siam Paragon, which you can reach directly via the BTS Skytrain at Siam Station. Entry to the general area is free, though some specific attractions like the Meland indoor playground have separate tickets.

Pro tip for international tourists: Go to the tourist information counter on the ground floor or the fifth floor first. You can register for a visitor card that often provides special discounts or gift cards to use while you explore the zone.

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