The official (and very) hot summer season in Thailand has arrived. While the previous months were just regular hot seasons, March marks the beginning of an extremely hot period. During this time, many people consider visiting the beach, waterfalls, or dams to cool off. However, for those with limited time or unable to take leave from work, shopping malls with air conditioning and delicious food options become the go-to destinations. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the newly opened SHOW DC mall and would like to share my experience.

As a native of Chiang Rai, I rarely visit Bangkok. My younger sister, whom I met through Hi5 a long time ago, asked when I would come to take photos of her before she became less attractive. We decided to find a location for a photoshoot with the condition that it should not be hot and have food available. We ended up at a newly opened (unofficially) shopping mall called SHOW DC in the Rama 9 area (opposite RCA).

We met up around noon, planning to grab a bite to eat first. I took the BTS and MRT from Surasak to Phetchaburi station, then hopped on a motorbike taxi to the mall. This was the most convenient option as there was no traffic. My friend drove their own car and we met at the mall entrance. Since it was my first time there, I wasn't sure where to meet. If you're planning to visit SHOW DC, they offer a shuttle bus service from various locations in Bangkok, including Ratchada, Victory Monument, Sukhumvit, Mo Chit, Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Hua Hin, and Pattaya. Keep an eye out for these shuttle buses.

The model arrived slightly late due to applying makeup. I waited near the mall's information desk, where there are sofas, a reading area, a large TV screen, and, importantly, charging stations. This is located on the first floor near the bus stop entrance.

After sitting and taking photos for a while, the two girls arrived. I went out to greet them briefly before we all went inside the mall together.

Upon arrival, the model immediately proceeded to the 5th floor, recognizing the importance of sustenance. A variety of restaurants were open for business, including Food Tradition, which operated on a card-based payment system. Food prices were comparable to those found in upscale shopping malls, ranging from 50 to 80 baht per dish.

The restaurants here are not commonly found in shopping malls (or maybe I just don't go to malls often enough to have seen them). On weekdays like this, there aren't many people, so you can walk around and choose whatever you like. I walked around and asked about promotions. It turns out that on Saturdays and Sundays, there is a promotion where if you spend 500 baht, you can get a 500 baht gift voucher for free.

On weekdays, the restaurant offers a special set menu promotion. The set menu is cheaper than ordering individual dishes. After browsing several restaurants, we decided to eat at this one because the Korean fried chicken set for 410 baht seemed like the best value for our group of three.

This set includes 12 pieces of fried chicken (4 flavors), 5 rice balls, French fries, and a drink for each person. It is cheaper than many other fried chicken sets from the same country but different brands. The restaurant also kindly provided a cheese ball for us to try. I think this set is enough for 4 people to eat and still be full.

Not satisfied with the savory dishes, we moved on to dessert, a bingsu set that came with a complimentary glass of Italian soda. My sister, never one to miss an opportunity to indulge, promptly checked in and took a photo at the restaurant.

After a satisfying meal, we explored the mall to discover its hidden gems and capture stunning photos. Although the mall wasn't fully operational during my visit, it was nearing completion.

It's like a mini Korea right here in the mall! There are beautiful photo spots and even a place to hang love locks, just like the N Seoul Tower. You don't even need to go all the way to Korea!

In the late afternoon, I went out to take photos with the soft sunlight at the entrance of the mall.

Discover SHOW DC, the new shopping mall that brings the Korean experience to Thailand.

• SHOW DC, an acronym for Show Destination Center, is a shopping mall that prioritizes entertainment, shopping, and comprehensive tourist services.

• Investment of over 9.5 billion baht, covering an area of 43 rai, with a building area of 180,000 square meters.

• Located in the Rama 9 area, near RCA.

• Highlights include bringing Korean retail and music labels to open stores in Thailand, such as Lotte Duty Free and YG Entertainment.

• The mall is now partially open, with a grand opening scheduled for April 2017.

The fourth floor is dedicated to exhibitions and activities, including an art gallery, a children's zone, and a performance stage. This level offers ample opportunities for capturing stunning photographs.

The second and third floors house a variety of shops, including H&M, Nike Factory Store, ToysRUs, and Arcova, a Korean store selling small items starting at 50 baht. Enjoy shopping to your heart's content!

This Nike store is massive! It offers a wide variety of products and numerous models to choose from.

Toys R Us, a paradise for children with adorable toys to delight our little girls.

The first floor features a highlight zone that will make K-pop fans scream with excitement: Star Avenue by Lotte Duty Free. This is a true gem, and many people are eager to experience it.

Many Korean celebrities have handprint impressions.

The exhibition also features a collection of autographed memorabilia from Korean celebrities. While these items are not for sale, fans can still enjoy viewing them.

After a three-hour shopping spree, the girls returned home with a few new items.

The caption reads: "Two girls came to take photos, but I only see one model. That's because the other one is in my sister's belly."

Today, we took a quick stroll through SHOW DC. If you have some free time and are unsure of where to go, you can visit and discover delicious food options. Personally, I believe that once it officially opens, it will undoubtedly become a favorite mall for many.

Hello

Note: Please comment respectfully towards the model. Feel free to provide feedback on the photographer's work, as this is a new area for them.

Canon 6D camera with Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 lens and Nikon D600 camera with 14-24mm f/2.8 lens.

Hasty shot without a tripod or flash.