Many people love nostalgia. The charm of going back to our youth can refresh us when we have to face the problems and responsibilities of adulthood. What better way to revive the memories of our childhood than a little thing called “a toy”?
A six-floor building has stood tall here for decades: “Mega Plaza Saphan Lek.” Formerly home to the gigantic 1980s department store “Merry King Wang Burapa,” it has now become a toy and game paradise for those who lived through the golden age of pop culture decades ago.
Mega Plaza doesn’t just sell pre-Y2K collectibles; it offers an experience where you can spend hours inside browsing your favorite retro games, figures, or even the vintage cameras you dreamed of owning years ago. So, what’s the best thing to do in Mega Plaza Saphan Lek? Here are our top picks!
1. Find Rare Action Figures
This is where the fun begins! All six floors are packed with toy vendors. This is the place to find rare items like action figures from classic films such as Home Alone, Alien, Harry Potter, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and his rival Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th franchise. Beyond film collectibles, you can find Corinthian football figurines from both the '90s and the modern era.
Prices range from hundreds to thousands of Baht. If you are looking for life-size statues or home decor, bring plenty of cash and prepare to go all in.
2. Score 30-Year-Old Video Game Consoles
Imagine you’re 10 years old again—what bigger dream was there than having your own video game console instead of walking to the local game cafe and spending 10 Baht per hour? From Nintendo’s classic Famicom to the then-mind-blowing GameCube, visit the game shops here to grab a console and the cartridges or CDs to play like it’s yesterday.
Plus, if you have a broken console at home, there are repair services that can help revive your old bestie. For fans of modern gaming, don't worry—they also have plenty of PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch titles along the way.
3. Get a Great Bargain on a Retro Camera
The trend of using vintage compact cameras is back, thanks to their user-friendly nature and low prices. However, finding a classic model in good condition isn't always easy. Aside from Fortune Town Rama 9, Mega Plaza Saphan Lek is home to a massive selection of retro cameras. Whether you want full-frame or compact models, you can get a camera for your next trip for under 5,000 THB!
There are also plenty of secondhand manual and automatic lenses to try, so give yourself some time if you love looking at the world through different viewfinders.
4. Let’s Play Card Games
No, we aren't talking about poker. Collectible card games became a massive hit in the 2000s. Whether you're looking for football icons or wrestling superstars, various shops hold must-have cards for dedicated fans. Modern party board games are available here too. Finding your next favourite game in Mega Plaza will easily take up just as much time as playing the game itself.
5. Play the Classic Arcades
Insert a coin and join the game—that's the timeless beauty of the arcade machine. On the sixth floor of the mall, you can bring a friend to travel back in time with classic football games like PES and eFootball. The only downside is that there are only a few arcade machines left, so be quick, grab some coins, and enjoy yourself on the digital field.
6. Hungry? Hit the Budget-Friendly Food Court with a City View
On the same floor as the arcades, Mega Plaza offers an affordable food court alternative to the fast-food joints on the 1st floor. To keep the throwback experience going, you even have to exchange your cash for paper coupons. There is a drink stall in the corner where you can try classic local beverages like oliang (Thai iced black coffee) or Thai tea starting at only 30 Baht.
It’s the perfect go-to point if you want to save your budget for figures on the lower floors. Even better, there is a huge glass window where you can sit and relax with a view of the historic Wang Burapa district—a true hidden gem inside a bustling toy mall.
7. Have a Kid? Pick Up a Toy or Educational Game
It's not just for adults; children are absolutely welcome at Mega Plaza. On the first floor especially, little kids will find plenty of things to beg for. Word games, building blocks, puzzles, and cute dolls pack the floor. Seeing it the moment you enter the building acts like a sign, waking your inner child back to life!