Shopping in Thailand
Where to shop, what to buy, and how to bargain — from mega-markets to riverside boutiques.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Bangkok
One of the world’s largest markets — over 8,000 stalls across 27 sections selling clothes, plants, antiques, pets, street food and everything between. Weekends only (some stalls open Friday evenings).
- 15,000+ stalls; go early (9-10am) before the heat
- Section maps at the main entrances
- Bargain hard — start at about 50-60% of the asking price
Take the BTS to Mo Chit or MRT to Chatuchak Park. Bring cash in small bills.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai
A nightly street market along Chang Klan Road — hill-tribe crafts, silver, textiles, lanterns and food stalls, plus the smaller Sunday Walking Street on Ratchadamnoen Road.
- Open every night from about 6pm
- Sunday Walking Street is the local favourite
- Silver and wood carving are Chiang Mai specialties
The Sunday Walking Street (4-11pm) is better quality and cheaper than the nightly bazaar.
MBK Center
Bangkok
A legendary 8-floor maze of small stalls — phones, electronics, fashion, souvenirs. Where locals actually shop for gadgets, with prices you can haggle on some floors.
- Mobile phone and accessory heaven
- Cheap clothes and souvenirs on upper floors
- Connected to National Stadium BTS by walkway
Test electronics before paying and check warranty coverage — some goods are export versions.
ICONSIAM
Bangkok
Bangkok’s flashy riverside mega-mall — luxury brands, an indoor floating market (Sook Siam), an apple store and rooftop river views. Free shuttle boats connect it to the Skytrain.
- Sook Siam indoor floating market for street food
- Luxury and high-street brands under one roof
- Riverside light shows in the evening
Take the free ICONSIAM shuttle boat from Saphan Taksin BTS pier.
Platinum Fashion Mall
Bangkok
Thailand’s biggest wholesale fashion mall — hundreds of tiny shops selling clothes and accessories at near-wholesale prices. Buy 2-3 pieces of an item to unlock wholesale rates.
- Wholesale fashion at a third of boutique prices
- Buy 2-3 items to get the wholesale rate
- Food court on the 6th floor for a break
Most stalls don’t allow fitting — know your sizes or buy loose-fitting styles.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Ratchaburi (day trip from Bangkok)
The classic postcard floating market — vendors paddle wooden boats piled with fruit, noodles and coconut pancakes through narrow canals. Touristy but unforgettable, best before 9am.
- Boat noodles and mango sticky rice cooked on the water
- Hire a paddle boat to explore the canals
- Fresh coconut juice served in the shell
Go early — it gets packed and hot by 10am. Agree on boat prices before boarding.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Bangkok
A riverside night market-meets-mall built on old port warehouses — boutiques, handicrafts, a ferris wheel and live entertainment with Chao Phraya views.
- Open-air shopping from 4pm to midnight
- Calypso cabaret and Muay Thai live shows
- Ferry ride from Saphan Taksin BTS pier
Good for souvenirs and a night out in one spot — prices are fixed, no bargaining.
Pantip Plaza
Bangkok
The go-to IT mall for laptops, cameras, drones and accessories at some of the world’s lowest prices — a geek paradise with a food court upstairs and some copy-goods knockoffs to avoid.
- Duty-free-level prices on cameras and gear
- Repair shops for quick fixes
- 4th floor food court for cheap eats
Get a VAT refund form at shops with a "VAT Refund for Tourists" sticker if spending 2,000+ THB.
What to buy
Thai cosmetics & spa products
Herbal balms, coconut oil, sheet masks — try Boots or Watsons for bargains.
Tea & coffee
Northern Thai oolong, Doi Chang arabica beans and lemongrass tea.
Tailored clothing
Chiang Mai and Bangkok tailors make custom suits and shirts in days.
Hill-tribe crafts
Hand-woven textiles, silver jewelry and carved wood from the north.
Dried fruit & snacks
Dried mango, durian chips and coconut rolls — vacuum-packed for travel.
Thai silk
Jim Thompson is the trusted name; markets sell budget machine-made versions.
Souvenirs
Elephant pants, soap flowers, keychains — cheapest in bulk at Chatuchak or MBK.
Smart shopping tips
Bargain at markets, not malls
Haggling is expected at street markets — offer 50-60% of the quoted price and settle around 70%. Malls and brand stores have fixed prices.
Carry cash in small bills
Market stalls rarely take cards, and vendors "have no change" for 1,000 THB notes. Keep a stack of 20s, 50s and 100s.
Check the VAT refund
Spend 2,000+ THB per day at participating stores, keep the refund forms, and claim at the airport before departure.
Beware of copy goods
Fake designer items are everywhere and illegal to import into many countries. Electronics should be tested before you pay.
Taxi/tuk-tuk "sales pitches"
Drivers offering to take you to a "cheap, good" suit or gem shop earn commission — you pay for it in the price. Politely decline.
Shipping home
DHL/FedEx counters in malls and markets ship purchases home cheaply — worth it for bulk buys or fragile items.
Opening days and prices change — check current listings before making a long trip to any market.