Shopping in Thailand - 15 Shopping Destinations & Things to Buy

Thailand is renowned for its vibrant and diverse shopping scene, offering an array of products, from traditional handicrafts to modern electronics. This guide is your key to navigating the shopping landscape in Thailand, filled with bustling markets, gleaming malls, and unique finds. Here are some of the best shopping destinations in the country

Bangkok

1. Central World

The largest shopping centre in Thailand, Central World hosts multitudes of cafes, restaurants, and stores in its seven-storied complexes. If you plan for a chilled night out in the city or just for some window shopping, this is the place for you.

What to Buy – If you like to have international brand names in your wardrobe, Central World might be the perfect pick for you as it has three levels dedicated to these shops.

Timings – 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

2. MBK Center

MBK Center, shopping in thailand — Source

The MBK Center is a hub for reasonably priced gadgets and fashion items alike. It is one of the oldest malls in the country, opened in 1985, and remains crammed with tourists and locals alike daily. Therefore, one has to be very patient and calm when shopping at this place.

What to Buy - This centre hosts authentic as well as imitation goods and therefore if you want to purchase similar brand items at low costs, MBK Center is the place for you.
Timings – 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

3. Central Embassy Shopping Mall

central embassy mall, shopping in thailand — Source

The Central Embassy Shopping Mall is a luxury-style shopping mall in Thailand that enjoys big international fashion brands like Michael Kors, Prada, Givenchy, Gucci, and Versace, among many others. It also boasts of beautiful places to eat in the city, ranging from upscale restaurants to street-styled food courts. This mall was built in the area of the former British embassy and hence derived its name from there.

What to Buy – If you are looking for fashion brands to satisfy your fill, this place won’t disappoint.

Timings – 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

4. Chatuchak Weekend Market

chatuchak weekend market, shopping in thailand — Source

The Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest markets in the world, which puts into light the colorful and vibrant culture of Thailand. This market is laced with thousands of stalls and remains packed with tourists and locals alike from Wednesdays to Sundays. It also serves as a place to satisfy your taste buds with the delicious street food of Thailand.

What to Buy – Ceramics, handicrafts and souvenirs are readily available in the shops in this market. However the prices might differ from shop to shop, so make sure you visit a couple of shops before deciding on one.

Timings - Wednesdays and Thursdays: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Fridays: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

5. Chinatown, Bangkok

chinatown, shopping in thailand — Source

Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand, has the reputation of being the largest Chinatown in the world. It hosts multitudes of shops and stores that deal in traditional and customary products, available at the cheapest rates in the city.

What to Buy – Chinatown is a link-up of multiple shops and stores which cater for different products ranging from clothes, jewellery, antiques to food. Therefore you can pick your choice of products (or maybe all) from this market and is one of the most lively places for shopping in Thailand.

Phuket

6. Phuket Old Town

Stroll through this charming area, filled with local boutiques, antique shops, and street vendors. Phuket Walking Street is set up here every Sunday.

7. Phuket Weekend Market (Naka Market)

The night markets in Phuket are great for souvenirs and gifts to take home a taste of Thailand. These local markets - open-air or enclosed, offer a plethora of local Thai handicrafts, modern-day clothing, footwear, accessories, electronics, etc., at a great value (with some smart bargaining). Most of the night markets in Phuket are centered around central Phuket Town or near Patong Beach. The Weekend Market is the most popular among these. An authentic market where you can purchase a variety of goods, from clothes and accessories to street food.

Pattaya

8. Pattaya Floating Market

The Pattaya Floating Market is a beautiful sight to see in Thailand, with boats showcasing traditional products and numerous other items.

What to Buy – Souvenirs, fresh fruits and flowers can be purchased from the famous floating market.

9. Pattaya Night Bazaar

Located opposite the Central Festival Pattaya Beach, the Pattaya Night Bazaar is among Pattaya's most popular street markets. With more than 250 stalls and shops, this enclosed Thai street market is known for hand-made fabrics, unique-looking accessories, hats, and beachwear. Unlike other street markets in the city, Pattaya Night Bazaar is set in a permanent, air-conditioned structure.

What to Buy - Clothing items, footwear, handbags, and pieces of jewelry.

10. Terminal 21

A delight designed for the travel bugs, Terminal 21 is a one-of-a-kind shopping mall in Thailand that has an airport theme, and the floors of this mall draw inspiration from some of the world’s most visited cities – San Francisco, Hollywood, Paris, and London, among others. This unique establishment attracts tourists as well as locals alike to this place as it provides them with multiple experiences in a single go.

What to Buy – This place has stores of both international and local brands. Therefore if you are looking for variety or want to enjoy affordable buys, Terminal 21 is the place.

Timings – 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

11. Central Festival Mall Pattaya

Central Festival Mall Pattaya
Central Festival Pattaya is the ideal beach-side shopping mall that stands apart from the bargain stalls and bazaars that line Pattaya Beach Road. At this mall, one is treated to over 350 shops serving international and local brands. There’s also a great food court upstairs that caters to every kind of culinary desire, a department store, and an entertainment complex.

Chiang Mai

12. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Located on Chang Khlan Thanon, on the eastern side of the old city, the bustling Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a favorite haunt for shopaholics, with stalls selling clothing, accessories, decor items, artwork, toys, and electronics. It is also a great place to try local Thai delicacies like mango sticky rice, pad Thai, and spring rolls.

13. Warorot Market

Warorot Market Chiang Mai
Warorot Market is a three-story market close to the riverside, east of the moat. Also called Kad Luang, it is the perfect place to find almost anything – from herbs and spices to ceramic goods, clothes to cosmetics, shoes to sunglasses, fresh fruits and flowers to dried condiments. This Market is an area that is often known as Chiang Mai’s little Chinatown. Aisles are flanked by stalls that display fresh spices, farm produce, local delicacies, condiments, bags, footwear, clothes, accessories, and domestic appliances.

Chiang Rai

14. Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Chiang Rai Night Market is in the Mueang Chiang Rai District of Thailand. It is a famous spot for many handicraft items, clothing, jewelry, shoes, and authentic Thai food. This mini version of a night market is a perfect option for an evening stroll and excellent snacks and beer. If you are fortunate enough, you will also find local Thai dancers and folk concerts during your stay. The market is usually set at night because of the intense humidity of the region during the morning hours.

Hua Hin

15. Cicada Market

Cicada Market Hua Hin
Cicada Market is an artist's paradise. An open-air market that caters to handicrafts, small kitschy items, and products developed by independent artists, this market is an integral part of any visit to Hua Hin. A leisurely stroll around the market will give you a glimpse of what true local Thai artists have to offer.

What to Buy in Thailand

1. Thai Silk

The original Thai silk products are precious and unique because of the extreme labor, which goes into producing and weaving them (by hand). Soft and elegant clothes are made out of this silk, and it would be an incomplete haul if you do not include at least one silk item in your bag.

2. Spa and Aroma Products

The mystical and spiritual land wraps up some of its aurae into the essential oils, carved soaps, scented candles and herbal massage packs which are a must-buy if one is looking for a relaxed and soothing time back home. Therefore, make sure your shopping list in Thailand ticks off this item.

3. Thai Handicrafts

If you want a little bit of Thai décor in your living room, the handicrafts made by the craftsmen of Thailand are a perfect choice. These handcrafted items range in variety from their products to sizes and capture the culture and beauty of the place in them.

4. Elephant Designed Souvenirs

The Thai elephant souvenirs are one of the most sought after and well-crafted designs available for sale. These little souvenirs come in the form of accessories, key chains, purses and decors and are the ideal shopping gifts for friends and family.

Tip – If you plan on buying this item, make sure you buy it in a large to medium amount as it will cheapen the price and maybe even help with a bit of a bargain!

5. Coconut Oil Products

Coconut oil and its products are at present the favourites in terms of healthcare and skincare. They are especially popular among the ladies for its beauty benefits and are available in pure form as well as in the form of soaps and hair products.

Tips for Shopping in Thailand

Cash and Cards: Many places accept credit cards, but having cash on hand is advisable, especially in local markets.
Tax Refunds: Some stores offer a VAT refund for tourists, so keep your receipts.
Cultural Sensitivity: Dress modestly when visiting temples and local markets.
Language Barrier: Learn a few basic Thai phrases or use translation apps for smoother interactions.
Opening Hours: Most markets and malls open in the morning and close by late evening. Some night markets, however, only come alive after sunset.

Thailand gives you the ultimate shopping experience, right from the luxury malls to world-famous flea markets. You also do not have to worry about time here as most shops stay open till late.