Bargaining is a normal part of shopping at Thai markets and street stalls. Done with a smile, it is a friendly exchange, and both sides should be happy with the result. Here is where to bargain, how to do it politely, and how to save where prices are fixed.
Where to bargain and where not to
The simple rule: bargain only where prices are not marked. At markets and street stalls, the first price is usually an opening offer. In malls, department stores, convenience stores and anywhere with printed price tags, the price is fixed and bargaining is not done.
| Place | Bargain? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Street stalls and night markets | Yes | Ask the price, then make a polite counter-offer |
| Weekend markets such as Chatuchak | Yes, gently | Compare a few stalls first, then ask for a better price |
| Malls and department stores | No | Use a tourist card and the VAT refund |
| Convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants with printed menus | No | Pay the marked price |
How bargaining works in Thailand
- Sanuk (fun). Thais like things to be pleasant and light, so good bargaining includes smiles and a little joking. A tense, hard negotiation feels wrong to most sellers.
- Face. Nobody should be embarrassed in public. Raising your voice, insulting the goods or making the seller look foolish in front of others will end the deal and make you look bad.
Aim for a fair price, not the lowest possible one: a small difference means little to you on holiday, but it matters to a stall owner.
Step by step: how to bargain politely
- Look around first. Many stalls sell the same items, so you quickly get a sense of the usual price.
- Check the quality. Look at stitching, zips and finish first.
- Ask the price calmly. Say "How much?" or "Tao rai?" and let the seller name a price first. Do not show too much excitement.
- Make a counter-offer. Offer a lower price that you would be happy to pay. Keep it reasonable: a very low offer can feel like an insult.
- Agree on a price between the two. The seller will usually lower the price a little, and you raise your offer a little. Move in small steps and keep smiling.
- Buy more than one. Asking for a better price for two or three items together often works better than bargaining hard over one.
- Be ready to say no. If the price is still too high, thank the seller and move on politely.
- Keep your word. Once you name a price and the seller agrees, buy the item. Agreeing a price and then walking away is considered very rude.
Useful Thai phrases
A few Thai words bring smiles and sometimes a better price. Men end polite sentences with "khrap" and women with "kha".
| English | Thai | Say it like | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| How much? | เท่าไหร่ | Tao rai? | Asking the price |
| Too expensive | แพงไป | Paeng pai | Reacting to the price |
| Can you lower the price? | ลดได้ไหม | Lot dai mai? | Asking for a discount |
| A little cheaper, please | ลดหน่อยได้ไหม | Lot noi dai mai? | A gentle second request |
| I'll take it | เอา | Ao | Accepting the price |
| No, thank you | ไม่เอา | Mai ao | Declining politely |
| Thank you | ขอบคุณ | Khop khun | Always, at the end |
Type your offer on a phone calculator and show it to the seller.
Paying at markets
Markets run mostly on cash. Some modern stalls accept QR payment, but do not count on it. Carry small notes of 20, 50 and 100 THB so you can pay the exact price; sellers often have no change for a large note.
Market by market
Opening hours below were checked in September 2026. Confirm them with the market before you go.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok. The full market opens on Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00. It has more than 15,000 stalls in 27 numbered sections, so pick up a map at the market. Arrive soon after 09:00, before the heat and the crowds. A smaller, wholesale-focused session runs on Friday from 18:00 to 24:00, and on Wednesday and Thursday only the plant section is open. The nearest stations are MRT Kamphaeng Phet, MRT Chatuchak Park and BTS Mo Chit. See the Chatuchak opening times.
- Asiatique The Riverfront, Bangkok. Open every day from 11:00 to 24:00. A free shuttle boat runs from Sathorn Pier (BTS Saphan Taksin, Exit 2) from 16:00 to 23:30, about every 25 to 30 minutes.
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. On Chang Khlan Road between Tha Phae Road and Sridonchai Road, east of the old-city moat, with many stalls selling crafts and souvenirs. Compare several stalls before you buy.
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. In Ratchaburi province, about 100 km south-west of Bangkok. It is widely described as touristy and overpriced, so bargain calmly and expect tourist prices. Go early: the market is most lively from about 07:00 to 09:00 and winds down around noon.
Where prices are fixed: other ways to save
In malls, visitors have two ways to pay less.
Tourist cards. Register a mall tourist card before you shop and bring your passport. The free ONESIAM Global Visitor Card offers "up to 5%" at department stores and privileges from 200+ partners. It is valid at Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok and ICS. Central Group's The 1 Tourist Card gives a 5% discount under conditions that change during the year, so ask at customer service.
The VAT refund. Thailand charges 7% VAT. Visitors can claim it back on goods bought at shops showing the "VAT Refund for Tourists" sign.
- Spend at least 2,000 THB, including VAT, in one shop on one day.
- Show your original passport when you pay and ask for the P.P.10 form with the tax invoice. You cannot get it later.
- The goods must leave Thailand with you within 60 days, and you claim the refund at the airport on your departure day.
- A processing fee is deducted, so you get back less than 7%. The malls advertise "up to 6%".
- Refunds up to 30,000 THB can be paid in cash (THB) or to Alipay or WeChat Pay; larger refunds go to a credit card.
- If your VAT-refund goods total 20,000 THB or more, have them inspected by Customs before you check in. Luxury items such as watches, jewellery, bags, phones and laptops worth 40,000 THB or more each must go in your hand luggage, because officers check them again after passport control.
- Thai nationals, residents of Thailand and anyone staying more than 180 days cannot claim the refund.
Avoiding bad deals and scams
- Ignore unsolicited tips. If a stranger or a driver suggests a "special" gem shop or tailor, say no. Buy from shops you chose yourself.
- Gold is sold by weight. Thai gold is priced by baht weight; one baht of 96.5% gold bullion weighs 15.16 g. Check the day's reference price from the Gold Traders Association before you buy, and keep the receipt.
- Antiques and Buddha images. Works of art and antiques need an export licence from the Fine Arts Department, and Buddha images are restricted. Ask the shop about the licence before you buy, or call the Thai Customs Care Center on 1164. Buddha images are sacred, so do not buy a Buddha head as decoration.
- Get help. If you have a problem with a shop or suspect a scam, call the Tourist Police on 1155.
Getting around with your shopping
With a private transfer there is nothing to bargain. Smile Taxi Service fares are fixed, per vehicle (not per person), one way, with expressway tolls included. You pay the driver in cash (THB) at the end of the trip. If you can only pay by card, message the team for a PayPal payment link; a 5% fee is added. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup.
Choose the car for your bags: a sedan takes up to 3 passengers and 2 bags, an SUV up to 5 and 4, and a van up to 7 and 5.
- Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi Airport: 600 THB sedan, 800 THB SUV, 1,100 THB van. Handy on departure day, when you claim the VAT refund. Book a sedan from Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi, book an SUV from Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi or book a van from Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi.
- Bangkok to Pattaya: 1,500 THB sedan, 1,700 THB SUV, 2,000 THB van. Book a sedan from Bangkok to Pattaya, or read how to get from Bangkok to Pattaya.
- A full shopping day with a driver: the Bangkok Tour (up to 10 hours) costs 2,700 THB by sedan, 3,000 THB by SUV, 3,700 THB by van and 4,000 THB by VIP van. See tours and day trips.
All routes and prices are on the Smile Taxi Service fare list.
FAQ
Can I bargain in malls? No. Bargain only at markets and street stalls, not where prices are fixed or marked. In malls, use a tourist card and the VAT refund instead.
How much lower should my first offer be? There is no fixed rule. Offer a price you would be happy to pay, keep it reasonable, and agree on a price between your offer and the seller's first price.
Is Chatuchak cash only? Mostly cash. Some stalls take QR payment, so bring small notes.
Who do I call about a shopping scam? Call the Tourist Police on 1155.
Planning a shopping day or a trip to the airport with extra bags? Book a transfer on our booking page or message us on WhatsApp or LINE.