Bangkok has souvenirs for every budget, from Thai silk and regional crafts to fruit and snacks. This guide covers the best markets and malls, how to get there, how to pay and claim back VAT, and what you should not take home.
Opening hours and prices in this article were checked in September 2026. They can change, so confirm them with the market or mall before you go.
Top Markets for Souvenirs
Chatuchak Weekend Market
If you have one weekend day for shopping, spend it at Chatuchak. It has more than 15,000 stalls in 27 numbered sections, selling clothing, crafts, home goods and plants, and it draws about 200,000 visitors each weekend.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main opening | Saturday and Sunday, 09:00–18:00 (the whole market) |
| Friday night | 18:00–24:00, a smaller session focused on wholesale |
| Wednesday and Thursday | Plant section only |
| Stations | MRT Kamphaeng Phet (west end), MRT Chatuchak Park (east end), BTS Mo Chit |
| Payment | Mostly cash; some stalls take QR payment |
Practical tips for Chatuchak:
- Arrive soon after 09:00 on Saturday or Sunday, before the midday heat and the biggest crowds.
- Pick up a map at the market. Online lists of sections often disagree, so use the map.
- Carry small notes (20, 50 and 100 THB). They make paying and bargaining easier.
- Note the section number of any stall you want to return to.
Across the road, next to MRT Kamphaeng Phet, is Or Tor Kor Market. It has been run by the Marketing Organization for Farmers since 1974 and is known for premium fruit such as mango and durian. In 2017 CNN named it one of the world's top 10 fresh markets. It is a good stop for fruit after Chatuchak.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique The Riverfront is a large riverside shopping area at 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Bang Kho Laem. It is open every day from 11:00 to 24:00, and its landmark is the Asiatique Sky Ferris wheel, 60 m high. The easiest way there is the free shuttle boat from Sathorn Pier. Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin, leave by Exit 2 and walk to the pier. Boats run from 16:00 to 23:30, about every 25–30 minutes; before 16:00, come by road.
MBK Center
MBK Center has 8 floors of shops and is open daily 10:00–22:00. It is a practical place to buy clothes, small souvenirs and gadgets in one building; mobile phones and accessories are on the 4th floor. As of September 2026, visitors who show a passport at the Information counter (G floor, Zone A) can get a free welcome gift; ask MBK Center to confirm before you go.
Must-Buy Souvenirs
Thai Silk
For quality Thai silk, start at the Jim Thompson House museum.
- Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok 10330
- Open: daily 10:00–17:00
- Admission: 250 THB for adults, 150 THB for ages 10–21 (ID needed), free under 10
- The main house can only be visited with a guide (Thai, English, French, Chinese or Japanese)
- Getting there: BTS National Stadium, Exit 1
- Details: Jim Thompson House visitor information
Crafts from All Over Thailand
SookSiam, on the G floor of ICONSIAM, is an indoor, air-conditioned zone designed like a floating market. It sells food, snacks and crafts from all 77 provinces of Thailand at market-style prices.
Food Souvenirs
- Fruit: Or Tor Kor Market, next to Chatuchak. Check your home country's rules before packing fresh fruit.
- Snacks and regional foods: SookSiam at ICONSIAM.
- Packaged foods in a mall: Gourmet Market inside Siam Paragon.
Gold
Thai gold is sold by weight in a unit called the baht. One baht of 96.5% gold bullion weighs 15.16 g. The Gold Traders Association publishes a reference price every day on the Gold Traders Association website. If you buy gold in Yaowarat (Chinatown), check that day's price first and keep your receipt.
Specialty Shopping Destinations
ICONSIAM
ICONSIAM, at 299 Charoen Nakhon Soi 5, Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San, is a riverside mall open daily 10:00–22:00. There are two good ways to get there:
- By boat: the ICONSIAM shuttle boat from Sathorn Pier (BTS Saphan Taksin) is no longer free. The free service ended on 1 May 2023, and in 2026 the boat costs about 12 THB per person, one way. It runs about 09:00–22:50, every 15–20 minutes.
- By rail: take the BTS Silom Line to Krung Thon Buri, change to the Gold Line, and ride one stop to Charoen Nakhon station, which connects to the mall.
Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is open daily 10:00–22:00. For souvenirs, visit its Gourmet Market supermarket, and ask at the Tourist Information Counter on the G floor about 2026 offers for visitors with a foreign passport.
Before you shop at Siam Paragon or ICONSIAM, register for the free ONESIAM Global Visitor Card online or in the ONESIAM app. It advertises "up to 5%" off at department stores and a "VAT refund up to 6%". At Central department stores and CentralWorld, ask customer service about The 1 Tourist Card (5% off, under conditions that change).
Platinum Fashion Mall
For clothes at wholesale-style prices, go to Platinum Fashion Mall at 222 Petchaburi Road in the Pratunam area. It is open 09:00–20:00.
Patpong Night Market
The Patpong night market is on Patpong 1 Road, between Silom and Surawong roads. Walk there from BTS Sala Daeng or MRT Si Lom. Its current hours could not be confirmed, so check locally before you go.
Bargaining Guide
- Bargain at: street stalls, Chatuchak and night markets.
- Do not bargain at: malls, department stores, convenience stores, or anywhere prices are marked.
- Smile and stay calm when you make a counter-offer.
- Only bargain if you intend to buy. Once you agree a price, it is rude to walk away.
- If your shopping day includes a temple, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
- If a stranger or a driver suggests a "special" gem or tailor shop, say no and buy only from shops you chose yourself. For problems with a shop, call the Tourist Police on 1155.
Paying and the VAT Refund
At markets, pay mostly in cash; some stalls accept QR payment. In shops, look for the "VAT Refund for Tourists" sign if you plan to claim back Thailand's 7% VAT:
- 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.
- You cannot claim if you are a Thai national, a resident of Thailand, or if your stay is longer than 180 days.
- The goods must leave Thailand with you within 60 days of the purchase date. You claim at the airport on your departure day, at one of 10 international airports including Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang.
- If your goods total 20,000 THB or more, have them inspected by customs before check-in.
- Luxury items worth 40,000 THB or more each (such as watches, jewellery or bags) go in your hand luggage and are checked again after passport control.
- A processing fee is deducted, so you get back less than 7%.
- 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 only.
Taking Souvenirs Home
- Buddha images: these may not be exported without permission. Medallions and very small statues are exempt, but ask Thai Customs for the current size limit before you buy. Buddha images are sacred, so do not buy Buddha heads as decoration.
- Antiques and works of art: these need an export licence from the Fine Arts Department. Ask the shop about the licence before paying.
- Questions: call the Thai Customs Care Center on 1164, and check your home country's import rules.
Getting Around on a Shopping Day
The BTS, MRT and river boats cost less, but with heavy bags a car is easier. Smile Taxi Service offers a full-day private Bangkok tour with a driver for up to 10 hours: 2,700 THB by sedan, 3,000 THB by SUV, 3,700 THB by van and 4,000 THB by VIP van, per vehicle.
When you fly home with your shopping, a transfer from Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi Airport costs 600 THB by sedan (up to 3 passengers, 2 bags), 800 THB by SUV (up to 5, 4 bags) or 1,100 THB by van (up to 7, 5 bags). Book a van from Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Transfer fares are fixed, per vehicle (not per person), one way, and include expressway tolls. 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. Pickups or drop-offs west of the Chao Phraya (Thonburi side) cost 100–200 THB extra.
Useful Thai Phrases for Shopping
- "Tao rai?" (เท่าไหร่) – How much?
- "Lot noi dai mai?" (ลดหน่อยได้ไหม) – Can you lower the price a little?
- "Ao an nee" (เอาอันนี้) – I will take this one.
- "Mai ao" (ไม่เอา) – I do not want it.
FAQ
When is Chatuchak open? Saturday and Sunday 09:00–18:00. A smaller wholesale session runs on Friday 18:00–24:00, and only the plant section opens on Wednesday and Thursday.
How do I get to Asiatique by boat? Take the free shuttle from Sathorn Pier (BTS Saphan Taksin, Exit 2). It runs 16:00–23:30, about every 25–30 minutes.
Can I take a Buddha statue home? Buddha images need permission to export; medallions and very small statues are exempt. Ask the shop and Thai Customs (1164) before you buy.
What is the minimum for a VAT refund? 2,000 THB including VAT per shop per day, at shops with the "VAT Refund for Tourists" sign. The goods must leave Thailand with you within 60 days of the purchase date.
Is the ICONSIAM boat free? No. The free service ended on 1 May 2023. The shuttle boat from Sathorn Pier now costs about 12 THB per person, one way, or you can take the Gold Line to Charoen Nakhon station.
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