Shopping

Last updated: January 2025

From air-conditioned malls to bustling markets, Pattaya offers shopping for every budget and style.

Shopping Malls

Central Festival Pattaya

Pattaya's largest and best shopping mall.

What's inside:

• International brands (Zara, H&M, Uniqlo)
• Thai brands
• Electronics (IT City)
• Supermarket basement
• Food court
• Cinema
• Currency exchange (SuperRich)
• Banks and ATMs

Why go: Best one-stop shop, air-conditioned escape, reliable quality.

Terminal 21 Pattaya

Themed mall with budget-friendly food court.

Highlights:

• Airport/city themed floors (Paris, Tokyo, etc.)
• Pier 21 food court (cheapest mall food ~50-80 THB)
• Mix of Thai and international shops
• Cinema
• Good photo opportunities

Royal Garden Plaza

Central Pattaya mall with entertainment.

Contains:

• Ripley's Believe It or Not
• Shops and restaurants
• Smaller than Central/Terminal 21

Central Marina

Newer mall in North Pattaya.

Modern mall with shops, restaurants, and harbor views. Good alternative to crowded Central Festival.

Markets

Day Markets

Soi Buakhao Market

• Daily morning market
• Fresh produce, Thai goods
• Very local, cheap prices

Pattaya Avenue Market

• Central location
• Clothes, accessories
• Budget shopping

Night Markets

Thepprasit Night Market (Best)

• Friday, Saturday, Sunday only
• 5 PM - 11 PM
• 500+ stalls: clothes, food, souvenirs
• See Markets & Food guide

Jomtien Night Market

• Daily evening
• Beach location
• Smaller, relaxed

What to Buy

Good Value in Thailand

Avoid

• Gems from tuk-tuk tours (scam)
• "Designer" items from markets (counterfeits)
• Electronics from street vendors
• Pushy sales in tourist areas

Tailoring

Pattaya has many tailors offering custom suits, shirts, and dresses.

Tips:

• Get recommendations (hotel, forums)
• Allow 3+ fittings for best results
• Don't rush — quality takes time
• Agree on fabric, style, price upfront
• Be specific about what you want
• 24-hour suit shops often lower quality

Expect to pay:

• Shirt: 500-1,500 THB
• Trousers: 800-2,000 THB
• Suit: 5,000-15,000 THB
• Dress: 2,000-8,000 THB

Bargaining Guide

Where to Bargain

• Night markets
• Street vendors
• Small independent shops
• Tuk-tuk/taxi fares

Where NOT to Bargain

• Shopping malls
• 7-Eleven/chain stores
• Restaurants
• Fixed-price shops

How to Bargain

1. Ask the price — Start friendly
2. Counter offer — 50-70% of asking price
3. Negotiate — Meet somewhere in middle
4. Walk away — If price too high, leaving often gets discount
5. Stay friendly — Smile, be polite, it's a game

Tips:

• Don't bargain if you don't intend to buy
• Final price is your commitment
• Multiple items = better discount
• Late evening often better prices (end of day)

Electronics

Where to Buy

IT City (Central Festival)

• Authorized dealers
• Warranties honored
• Fair prices

Mobile shops (malls)

• Phones, accessories
• Check warranty terms

7-Eleven

• Chargers, cables, basics
• Reasonable prices

Tips

• Prices similar to home countries for big brands
• Thai plug adapters available everywhere
• Check voltage compatibility
• Keep receipts for warranty

Souvenirs

Popular Thai Souvenirs

• Thai silk scarves/ties
• Elephant-themed items
• Buddha figurines (check export rules)
• Thai spices and curry paste
• Coconut products
• Thai snacks (dried mango, etc.)
• Handmade soap
• Essential oils

Where to Buy

• Authentic: Nong Nooch Garden shop, temple shops
• Budget: Night markets, Floating Market
• Convenient: Mall souvenir shops

Convenience Stores

7-Eleven and Family Mart are everywhere (literally every few hundred meters).

Useful for:

• Drinks and snacks
• Basic toiletries
• Phone top-ups
• ATM (inside stores)
• Quick meals
• SIM cards (some locations)

Open: 24 hours

Practical Tips

Payment

• Cash preferred at markets
• Cards accepted at malls
• QR payment growing (Thai bank accounts)

VAT Refund

• Available on purchases over 2,000 THB at participating stores
• Need passport at time of purchase
• Claim at airport when leaving
• Look for "VAT Refund for Tourists" signs

Shipping

• Some shops ship internationally
• Consider shipping for large items
• Keep receipts for customs

FAQs

Is shopping cheap in Pattaya? Markets and local goods are cheap. International brands are similar to home prices.

Best place for souvenirs? Thepprasit Night Market for variety and prices. Malls for convenience.

Can I bargain in malls? No, prices are fixed in department stores and chain shops.

Are counterfeit goods sold? Yes, in markets. "Designer" items at low prices are fake. Quality varies.

What are the mall hours? Most open 11 AM - 10 PM. Food courts may open earlier.