Shopping in Pattaya
Discover 22 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Pattaya, Thailand. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
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Central Festival
One of the largest malls in Asia. It is the best shopping mall in the region and now attracts customers from all over, adding to the traffic chaos of Beach Rd. Fashion, electronics, health & beauty, kids activities and food are all here. With the obligatory cinema complex and bowling alley on the top floor, this mega-mall is styled on the big Bangkok destination shopping areas like Siam Paragon. The Food Loft has the best view of the bay and great variety at reasonable prices. The anchor store is Central Department Store itself, offering high-end designer labels from abroad and Thailand. A supermarket and budget food hall is in the basement. Enter from Soi 9, Pattaya Beach Rd or on Second Rd after the new View Talay complex. Easy to find, just look for the traffic jams.
Daily, 11:00-23:00 -
Tuk.Com
A predominantly IT mall. In the basement is a Tops supermarket, a food court, and various other (mostly clothes) shops as well as a spare parts department that sells a variety of electronics (e.g., transistors) and other parts (e.g., washing machine lint filters), and the ground floor hosts an assortment of regular shops. However the upper floors are almost exclusively mobile phones (1st floor), computer software and MP3/video CDs (4th floor), and computers and handheld electronics (2nd/3rd/5th floors). Prices are significantly higher than in Bangkok though.
South Pattaya Rd -
Pattaya Beach Books
Both branches of this book shop have a huge selection of used English language books and magazines. Magazines around 50-60 baht, paperbacks 140-160 baht, hardbacks 180+ baht. If you buy a book here and then return it in good condition, you'll get a credit of 50% of the original price towards your next purchase.
1F, P.S. Plaza, 369 Moo 9, and 316/137 Moo 10, Soi Buakhao Daily, 10:00-20:00 -
Star Books
A well designed paperback exchange, large selection of used and new, mostly priced around 100-240 baht. Fresh coffee and tea. If you buy a book here and then return it in good condition, you'll get a credit of 50% of the original price towards your next purchase.
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Jeremy's Bookshop
An immaculate library-style English language paperback exchange, large selection, mostly priced around 100-250 baht. If you buy a book here and then return it in good condition, you'll get a credit of 50% of the original price towards your next purchase.
383/111 Soi Chaiyaphum Daily, 09:00-22:00 -
Mike Shopping Mall
The ground floor has many small stalls selling clothing, tourist souvenirs and many other inexpensive items; above that there's a department store; on the 5th floor there's a food court; and up on the roof (10th floor) there's a public swimming pool.
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Canterbury Tales Cafe, Guesthouse & Bookshop
Probably Pattaya's largest second hand bookshop. It's run by an Englishman called Dave. Also has a cafe restaurant and rooms for 500-800 baht. The cafe at the front is a popular meeting place with expats, mostly from UK, US and Australia.
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Tea Village
Very good tea, more than 80 flavours and they also sell more than 6 flavours of coffee beans. Prices on herbal teas start from 39 baht per 100 grams, on green Oolong tea from 70 baht, coffee 30 baht per 100 grams.
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P.S. Plaza and Tops supermarket
A Tops supermarket and a cooked food outlet occupies most of the ground floor; billiards, books, massage, and a handful of other shops on the first floor; and P.S. Bowling on the second floor.
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Jo Fishing Tackle Shop
Small/mid-size shop absolutely packed to the gills(!) in a well-organised fashion with all manner of fishing tackle, owner doesn't speak much English, but is very friendly and helpful.
259/42 Moo 5, Soi Pothisan Daily, 08:00-20:00 -
D.K. Book Mart
A medium-size bookshop with lots of English titles, including a sizeable cookbook section and a worthwhile selection of second-hand paperbacks at 99 baht.
09:00-00:00 daily -
SE-ED
This store has several branches, at Big C, South Pattaya Rd; Carrefour, Central Pattaya Rd; Tesco-Lotus, North Pattaya Rd; Tesco-Lotus, Sukhumvit Rd.
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The Market Pattaya
This market is a little lonely, but some evenings it has students giving music or dance performances on a small stage.
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Bookazine
There are many branches of Bookazine, including those at Central Festival Centre; Royal Garden Plaza; and The Avenue.
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Book Variety
Many branches, at Big C, South Pattaya Rd, Carrefour, Central Pattaya Rd; Tuk.Com (Com City).
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Swan Book Shop
A large selection of second-hand foreign language paperbacks, mostly priced 100-180 baht.
210/6 Soi Buakhao M-Sa 09:00-21:00 -
Soi Buakhao Market
Daytime on Tuesdays and Fridays; plus an evening market further along the same road.
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Gems Gallery
One of several "World's Biggest" jewellery stores, this one also has a theme park.
555 Moo 6, North Pattaya Rd Website -
Thepprasit Market
You can find the cheapest books in Pattaya at this night market.
F-Su 18:00-00:00 -
Narai Art Gallery
A local crafts shop which doubles as a nice restaurant.
Soi 6, Phratamnak Rd -
Made In Thailand Night Bazaar
Despite the name, it is also open in mornings.
on Second Rd near Soi 10 08:00-23:00 -
KC Gallery
The best and biggest art gallery shop.
Walking St
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Pattaya: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Pattaya is one of the best ways to experience the city's local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local delicacies, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or searching for artisan crafts and design goods to take home, Pattaya's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.
This guide covers 22 shopping spots in Pattaya sourced from Wikivoyage — the traveler-written travel guide — ensuring you're getting recommendations from real visitors who've been there. Unlike algorithmically ranked lists, these are the shops, markets, and stores that travelers actually tell each other about.
Types of Shopping in Pattaya
Pattaya's shopping landscape includes several distinct categories. Markets are the heart of local commerce — weekly or daily gatherings where you'll find fresh food, second-hand clothing, handmade goods, and antiques at prices far below tourist shops. Specialty stores in Pattaya often have decades of history and deep expertise — bookshops, wine merchants, tea rooms, craft suppliers, and independent fashion boutiques. Souvenir and gift shops vary widely in quality: the best ones in Pattaya sell locally made products, while others sell identical mass-produced goods found in every city. This guide steers you toward the former.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Pattaya
- Visit markets early. The best stalls at Pattaya's markets fill up fast. Arrive in the first hour of opening for the widest selection and freshest goods, especially for food markets.
- Carry local currency. Many independent shops and market vendors in Pattaya prefer cash. Have small denomination local currency on hand to avoid problems at card-only or cash-only stalls.
- Check opening days carefully. Many specialist shops in Pattaya close on Sundays and some close on Mondays or Wednesday afternoons. Always verify hours before making a special trip.
- Ask about provenance. When buying what appears to be locally made or artisan goods in Pattaya, don't hesitate to ask where items are made. Genuine local products make far better souvenirs than imported look-alikes.
- Budget for customs limits. If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind duty-free allowances for your home country, especially for food products, alcohol, and tobacco bought in Pattaya.
- Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in Pattaya light bargaining is expected; in most established shops, the price is fixed. Follow local cues — if other shoppers are negotiating, it's acceptable; if prices are clearly marked, they typically aren't.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Pattaya
The most meaningful souvenirs from Pattaya are the ones that can't be bought elsewhere — locally produced food and drink, handmade objects by local artisans, books published in the city or about the region, and items that reflect the city's distinct cultural identity. Avoid mass-produced miniatures and branded merchandise that you'll find in identical form in every tourist shop. Instead, focus on the specialty stores and markets listed in this guide where authentic local products are the norm.
Shopping Neighborhoods in Pattaya
Like most cities, Pattaya's best independent shopping is concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across the city. Historic city centers and old towns tend to have the highest density of specialty shops, antique dealers, and design boutiques. Residential neighborhoods often host the best local food markets and everyday shopping that tourists rarely discover. This guide's listings span the city so you can plan your shopping around whichever neighborhoods you're already visiting.
Meet Fellow Travelers While Exploring Pattaya
Solo travel and group shopping are not mutually exclusive. Many Nomax users find travel companions for market days, afternoon shopping strolls, or finding someone who knows the city well enough to point you to the best local stores. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers currently in Pattaya — whether you want a market guide, a fellow bargain hunter, or simply someone to share the discovery of a great find.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in Pattaya
Where to shop in Pattaya?
Pattaya has 22 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop, from open-air markets with local produce and handmade goods to bookshops, antique dealers, and souvenir stores. Use the Nomax app to connect with fellow travelers who can share their favourite shopping finds in Pattaya.
What souvenirs to buy in Pattaya?
The best souvenirs from Pattaya are those that reflect the city's culture and craftsmanship — local food specialties, artisan products, books about the city or region, handmade ceramics or textiles, and locally produced beverages. Markets are the best place to find authentic souvenirs at fair prices. Other travelers on Nomax often share tips on where to find genuinely local products versus tourist-trap shops.
Are there any markets in Pattaya?
Yes, Pattaya has several markets listed in this guide including weekly food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Markets are excellent for experiencing local daily life and finding unique items you won't find in chain stores. Opening days and hours vary — check individual listings for current schedules before visiting.
What are the best specialty shops in Pattaya?
Pattaya has a range of specialty shops covering books, design, fashion, food and drink, antiques, and local crafts. Many of the shops in this guide are independent stores with deep expertise in their niche — a far better experience than mall shopping. The listings here are sourced from traveler community knowledge, so they tend to be the kinds of places locals actually recommend.
How do I find shopping companions in Pattaya?
Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in Pattaya. Whether you want a local recommendation, a shopping companion for a market day, or someone who knows where to find the best local products, Nomax lets you chat with and meet fellow travelers in the city. It's free and available on iOS and Android.
Is it safe to shop in Pattaya as a solo traveler?
Shopping in Pattaya is generally safe for solo travelers. At markets, keep an eye on your belongings and use a secure bag. For valuable purchases, ask for receipts and check the return policy. When browsing late-evening markets, stick to well-lit areas. Connect with other travelers on Nomax for up-to-date safety tips from people currently in Pattaya.
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