Don't want to read a lot of text? Here are quick answers about shopping in Pattaya:
- Where are the lowest prices on clothes in Pattaya? – At local and street markets (Jomtien, Thepprasit, Soi Buakhao Market), and Mike Shopping Mall. T-shirts from 100 baht, shorts from 150 baht.
- Where to buy fruit cheaply? – At local markets (Rompho Market, Soi Buakhao Market, Wat Chai Mongkhon Market, Photisarn). Mango and mangosteen from 50 baht/kg, and even cheaper if you find a fruit truck by the road.
- How much money should you bring for shopping in Pattaya? – Budget depends on your needs: for budget shopping during your trip (t-shirts, souvenirs, fruit), 1000–1500 baht per day is enough.
- Do you need to haggle at Pattaya markets? – Absolutely! Knock 20–30% off with a smile or ask for a "discount." If the seller doesn't budge – pretend to walk away, in most cases they'll call you back.
- Where to buy brand clothes cheaper? – At Central Marina Outlet and Central Pattaya. Terminal 21 has a good selection of affordable local brands.
- Is it worth buying electronics in Pattaya (Tukcom)? – Prices are often not lower than in Russia, and there's no warranty. Check prices on marketplaces before buying.
- How to buy even cheaper? – For purchases over 2000 baht in stores with a "VAT Refund" sign, ask for form P.P.10. At the airport, process your tax refund (about 7%) before checking in your luggage.
And now, we share everything from our personal experience:
If you prefer watching over reading – we have a full video guide to shopping in Pattaya. We visited all the malls and markets, showed real prices, and gave practical tips.
Pattaya shopping malls: where to go
Pattaya has over a dozen large shopping malls where you can spend a whole day combining shopping with food and entertainment. Most are located along the main tourist streets – Beach Road, Second Road, and Pattaya Klang. We've picked five that are definitely worth your attention.
Our advice: If you're in Pattaya for 7–10 days, don't rush to buy everything on the first day. First, explore the selection and prices at several places. Often the same item can be found at different malls with a price difference of up to 30%. This is especially true for clothes and cosmetics.
Central Pattaya (formerly Central Festival)
Central Pattaya (formerly Central Festival) – the largest and most popular mall in the city. Located right on Beach Road, in the heart of the tourist zone. Here you'll find all global clothing brands (Zara, H&M, Mango, Levi's), cosmetics (Sephora, Boots), electronics (Power Buy), and home goods. On the upper floors – a food court with Thai and international cuisine, plus a cinema. Inside there are exchange offices with good rates (Super Rich and TT Exchange), which is convenient if you need to exchange money quickly. Address: 333/99 Moo 9, Pattaya Beach Rd.
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 23:00 daily.
- How to get there: any songthaew going along Beach Road or Second Road (Central Pattaya mall on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: branded clothing, cosmetics, shoes, bags.
Terminal 21 Pattaya
Terminal 21 in Pattaya – not just a mall, but a whole themed park. Each floor is styled after a different world city: Paris, London, Tokyo, San Francisco. There's a huge selection of clothing from Thailand and China at affordable prices, lots of shoes and accessories. On the ground floor – Gourmet Market supermarket with a wide selection of fruits, sweets, and Thai spices. Inside there are entertainment options for kids and adults, and you can see a real plane on the parking lot. UnionPay cards are accepted without issues. Address: 21/100 Moo 9, Pattaya Sai 2 Rd.
Next to the mall, on the platform under the plane, there's a great night market with clothes and a food court on weekend evenings, though it can't boast low prices.
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00.
- How to get there: songthaew along Second Road (Terminal 21 on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: affordable clothing, shoes, souvenirs, Thai tea and coffee.
Royal Garden Plaza
Royal Garden Plaza – one of Pattaya's oldest malls, located on Beach Road. Known for its unique architecture: the facade is decorated with giant planes and figures. Inside – mid-range boutiques, plus a large kids' entertainment area. Here you'll also find the famous Ripley's Wax Museum and the "Darkness Labyrinth" attraction. On the upper floors – a great food court. Address: 218 Moo 10, Pattaya Beach Rd.
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 23:00.
- How to get there: songthaew along Beach Road (Royal Garden Plaza on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: clothing, cosmetics, jewelry.
Mike Shopping Mall
Mike Shopping Mall – another popular mall on Beach Road, just south of Central Festival. It consists of two buildings: Mike Shopping Mall and Mike Department Store. Here you can find locally made clothing at very low prices, as well as a large selection of shoes and accessories. This mall is popular with those looking for budget shopping. Inside there's a fruit market, but prices there are inflated (more on this in the fruit section). Address: 219 Moo 10, Pattaya Beach Rd.
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 22:00.
- How to get there: songthaew along Beach Road (Mike Shopping Mall on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: budget clothing, shoes, bags.
Avenue Mall
Avenue Mall – a modern mall on Second Road, between Central and Terminal 21. It stands out with its stylish design and cozy atmosphere. Fewer brands here, but many small shops with clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. Notable for its outdoor food court where you can grab a bite in a pleasant setting. Address: 414/6 Moo 9, Pattaya Sai 2 Rd.
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00.
- How to get there: songthaew along Second Road (Avenue Mall on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: clothing, shoes, souvenirs, food court.
Best Supermarket – a supermarket with European products
Best Supermarket – a chain of supermarkets where you can buy European products (sausages, cheeses, baked goods), fresh meat, fish, as well as a large selection of alcohol, tobacco, and souvenirs at excellent fixed prices. Prices are lower than in most "Russian" stores, and staff at some branches understand and speak Russian, making them very popular with Russian-speaking visitors. Pattaya has two main stores: a large one in the Naklua area (moved to a new building on Naklua Road, opposite the Susco gas station) and a small one in the center, on the corner of Central Pattaya Road and Second Road (mainly alcohol, tobacco, and souvenirs).
- Opening hours: daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM (both branches).
- How to get there: to the Naklua branch – songthaew on the Naklua route (Best Supermarket Naklua on the map); to the central one – songthaew along Second Road (Best Supermarket central on the map).
- What to buy: European products (sausages, cheeses, bread), fresh meat and fish, alcohol, cigarettes, home goods.
Central Marina Outlet – an outlet with a port town atmosphere
Central Marina Outlet (formerly Central Center Pattaya) – a mall on Second Road that stands out with its European port town-inspired architecture: turquoise facades, bright boats, and colorful houses create great photo spots. It features over 100 stores with discounted goods, including Pattaya's first Nike Factory Store. Inside there's a lounge area, as well as Big C Supercenter with low prices and a multi-screen cinema. In the evenings, a night market with food, drinks, souvenirs, and a stylish Cocktail Car – a vehicle where alcoholic cocktails are prepared – operates on the square in front of the building. Despite its unassuming facade, the mall is definitely worth a visit.
- Address: 78/54 Moo 9, Pattaya Sai 2 Road.
- Opening hours: daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (on weekends and holidays – until 10:00 PM).
- How to get there: songthaew along Second Road, between Terminal 21 and the night market with the plane (Central Marina Outlet on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: branded clothing and shoes at discounts (Nike, Adidas, etc.), products at Big C, souvenirs at the evening market.
Besides those mentioned, Pattaya has many more stores and malls outside the tourist zones, mainly along Sukhumvit Highway. These include hypermarkets like Big C, Lotus, Friendship, Makro, HomePro (home goods). They're unlikely to interest the average tourist, and they're far and inconvenient. But if you're in Pattaya for a winter stay or moving here long-term, these stores with lower prices are the best places to shop.
Markets in Pattaya: where to find cheap goods and authentic souvenirs
Markets in Pattaya are not just a place for budget shopping, but also a real cultural attraction. Here you can find everything: from fresh fruit and seafood to clothing, shoes, and original souvenirs. However, to get the most out of the experience and not overpay, it's important to know which market to go to and for what. We've compiled a list of the most interesting and authentic markets in Pattaya, including those rarely found in guidebooks.
Jomtien Night Market
This night market is located right opposite Jomtien Beach and operates every evening. It's considered one of the best in Pattaya for buying clothes, shoes, and accessories. The selection is huge, prices are lower than in malls, and haggling is expected. There are especially many vendors selling children's clothing and toys. There's also a food court with affordable Thai food. Address: Jomtien Beach Rd, Soi 5.
- Opening hours: daily from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
- How to get there: songthaew to Jomtien (Jomtien Night Market on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: clothing, shoes, accessories, children's items.
Thepprasit Market
This market is located near Jomtien and is famous for its variety. Here you'll find clothing, shoes, bags, tableware, plants, as well as a huge amount of food: from Thai sweets to fried insects. Prices are very low, and it's one of the few places where you can find truly cheap items. It operates on weekends, but many vendors also trade on weekdays. There are also several pet shops that children love to visit like a zoo. In our opinion, it's one of the most authentic night markets. Address: Thepprasit Rd, Soi 8.
- Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM (partially open on weekdays).
- How to get there: songthaew to Jomtien, then walk (Thepprasit Market on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: clothing, tableware, home decor, Thai sweets, food.
Rompho Market – best for fruit and local food
Rompho Market is located in the Jomtien area, away from the beach but easily accessible on foot. It's one of the most local and authentic markets, where fruit and food prices are significantly lower than in tourist zones. Here you can buy mango for 50 baht/kg, mangosteen for 50, rambutan for 40, durian for 240–260 baht for a large fruit. It operates from morning until evening, and in the evening it turns into a street food court with seafood and barbecue. It's also notable for being next to a street with bars and live music – a kind of Jomtien version of Walking Street. Address: 46/2 Moo 11, Jomtien Beach Rd.
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 daily.
- How to get there: songthaew to Jomtien, then walk (Rompho Market on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: fruit, seafood, ready-made food, bars.
Russian Market on Pratumnak
This market is located on Pratumnak Hill, near Jomtien. It's fully geared toward Russian-speaking tourists and expats: all signs, menus, and vendors speak Russian. Here you can buy not only souvenirs and clothes but also familiar products: buckwheat, pasta, dumplings, borscht. Prices for such goods are higher than in regular stores, but for those missing home cooking, it's a lifesaver. Fruit here is generally more expensive than at other markets, so it's better to buy it elsewhere. The market operates daily from noon until evening. Address: Pratamnak Hill, Soi 4.
- Opening hours: 12:00 – 22:00.
- How to get there: songthaew or taxi (Russian Market on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: Russian products, dumplings, souvenirs, clothing.
Yaimak Night Market
This is one of the newer night markets in Jomtien, opened about three years ago. Located at the end of Jomtien Beach. The selection is typical: clothes, souvenirs, food, seafood. Prices are slightly higher than at Thepprasit or Rompho, but still reasonable. Next to it is the "Minsk" restaurant. A nice bonus – there's a free toilet (many markets charge for it). Overall, the market is decent but not a must-visit if you've already been to others. Address: Jomtien Beach Rd, Soi 13.
- Opening hours: 17:00 – 23:00 daily.
- How to get there: songthaew along Jomtien (Yaimak Night Market on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: clothing, souvenirs, food.
Flea Market (weekend antique market)
For lovers of unusual items, there's a flea market or Buffalo Market that only operates on weekend evenings. It's a real paradise for collectors and vintage hunters. Here you'll find old records, cassettes, DVDs, toys, tableware, books, coins, watches, musical instruments, and much more. You can find truly rare items. It's located not far from the center – check the map for the exact location. If you're tired of typical souvenirs, definitely stop by.
- Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- How to get there: taxi or songthaew (Flea market on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: vintage, antiques, collectibles.
Pattaya Night Bazaar and Indra Market
If you're looking for budget items and souvenirs, check out Pattaya Night Bazaar (located on Second Road, near the center) and Indra Market (next to it). These are two neighboring markets selling affordable clothes, shoes, bags, watches, and Chinese goods. Prices are fixed, but you can haggle. There are often sales here, especially in the evening. Address: Second Road, Soi 12–13.
- Opening hours: daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
- How to get there: songthaew along Second Road (Pattaya Night Bazaar on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: clothing, shoes, accessories, souvenirs.
Runway Street Food Market – the night market with a plane
Runway Street Food Market – a stylish night market in central Pattaya, whose main attraction is a real Boeing 747 (the famous "Jumbo") in the middle of the square. You can't go inside the plane – it serves as an art object, with cafe tables set up right under the wings and fuselage. Recently, the View Ferris Wheel was also added here. Otherwise, it's a classic Thai night market, but with a focus on food: a huge selection of dishes, including exotic options – crocodile, ostrich, and insects. Prices are slightly higher than at street cafes (dishes from 100 baht, drinks from 40), but the atmosphere is worth it. This market is more for gastronomic experiences than shopping – few souvenirs and clothes here.
- Opening hours: daily from approximately 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
- How to get there: the market is in central Pattaya on Second Street (Runway Street Food Market on the Pattaya map). If you're in the central area, you can walk or take a songthaew. From other areas – taxi or minivan with a transfer.
- What to buy: ready-made food, exotic dishes, drinks. Market entry is free, the Ferris wheel is 480 baht for adults, 280 baht for children (10-minute ride).
Photisarn Market – a local market in Naklua
Market Photisarn – a small, little-known market in the Naklua area that operates primarily for locals. Here you'll find fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and lots of seafood. The market is known for its exotic offerings – you can find live frogs and other unusual products for Europeans. It operates daily from early morning until evening, but the main trading is in the first half of the day, with a small food court and leftover goods in the evening. For tourists, the market is interesting primarily for its "local" prices – almost no inflated tourist markups. Convenient for those staying in Naklua; it's hardly worth a special trip from other areas.
- Address: Soi Photisarn, North Pattaya (corner with Pattaya Sai 3 Alley).
- Opening hours: daily from 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM (main trading – before noon, evening – food court).
- How to get there: songthaew on the Naklua route (Photisarn Market on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: fresh fruit and vegetables at local prices, meat, fish, seafood, exotic items (frogs, etc.), Thai food at the food court.
The Big Market Jomtien – night market in south Jomtien
The Big Market Jomtien – a typical tourist night market in south Jomtien. Operates daily from 4:00 PM to midnight. The main focus is on food: a huge number of stalls with Thai street food, seafood, desserts, and drinks. Very few souvenirs and clothes, so it's not worth going here for shopping. An unusual feature – an open-air cinema showing Thai films. The market is primarily for those staying in south Jomtien or Na Jomtien – it's the nearest tourist night market to them. No point traveling from other areas specifically for this.
- Address: 75/89 Moo 12, Jomtien Beach Rd, Na Jomtien.
- Opening hours: daily from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
- How to get there: songthaew along Jomtien to the south end of the beach (The Big Market Jomtien on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: Thai street food, seafood, desserts, drinks.
Wat Chai Mongkhon Market – covered food market in central Pattaya
Wat Chai Mongkhon Market – a covered traditional Thai market in central Pattaya, right opposite the Buddhist temple of the same name. Unlike many tourist markets, locals mostly come here, along with tourists from China and Korea, for fresh products at local prices. Here you'll find a huge selection of fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and seafood. There are also stalls with ready-made food: Thai soups, rice with meat, grilled seafood, barbecue, Korean and Chinese dishes. Prices are lower than in supermarkets, and if you go deeper into the market, goods get even cheaper. Many vendors understand Russian and are happy to haggle.
The market is convenient for those staying in the southern part of central Pattaya – it's a 5-7 minute walk from Walking Street. Probably not worth a special trip from other areas unless you're doing a big grocery run.
- Address: Pattaya Tai Road, opposite Wat Chai Mongkhon temple.
- Opening hours: Sunday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 7:30 AM to 12:00 AM.
- How to get there: walk from Walking Street (5–7 minutes) or songthaew along South Street (Wat Chai Mongkhon Market on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, seafood, grains, spices, ready-made food at the food court. Few clothes and souvenirs, mostly geared toward locals.
Soi Buakhao Market and Grand Hall Market – clothing markets in central Pattaya
Soi Buakhao Market (also known as the "Tuesday and Friday market") and the covered Grand Hall Market right opposite it – two neighboring markets in south Pattaya, at the intersection of Soi Buakhao and South Pattaya Road. Soi Buakhao Market operates on Tuesdays and Fridays (main trading – before noon, though some sources say some vendors trade in the evening too). Here you can buy new and used clothes, shoes, bags, accessories at very low prices – t-shirts from 100 baht, jeans from 200 baht, shorts from 150 baht. There are also fruits, vegetables, plants, and even pets. Grand Hall Market operates daily from morning until evening and specializes in clothes: a huge selection of second-hand items from 15–60 baht per piece, as well as new goods, textiles, cosmetics, and jewelry. Both markets are popular with locals and tourists alike, within walking distance of Walking Street.
- Address: Soi Buakhao, corner with South Pattaya Road (opposite Friendship Supermarket and Tukcom).
- Opening hours: Soi Buakhao Market – Tuesday and Friday from 8:00–9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (some sources say until 11:00 PM); Grand Hall Market – daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00–6:00 PM.
- How to get there: songthaew along South Pattaya Road or Soi Buakhao (Soi Buakhao markets on the Pattaya map).
- What to buy: new and used clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, textiles, cosmetics, fruit, plants.
Important: Always haggle at markets! Even if the seller names a price, you can knock it down by at least 20-30%, and in some cases even half. But do it politely and with a smile. Thais appreciate friendly customers. Exceptions – markets with fixed prices (e.g., Lukdod, OTOP, Russian market).
Souvenir shops: Lukdod and OTOP
If you don't like markets and want to buy souvenirs in one place, check out the specialized shops Lukdod and OTOP. These are wholesale souvenir shop chains with fixed prices. Here you'll find a huge selection of Thai souvenirs: Buddha statues, batik, silk, coconut oil, Thai tea, sweets, magnets, and much more. Prices are slightly higher than at markets, but you'll save time and can buy everything in one place without haggling.
- Lukdod – located away from the beach and main tourist areas, opposite the north bus terminal (Lukdod on the Pattaya map). Only accessible by taxi, and group tours are brought here.
- OTOP – this chain's store in Pattaya is currently closed, replaced by Good Goods in Central Festival.
We often visited these shops when we needed to quickly buy gifts for relatives. Honestly, prices aren't the lowest if you know the places, but for tourists with limited time, it's an ideal option.
Electronics: Tukcom store
If you're looking for computer hardware and components, smartphones, photo and video equipment, head straight to Tukcom Pattaya. This is a specialized mall with hundreds of electronics stores. Here you can buy both new and used gadgets, as well as spare parts and accessories. However, prices on most items here are not lower than in Russia, and often higher. Plus, you'll have no warranty if you bring the equipment home. The exception is some smartphone and laptop models that are cheaper in Thailand due to local taxes. Address: 382/14 Moo 9, Pattaya Sai 2 Rd (near Soi 13).
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 21:00 daily.
- How to get there: songthaew along Second Road.
- What to buy: smartphones, laptops, cameras, accessories.
Important note: if you want to buy electronics cheaper than in Russia, always check prices on Russian marketplaces before buying. Often the difference is minimal, and the warranty and power adapters may be local.
Grocery supermarkets: where to buy food and fruit
For those staying in apartments with kitchens or just wanting to buy food for snacks, Pattaya has great supermarkets. The most popular:
- 7-11 – found on literally every corner. You can buy water, snacks, alcohol, ready-made sandwiches, rice, eggs, and some household items. Prices here are higher than in large supermarkets. Card payment minimum is 200 baht – below that, only cash.
- Big C Extra – a large hypermarket on Second Road where you can buy everything: from food to clothes and household chemicals. Lowest prices.
- Friendship Supermarket – located on Pattaya Klang (Soi 9). Excellent selection of products, including meat, fish, vegetables, and Thai spices. Many European and Russian products.
- Lotus's – a hypermarket chain, similar to Russian "Ashan." Several stores in different areas of the city.
- Tops Market – a premium supermarket with a wide selection of quality products, including organic.
- Makro – a wholesale food chain, products are mostly sold in boxes and packages at very low prices. Not all Makro stores accept bank cards – check at the checkout before filling your cart.
Fruit is cheapest at markets (Rompho, Thepprasit) or from street vendors with trucks – fresher and cheaper than in supermarkets.
Clothing and footwear prices in Pattaya
Clothing in Pattaya is one of the main attractions for shopaholics. Prices vary by location:
- Malls (Central Pattaya, Terminal 21): t-shirt – 400–800 baht (11.86–23.73 USD), Levi's jeans – 2000–3000 baht (59.31–88.97 USD), Nike/Adidas sneakers – 2500–4500 baht (74.14–133 USD).
- Markets and small shops (Mike Shopping Mall, Night Bazaar): t-shirt – 100–250 baht (2.97–7.41 USD), shorts – 150–300 baht (4.45–8.9 USD), sundresses – 200–500 baht (5.93–14.83 USD).
- Street stalls and kiosks: prices can be even lower, but quality often matches.
Footwear at markets costs from 200 baht (5.93 USD) for simple sandals to 1500 baht (44.48 USD) for handmade leather sandals.
Where to buy fruit cheaply: real 2026 prices
Fruit prices depend heavily on location. The most expensive fruit is sold in tourist zones (e.g., near Mike Shopping Mall or at Floating Markets). Here are the real minimum fruit prices we encountered and bought personally at different spots (in season):
- Mango: at Rompho market – 50 baht/kg, tourist zone – 60–80 baht/kg, from a truck – 25 baht/kg (when buying 4 kg for 100 baht).
- Mangosteen: Rompho – 50 baht/kg, from a truck – 33 baht/kg, in the center – up to 100–150 baht/kg.
- Rambutan: Rompho – 40 baht/kg, from a truck – 33 baht/kg.
- Longkong: Rompho – 50 baht/kg, from a truck – 33 baht/kg.
- Lychee: in the center – up to 150 baht/kg, at Rompho – about 70–80 baht/kg (off-season more expensive).
- Durian: large fruit – 240–260 baht at Rompho, in the center – 300+.
- Dragon fruit (Pitaya): Rompho – 60 baht/kg.
Tip for buying the cheapest fruit: look for fruit trucks along the roads (especially on Second Road and in the Jomtien area) – they often have the lowest prices, especially if you buy 3–5 kg. Also always haggle at tourist markets, even if the price seems reasonable.
How to haggle in Pattaya: the main rules
Haggling in Thailand isn't just possible – it's expected! Especially at markets and street stalls. Here are a few simple rules to help you save:
- At tourist markets, start with a price 2–3 times lower than what the seller quoted. Then work your way up gradually.
- Be friendly and smile. Thais really appreciate good mood and often give discounts just for a smile. Aggressive and emotional bargaining, like in Turkey or Egypt, isn't accepted here and, from our experience, tends to cause confusion and rejection among local vendors.
- When bargaining, consider the seller's background. Here it's mostly locals and Indians, and from our experience, Indians are tougher to haggle with.
- If the seller won't agree to your price, turn around and pretend to walk away. In most cases, they'll call you back and offer a discount.
- Don't haggle at supermarkets and fixed-price stores (e.g., Big C, 7-11, Lukdod, OTOP) – it's pointless.
Shopping map of Pattaya
To help you navigate, we've prepared a map with markers for all the malls, markets, and stores mentioned. You can save it or use it in the Google Maps mobile app for navigation.
Shopping budget: how much to bring
It's hard to say in advance how much money to bring for shopping in Pattaya – it depends on your needs. But we can give approximate guidelines based on real 2026 prices:
- Budget shopping: t-shirts, shorts, souvenirs, fruit – 1000–1500 baht per person (29.66–44.48 USD) per day.
- Mid-range: clothes from malls, cosmetics, a few souvenirs, dinner at the market – 2000–4000 baht (59.31–119 USD) per day.
- Full shopping spree: branded clothing, electronics, gifts for the whole family – from 5000 baht (148 USD) per day.
Example food prices at markets: portion of insects – 20 baht, battered shrimp – 60 baht, fish with noodles – 160 baht, beer – 75 baht per bottle. At 7-11: bottle of water – 10 baht, sandwich – 30–50 baht.
We recommend carrying cash baht for markets and small shops, as cards aren't accepted everywhere. For large malls, you can use UnionPay cards (Russian cards work).
We have a detailed guide with prices in Pattaya and a trip budget calculator. Just select the type and duration of your trip there, and you'll get an approximate budget. Everything is based strictly on real prices and personal experience.
Duty-free and VAT refund
Thailand has a VAT refund system for tourists. If you buy goods totaling more than 2000 baht per day at participating stores, you can get a VAT refund (about 7%) upon departure. To do this, ask for form P.P.10 at the checkout and present your passport. Price tags and packaging must be kept on the goods. At the airport, go through the refund procedure in the departure area before checking in your luggage.
Airports also have duty-free stores where you can buy alcohol, cosmetics, and chocolate tax-free. Prices are higher than in the city, but it's convenient if you forgot to buy something or have leftover money.
For more details on tax refunds and how to use them, read our guide VAT Refund in Thailand.
