Shopping in Hua Hin

Hua Hin and the area around it have wonderful places to shop for virtually all of Thailand's traditional handicrafts. In addition, the town itself has become a centre for contemporary art with several small galleries featuring works by local artists. If you’re looking for a suit or dress, there are legions of tailors in hotels and other areas that will craft one to your specifications.
There are also numerous opportunities to purchase reasonably priced handbags, sunglasses, costume jewellery, prescription glasses, or ready-made clothing. As elsewhere in Thailand, bartering is the norm, and you will achieve the best prices doing so with a friendly approach and big smile.

Other than a few factory outlets on Petchakasem Road, there are no large shopping malls. Instead you will find small shops operated by individual proprietors who pride themselves in offering personalised service. Although not considered as a shopping destination, shopping is always a fun component of the recipe for a perfect holiday, and you won’t be short on opportunities. A highlight of shopping in Hua Hin is that it is much more of a ‘local’ experience, with lots of small shops selling a wide variety of things, making the shopping excursion more of a ‘discovery’. Head over to the day and night markets for a great experience bartering on all kinds of things with the friendly locals.

Hua Hin Night Market and other markets

Although thought of primarily as a place to eat, Hua Hin's Night Market and the adjoining Night Plaza (located in the centre of town adjacent to Dechanuchit Road, just west of Phetkasem Road) is always a great place to eat and shop with the locals. In the evening additional food vendors set up along Dechanuchit Road between Chatchai Market and the Night Plaza, a market devoted primarily to tourist shops. The combination of these three market areas, provides Hua Hin with one of Thailand's largest and most bustling night markets. There is something for everyone here, including handicrafts, traditional Thai food and numerous vendors several selling seafood for much less than you would find it in a standard restaurant.

Another market worth visiting is the Pae Mae market. It appears only on Tuesdays and can be found near the driving range at Royal Hua Hin Golf Club. Here you can watch locals shop for anything that can be transported to a once-a-week marketplace. It's great fun and offers a slice of Thai life sometimes missed by visitors. Excellent to shop for Thai trinkets and handicrafts.

For local handicrafts, the Hua Hin Bazaar, about 100 meters west of the beach, should be your first stop. There are hundreds of items in the shops, from shells and wood carvings to dried fish.

What to buy in Hua Hin

Despite the fact that Hua Hin is not known for shopping, visitors are often surprised by the variety (and quality!) of goods that can be found here. From an exquisite painting and beautifully-crafted item to silk and colorful printed cotton, a little shopping spree might just be the perfect way to spend time if you’re looking for a break from the sun and beach-side frolics. Here are some good buys to look out for…

Souvenir shops can be found in on Naret Damri Road, Decha Nuchit Road, Chomsin Road, Damnoen Kasem Road, and the nearby areas. Some best buys include the printed cotton and silk fabric called ‘khommaphat’, fashion accessories and housewares made of coconut shells, other handicrafts, dried seafood, pineapples, coconuts and a variety of processed fruits.

Thai silk is always a good buy and difficult to resist, available everywhere in many styles and colours. Tailors advertise that they can make garments in a day or so, but remember you get what you pay for. When purchasing silk, make sure you buy a quality product from reputable shops. Sometimes Thai ‘silk’ is interwoven with synthetics, which means an inferior product. Thai silk is famous and highly sought-after worldwide. Originally used exclusively for clothing, it has also become popular to be used for upholstery, soft furnishings and a big variety of other exciting interior-related applications.

Thai cotton is not as well-known as silk, but certainly worth consideration because of its superior quality and the fact that it is so ideal for this humid climate. Many shops offer all kinds of clothing for men and women made from hand-woven Thai cotton. It is increasingly also being used for a variety of interior decorating applications. Another good fabric to look out for is ‘kom ma phat’, colourful cotton prints that Hua Hin is renowned for and available in many local shops.

Yes, there have been all kinds of jewelry and gemstone scams, but the quality of Thai gems and jewelry is also well-known. Sapphires and rubies are great buys, and Thai design styles (modern or traditional) are very distinct and exquisite. Thai gold sells for considerably cheaper than in Europe or the US, and is available in many Chinese gold shops around town. The secret of ensuring you are buying from a reputable dealer is to ask for certificates of authentification, as well as professional accreditation. Fortunately, many scams have been exposed, and are occurring less frequently.

Even though Hua Hin in not known for pottery-making, examples of this craft from other regions in Thailand are available in many Hua Hin shops. Originally made in Thailand during the Sukhothai period, Thai Celedon (hand-painted tableware ceramics) remains one of the best things you can buy in Thailand, even though it can tip the luggage scale to scary heights.

Where to shop in Hua Hin

The most fun part of shopping is always to explore on your own, but it’s great to have some pointers too. Here are a few places to get you started…