If you are considering a trip to Pattaya, Thailand, you should know that the city offers much more than just beaches and a vibrant nightlife. Only two hours’ drive from Bangkok, this seaside city is also a shopping paradise, offering lively marketplaces, locally produced jewelry, handcrafted handicrafts, and authentic Thai goods that make perfect gifts or mementos.
One of the primary draws for many UAE nationals traveling to Thailand is shopping in Pattaya. Whether it’s delicious Thai snacks, scented spa products, or beautifully designed home décor, you’ll find something special to take home.
Here in this article, Global Sky Visa has shortlisted for you the 10 best things to buy in Pattaya, along with insider shopping tips, cultural insights, and where to buy them — so that you can make the most out of your shopping in Thailand.
1. Thai Silk – A Symbol of Luxury and Craftsmanship
If there’s anything that represents Thailand’s timeless sophistication, it’s Thai silk. This lustrous, smooth fabric has been handwoven by locals for centuries and is world-famous for its quality.
Where to Buy:
Pattaya Floating Market — A great place to find authentic, handwoven silk scarves and clothes.
Royal Thai Silk shops and Jim Thompson outlets in the shopping malls of Pattaya.
Why It’s Worth Buying:
Thai silk is ideal for souvenirs, gifts, or fashion pieces, and it’s lighter and easier to pack than you’d imagine. UAE travelers often choose silk shawls or cushion covers as elegant keepsakes.
2. Thai Spa and Herbal Products – Bring Home Relaxation
Thailand is known for its world-class spas, and Pattaya offers plenty of herbal and natural skincare products to recreate that relaxing experience at home.
You’ll find body oils, herbal compress balls, coconut-based lotions, and aromatic soaps made from lemongrass, jasmine, and coconut milk — all signature Thai scents.
Where to Buy:
Boots or Watsons stores in major malls
Pattaya Floating Market for locally made, organic spa items
Terminal 21 and Central Pattaya Mall
Pro Tip:Purchase in sets — they make excellent gifts for family members or friends back in the UAE, especially if they enjoy spa treatments and natural beauty care.
3. Thai Snacks and Dried Fruits – Bring Thailand Home
If you’ve visited a Thai market previously, then you know how impossible it is to miss the aroma of sweet mangoes and coconuts. Dried fruits are one of the best (and tastiest!) souvenirs to bring home from Pattaya.
Some of the favorites are dried mango, durian chips, banana crisps, and tamarind candies.
Where to Buy:
Big C Super center Pattaya
Tops Market in Central Festival Pattaya
Local street markets like Thepprasit Night Market
Travel Tip:Pack them in airtight bags to keep out dampness and retain freshness. They make a wonderful gift to introduce friends in Abu Dhabi or Dubai to a taste of Thailand.
4. Thai Silver Jewelry – Affordable Luxury
Thai silver jewelry from Pattaya and Chiang Mai is famous for its intricate designs and quality workmanship. The options are endless — from subtle rings to statement necklaces, and the prices are quite affordable.
Where to Buy:
Mike Shopping Mall
Tiffany’s Jewelry Store Pattaya
Pattaya Night Bazaar
Why UAE Travelers Love It:
Thai silver jewelry usually involves cultural patterns like elephants, flowers, and Buddhist symbols. It’s a meaningful souvenir that’s both trendy and authentic.
5. Elephant-Themed Souvenirs – Thailand’s National Icon
Elephants are special in Thai culture — they represent wisdom, strength, and good fortune. Which is why elephant souvenirs are ubiquitous in Pattaya, ranging from T-shirts to sculptures and keychains.
Where to Buy:
Pattaya Floating Market
Shops along Walking Street
Souvenir shops at Sanctuary of Truth or Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
What to Look For:
Go for hand-carved wooden elephants or elephant-print cloth items for something that will seem special and distinctive.
6. Coconut Oil and Organic Beauty Products
Thailand’s tropical climate makes coconut oil a local staple — for cooking, skincare, and even hair care. You’ll find 100% pure, cold-pressed coconut oil everywhere in Pattaya, often infused with herbs or essential oils.
Where to Buy:
Local pharmacies or spa shops
Central Pattaya Mall
Street stalls near Pattaya Beach
UAE Tip:Products made of coconut oil are ideal to combat dry weather at home. Purchase small-sized bottles or gift sets to take advantage of Thailand’s lower prices.
7. Handmade Thai Handicrafts – Art from the Heart
Thai artisans are famous for their creativity and skillfulness. From lacquerware and bamboo lamps to hand-painted pottery, Pattaya has countless traditional crafts that add warmth to any space.
Where to Buy:
Pattaya Floating Market
Art in Paradise gift shop
Local craft stores along Second Road
What to Look For:
Handmade items are typically signed or labeled by the artist — a wonderful way to support local craftsmanship and bring home a unique souvenir.
8. Thai Fashion and Beachwear
Shopping for clothes in Pattaya is fun and affordable. You’ll find trendy summer outfits, cotton dresses, sarongs, and custom-tailored suits — all at great prices compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Where to Buy:
Thepprasit Night Market for local brands
Central Festival Pattaya for designer stores
Street stalls along Beach Road for casual wear
Shopping Tip: Don’t hesitate to negotiate at street markets — it’s part of the Thai shopping experience.
9. Aromatic Candles and Essential Oils
A must-purchase for travelers who love scents and indulgence, Thai aromatic candles and essential oils distill the fragrance of local ingredients like jasmine, lemongrass, and frangipani. They’re perfect gifts for friends and family or a nice addition to your home spa.
Where to Buy:
Pattaya Floating Market
Terminal 21 Pattaya
Boutique spa shops along Beach Road
Travel Tip:Go for soy-based or locally produced candles — they’re eco-friendly and travel well.
10. Thai Souvenir Sets – Perfect for Gifting
Can’t decide what to buy? Go for Thai souvenir sets that combine best-sellers — like herbal balms, teas, incense, or small statues. These sets are ready-made and available at most tourist shops.
Where to Buy:
Pattaya Night Bazaar
Duty-free airport shops
Big C or 7-Eleven gift sections
UAE Traveler Tip: Souvenir sets make great gifts for family members or co-workers — and they’re light, cheap, and well-packaged.
Bonus: Shopping Tips for UAE Residents Visiting Pattaya
Here are some speedy tips to ensure a memorable and trouble-free shopping experience:
Carry Cash (Thai Baht): While most malls accept cards, local markets are cash-only affairs.
Bargain Politely: Haggling is normal, but always smile — Thai shopkeepers appreciate politeness.
Watch Weight Limits: While returning to Dubai, remember baggage restrictions while shopping for heavyweight goods.
Check Authenticity: While shopping for valuables like jewelry or silk, shop at established shops or outlets.
Stay Hydrated: Shopping outdoors in Pattaya’s humidity can be tiring — carry a water bottle!
Why UAE Travelers Love Pattaya
Pattaya is more than a shopping hub — it’s a complete traveling experience. From cultural attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth to beach activities, there is something for every kind of traveler.
For UAE residents, Pattaya is particularly attractive as:
Visa-on-arrival arrangements make it easy to travel.
✈️ Direct flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Luxury at rates that are lower than other Asian cities.
And with Global Sky Visa, you can enjoy a hassle-free visa experience — so you can focus on sightseeing, relaxing, and of course… shopping!
How Global Sky Visa Makes It Easy for UAE Residents to Visit Pattaya
At Global Sky Visa, we offer stress-free, fast, and simple international travel. Our team will make your Thailand visa application process smooth from start to finish, whether it’s for a family vacation, honeymoon, or solo trip.
This is how we can help UAE travelers:
✅ Fast and reliable Thailand visa application services
✅ Travel documentation and requirement advice
✅ Hotel booking and travel insurance support
✅ Multi-country Asian tour specialist advice
With GEO-optimized visa services specifically for Dubai and Abu Dhabi residents, we make your travel dreams come true.
✨ Final Thoughts
Shopping in Pattaya is an experience in itself — lively markets, friendly vendors, and souvenirs that you’ll cherish long after you’ve left. Whether it’s Thai silk, coconut oil, and jewelry or handmade crafts, you’re sure to find something that captures the essence of Thailand.
So for your next trip, let Global Sky Visa take care of your Thailand tourist visa while you get your shopping list ready. Pattaya markets beckon — with vibrant souvenirs and recollections that you’ll love taking back home.