Services & Shopping

One of the hardest things about arriving in a new area is being unsure where to go for items you need.  Where is the nearest grocery store?  Where can you buy an iron?  Where can you have your clothes cleaned?  These are all questions that you will probably want answers to as soon as you arrive.  This chapter gives information about where to buy consumer goods and obtain services for your home, car, office and family.  It provides lists of shops, the products and services offered and their locations.  Most shops usually open late morning and close late at night.  Supermarkets tend to open earlier; some are open 24 hours.

Shopping in the Pattaya/Sri Racha area can be very different from shopping in your own country.  You probably won’t find the same selection, but because of the relatively high proportion of foreigners here, a very reasonable choice of products is now on sale.  The larger department stores, supermarkets and malls are usually near the centre of the towns, and many of the outlying shopping areas consist of small shops called shop-houses.

Shophouses are a combination of shop and home for the owner.  The shop is on street level and the family lives in the rooms at the back and above the shop.  They are usually fully open in the front with a variety of goods ranging from cooking needs to cleaning products.  When they close, the shutters slide down and cover the shop front.  It is usual for the shop to be run by the wife while the husband is at work.  Many of the shops have a cooler for drinks, and some have a few tables set up for serving fried rice and noodles.

Bargaining is expected everywhere except in the big department stores, supermarkets and food markets.  In the tourist centres of Pattaya and Jomtien, the prices may be inflated to almost twice the real price to allow room for bargaining.  They expect you to tell them their product is too expensive – ‘paeng‘.  Most shop keepers use a calculator to show you the asking price and then hand you the calculator so you can make your counter offer.  Start at half the price and work your way up.

Purchases in Thailand are mostly on a cash basis.  You can use credit cards in some stores but there are limitations and precautions.  Use your credit cards only at reputable businesses and with caution because credit card fraud is growing.  Do not let your card out of your sight, because someone might make more imprints or steal your data.  Major department stores and supermarkets accept credit card purchases, but some charge a 3% or more handling fee.

As with all sections of the Living in Pattaya and Rayong Guide that appear on this site, please use the Best Map Guide of Pattaya to help you locate the businesses.  Most all the businesses listed in the ‘Guide‘ should be on the map.  Please remember that the listings here are only a guideline and that there are many other shops available.  Things change very quickly in Pattaya.  Businesses come and go in a matter of weeks, so some of the information may no longer be valid.  Please contact the PILC through this website with any updated information you might acquire, to the attention of Peggy Wragge.

 

DEPARTMENT STORES / MALLS

In general, department stores and supermarkets have many of the same items you would find at home, but probably with a smaller choice of brands.  Most department stores have a supermarket section.  ATMs can be found at all these shopping centres.  Generally, stores are open daily from around 1100 to 2300.

Central Festival Center Pattaya
On Pattaya Second Road.  Big signs.  Can be accessed from Second Road or North Pattaya Road.
Tel:  038-361443/1445
Hours:  1100 – 2300 Daily
This mall has a Big C supermarket, shops, pharmacies, numerous small boutiques, restaurants on the ground and first floors, as well as some Western fast food places.  There is a large cinema on the third floor.  Large parking area, but this gets very full on weekends.  Often referred to as Bic C Shopping Centre or just Big C.  (A second facility is located on Sukhumvit Road, just south of Pattaya Tai, next to Home Works.)

Central Festival Pattaya Beach
Access from Beach Road or Second Road, between Pattaya Tai and Pattaya Klang, north of Mike Mall.
Tel:  033-003999
Website:  www.centralfestival.co.th
Hours:  1000-2200 Daily
Billed as the Largest Beachfront Lifestyle Shopping Complex in Asia, this is the most chic that Pattaya has to offer.  Over 200 fashion outlets and boutiques, health and beauty salons, the latest in technology and toys, movie theatres, and restaurants galore.  And, of course, the Central Department Store with all the latest in fashions and housewares.  Good supermarket and bakery in the basement, but a little pricey.

Comcity Sriracha
On east side of Sukhumvit Road when arriving in Sri Racha (formerly Laem Thong Department Store).
Hours:  1100 – 2300 Daily
This is a mall with an IT-City store and many smaller computer and mobile phone shops.  There is an S&P bakery with Thai food menu and other fast food places and a Saveway supermarket in the basement.

Mike Shopping Mall
Between Central Pattaya Road and South Pattaya Road.  Entry to the Mall and underground car park from Beach Road and Pattaya Second Road.
Tel:  038-412000/9
Hours:  1100 – 2300 Daily
You can find the usual department store items including clothing, shoes, handbags, sport items, stationery, domestic appliances, musical instruments, a small supermarket and a food court (fixed prices).  There are also a number of market stall type shops at the Beach Road entrance (bargaining allowed).  When you make a purchase, remember to get your parking ticket stamped for reduced parking fees.

Outlet Mall
Corner of Thepprasit Road and Sukhumvit Road next to Tesco Lotus.
Tel:  038-427764/7
Hours:  1100 – 2300 Daily
Shops on two floors selling a range of national and international branded goods at outlet or second choice prices.  Mostly fashion stores but there are also shops selling shoes, china, sportswear and gear, gifts and bedding.  There are some bargains, but many prices seem to be the same as elsewhere.  There is also a coffee shop.

The Avenue
On Second Road, between Pattaya Tai and Pattaya Klang.
Large open-air mall with cinemas, bowling, gym, restaurants and fast food, supermarket, and various other shops.  Good central location and fun night-time destination.

Tukcom
From Sukhumvit, turn on Pattaya Tai (South) Road.   Just past Friendship Supermarket on the right.
Tel:  038-724162
This is a 5-story mall with an IT-City store and many smaller computer, mobile phone, CD/DVD, and software shops.  Some food, drink, and snacks are available.

 

Please excuse our mess.  This page is currently under construction.  Please check this space again soon for valuable information.  Thank you.