Krabi’s markets provide a delightful shopping experience, featuring a remarkable selection of souvenirs, stylish beachwear, and the freshest seafood. One of the main attractions of Krabi’s street markets is the opportunity to indulge in Thailand’s exquisite gastronomic delights. Savour grilled seafood, various types of meat, decadent desserts, refreshing beverages, and savoury snacks.
The laid-back vibe of Krabi makes shopping here an even more enjoyable experience than at other Thai destinations. You can find homemade Thai condiments, woven bags, leather satchels, home décor, handmade jewellery, and more. Whether you’re a shopper, cultural explorer, or food enthusiast, there’s something for everyone at Krabi’s markets.
Also, check out our guide on some of the best places to visit in Krabi.
Best places for shopping in Krabi
Ao Nang’s Catalunya Walking Street
A must-visit market in Krabi, Ao Nang’s Catalunya Walking Street is home to dozens of small shops, stalls, cafés, and bars. Selling everything from gourmet ice cream to traditional Thai fabrics to casual apparel to stylish beachwear and more, this market offers a relaxed atmosphere. Expect delicious grilled seafood, numerous street performances, and swift tailors who can stitch an entire three-piece suit in a few hours. The market is located right next to Ao Nang Beach, allowing you to take a leisurely stroll there after indulging in shopping.
Opening hours: 9 am to 11 pm on all days.
What to buy: Swimwear, batik items, and shell handicrafts.
What to eat: Spiced watermelon juice, mango sticky rice, and grilled squid smothered in a spicy and buttery sauce.
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Krabi Town Walking Street
One of the top shopping spots in Krabi is the Krabi Town Walking Street, a vibrant night market that comes to life on weekends. Here, you can pick up unbelievable deals on souvenirs, beachwear, handmade trinkets, dried spices, condiments, and clothing. The market is a great place for cultural immersion. Visitors can expect to see live performances, rub shoulders with locals, and enjoy delicious Thai food.
Opening hours: 5 pm to 10 pm from Friday to Sunday, closed on all other days.
What to buy: Silk scarves, fresh and dried spices, and leather satchels with embossed designs.
What to eat: BBQ skewers, various fish cakes, and creamy Thai tea with boba pearls.
Chao Fah Night Market
For seafood enthusiasts, the Chao Fah Night Market is the perfect choice. Located next to Chao Fah Pier, this night market offers the freshest fish and seafood available. From grilled pork to soupy noodles adorned with a variety of ingredients to indulgent Thai desserts and creamy ice creams, this market truly has it all, enhanced by stunning views and seascapes. If you’re looking to buy souvenirs, you’re in luck. This location is ideal for picking up casual clothing, everyday items, and a wide range of souvenirs, from homemade sweets to home décor items.
Opening hours: 5 pm to 12:30 am on all days.
What to buy: Dried fish, printed raincoats, and huge floppy sunhats.
What to eat: Oreo smoothies, battered and fried bananas, and fish dumplings.
Vogue Shopping Center
Vogue Shopping Centre, one of the largest shopping malls in Krabi, is popular among both locals and tourists. Visitors will find nearly everything to meet their essential needs here, and it is also an excellent place to enjoy a quick, flavourful bite of Thai delicacies. The three-storey shopping centre boasts a vast array of global and local brands, ranging from apparel to fast food, and it offers everything from cosmetics to pizza and fried chicken. It’s a fantastic spot for shoppers to escape the outdoor heat and enjoy time in an air-conditioned space filled with great bargains. Vogue Shopping Centre is a must-visit when in Krabi.
Opening hours: 10 am to 9 pm on all days.
What to buy: Cosmetics, beach flip-flops, and electronic gadgets.
What to eat: Banana cake, flavoured shaved ice, and bubble milk tea.
Klong Haeng Saturday Market
Visit Klong Haeng Saturday Market in Krabi to sample some of the freshest Thai fruits and local dishes while indulging in some souvenir hunting. Although it’s more of a food market than a place to shop for clothes and accessories, this is where you can acquire the freshest ingredients for preparing a Thai feast at your homestay or apartment in Krabi. You can also discover handcrafted soaps and lotions at a few shops here, alongside traditional Thai fabrics and jewellery. Once you’ve finished shopping, find a cafe or stall to relax at and savour a couple of delicious seafood snacks.
Opening hours: 3 pm to 7 pm on Saturdays, and closed on all other days.
What to buy: Dried herbs, handmade jewellery, and home decor.
What to eat: Grilled meats, seafood, catfish curry, and steamed shellfish.
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Maharaja Market
Maharaja Market is one of the finest shopping spots in Krabi for food enthusiasts, featuring a wet market (offering fresh produce, seafood, and meats) alongside a dry market (textiles, accessories, souvenirs, and other daily necessities). Many locals and tourists flock here for breakfast, as it boasts a large area dedicated to freshly prepared Thai breakfast staples. The covered market serves as an excellent starting point for a day of sightseeing around Krabi, allowing visitors to escape the heat while indulging in delicious Thai cuisine.
Check out our story on some of the best local dishes in Thailand.
Opening hours: 5 am to 10 pm from Fridays to Sundays, and closed on all other days.
What to buy: Local tea, dried fish, and fresh fruits.
What to eat: Spicy papaya salad, steamed crab, and Fuktong Sangkaya (a small, whole pumpkin steamed with an eggy custard filling).
Best things to buy from Krabi
Some of the best items to purchase in Krabi include batik fabric, handicrafts, dried fruits, homemade sweets, and durian chips. For souvenirs to take home, you can find fridge magnets, distinctive artistic pieces like miniature sculptures, handmade footwear, and colourful costume jewellery.
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Tips for shopping in Krabi
- Bargaining is acceptable at most street markets; however, it is essential to respect the trade and the tradesman when discussing a price.
- Be attentive to your belongings and always keep your valuables secure with you.
- Wear suitable walking shoes to comfortably explore the entire market.
- Ensure you stay well-hydrated throughout the day.
- Ensure you have sufficient cash on hand to cover minor expenses at local shops that may not accept credit cards.
- Beware of counterfeit branded items in the market. Ensure you inspect the item thoroughly before purchasing it.
- Be sure to try local dishes from the street markets. That’s as authentic as it gets.
(Feature image credit: Philip Michael Wilson/Flickr)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, several malls in Krabi offer everything from daily need items to luxury purchases.
While most street markets are ideal for bargaining, there isn’t much scope in the malls.
Yes, you can pick up authentic Thai handicrafts from Krabi, especially shell crafts and woven items.
Yes, most shops in Krabi accept credit cards.
ATMs and currency exchanges are available all over Krabi.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelEsha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More
