If you are heading to Thailand and thinking of doing a little shopping, then this article is perfect for you, as we are answering the question, are luxury brands cheaper in Bangkok?
There are so many incredible places to visit in Bangkok, including The Temple of Dawn, The Grand Palace, and Wat Phra Chetuphon but it is also worth doing a little shopping while you’re in Bangkok too!
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The night markets are fantastic and a must-do experience, plus the range of shopping malls and department stores across the city boast plenty of luxury shopping options – however, you may be wondering are luxury brands cheaper in Bangkok.
That’s where we come in to answer that question and help you get the best deal while you shop in Bangkok. This article not only answers this critical question, but also takes you through some of the best places to do a little luxury shopping in Bangkok, and some stunning luxury items to pick up while you are in Bangkok! Keep reading to find out everything you need to know before your trip to Bangkok.
Are Luxury Brands Cheaper in Bangkok?
In short, no, luxury brands are not cheaper in Bangkok, unless you are visiting from America, Australia, or India. If you are from Europe, Korea, or Japan, luxury goods are likely to be cheaper in your home country than they will be in Thailand.
While the price of goods is roughly the same in Thailand, the US, Australia and in some instances, China, you will also receive a 7% VAT refund as a tourist, if you stay in Thailand for less than 60 days (more on this below).
However, you will notice that luxury items are a little cheaper in Bangkok than they are in the United States, this is due to the fact that import taxes and transportation costs are also added to luxury goods in America, plus the high tax rate means the designer item usually ends up more expensive in the US than in Bangkok.
If you are traveling around this area of the world, it is better to do a little luxury shopping in Hong Kong or Dubai as you will be able to get a better deal on your favorite luxury bag or shoes!
We have created this handy little table so you can understand the price difference between luxury goods in Bangkok compared to other areas in the world. We have used the Gucci Ophidia GG Medium Tote as a price comparison example.
As you can see, America is the most expensive country on this list, with Bangkok as the second most expensive, while Italy is the cheapest. This displays how luxury goods are likely to be more expensive in Bangkok than in most other countries, except America.
Plus you can see how Hong Kong, which is relatively close to Bangkok, has cheaper prices and definitely worth the trip if you are traveling around South East Asia.
VAT Refund System
It is also worth noting that Bangkok has a tourist tax refund system, similar to the one that is available in many European countries, but you need to make sure to shop in VAT refund stores and fill in all the paperwork before you leave the country. The VAT refund rate in Thailand is 7%.
Let’s take a look at how you get this tax refund and save a little more money on your luxury purchase:
- Firstly, you must be a tourist, you cannot be a resident of Thailand.
- This is only available on products purchased from stores that are a part of the VAT refund scheme and display a ‘VAT Refund For Tourists’ sign.
- Goods must cost more than ฿5,000 ($142) or a single purchase must cost at least ฿2,000 ($57)
- You have to take your luxury item out of the country within 60 days of purchasing it.
This means the system is ideal if you are on holiday in Thailand and want to pick up something extra special on your trip.
When you purchase your high-end product, you must present the sales assistant with your passport, as they will need this to fill out the PP10 form (the VAT refund application form), which is an essential part of receiving this refund. You will also need to make sure the sales assistant attaches the original tax invoice to your PP10 form when you are in the store.
Then, when you are flying out of the country, you must visit the customs office so they can sign off your VAT refund application form; they may also inspect the item(s) you have purchased so it is always worth having these on hand at the airport. Once you have your form signed off, you will receive your 7% refund.
If your purchases are under ฿30,000 then the refund will be made in cash. If your purchases are more than ฿30,000, then the refund will be transferred to your credit card.
You also need to be aware that Thailand is one of the few countries that implements refund fees. There is a ฿100 fee for cash refunds and ฿200+ fee for a refund transferred to your credit card.
The Best Places to Shop in Bangkok
Now you know the answer to, are luxury brands cheaper in Bangkok, you need to know where to shop! There are so many incredible places shopping centers, markets, and luxury shopping malls in Bangkok that you need to check out on your next trip to the city. It is always making sure you are buying genuine luxury items since there is a fake luxury market in Bangkok too. The best way to make sure you are buying real, authentic pieces is to shop at genuine luxury stores so you know you are not buying anything fake. Let’s take a look at the best places for shopping in Bangkok:
1. Icon Siam
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Icon Siam is one the newest malls in Bangkok and is home to a wide range of stores, including Prada, Rolex, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Christian Louboutin, and many, many others. This vast mall holds restaurants, art exhibitions, the Alangkarn Waterfall, a fitness club, and a cinema too, plus an indoor floating market – just incredible.
2. Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is another super popular luxury mall that is a must-visit spot. In this mall you will find, a cinema complex, the Bangkok Sea Life Aquarium, and Madame Tussauds Bangkok, as well a whole variety of fashion, makeup, homeware, and jewelry stores.
If you want to do a little clothes shopping, you have to visit the first, second, and third floors, which is where you will find lots of high-end brands, such as Ralph Lauren, Max Mara, Coach, and Michael Kors. While international brands, including Cartier, Dior, Burberry, Loewe, Hermes, Chanel, Fendi, Celine, Jimmy Choo, and Louis Vuitton are all located on the main floor.
3. Platinum Fashion Mall
The Platinum Fashion Mall, located in Pratunam, Bangkok is a great place to visit to get some good deals. This Mall is described as a wholesale fashion hub where you will be able to find lots of incredible clothes, shoes, and accessories at a fantastic prices.
You need to know your size before you go since, you can’t try any pieces on, but with over 2,000 shops within this shopping mall, you are bound to find lots of pieces you love.
4. Markets
There are also lots of outdoor markets and night markets which will give you an experience of Thai food and entertainment. The Patpong Markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market, MBK Center, and the Old Siam Plaza are all must-visit locations in Bangkok and are ideal if you want to do a little cheaper shopping and find some items you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else in the world.
Best-selling Luxury Bags to Add to Your Wish list
If you do happen to do a little luxury shopping in Bangkok, these are some great pieces we think you should pick up while you’re on holiday.
These handbags are from some of the top fashion houses for a totally luxe look, and are each great investment pieces that will never go out of style, so you can style your new bag in a whole variety of ways for years and years to come!
1. Louis Vuitton
The Louis Vuitton Neonoe bag has a long history after first being introduced in the 1930s as a way to carry champagne and then over the years becoming a best-selling handbag. This Louis Vuitton Neonoe is crafted from LV monogram coated canvas and then trimmed with black leather and gold hardware for a luxe finish.
The interior of the bag is lined with Alcantara and fitted with a slip pocket – ideal for smaller items you don’t want to lose the bottom of your bag. This bucket bag is finished with a leather shoulder strap – just perfect!
The Louis Vuitton Epi Twist Shoulder Bag is the perfect handbag to take you from day to night! This stunning shoulder bag is crafted from black epi leather for a striking, textured finish and then decorated with sparkling silver hardware.
We love the silver LV logo that acts as a twist lock to open the front flap, revealing a leather-lined interior, fitted with two pockets and card slots, making it easy to stay super organized and always find just what you need. The silver chain link shoulder strap can be worn across the body or on the shoulder – so versatile!
2. Gucci
The Gucci Dionysus bag is an iconic handbag, with a timeless and chic look, making it a must-have in any luxury handbag collection. This structured shoulder bag is crafted from GG supreme canvas, in the beige and ebony color combination, and then decorated with a crystal-encrusted silver tiger head closure.
It is this tiger head embellishment that gives the Dionysus bag its name, since the Greek god Dionysus crossed the river Tigris on the back of a tiger. The sliding chain strap means this bag can be a crossbody or shoulder bag, while the roomy interior is spacious enough for your everyday essentials and fitted with a pocket too.
This Gucci Ophidia Large Tote Bag looks gorgeous and is super practical too! The bag has a quintessentially Gucci look, with the GG Supreme canvas and gleaming gold GG logo sitting on the front of the tote. This Gucci bag is finished with dark brown leather trim and fitted with four brown leather straps – two top handles to carry in your hand or longer straps to loop over your shoulder.
The interior is super spacious – ideal for your workday or weekend must-have items – plus you will find a key chain hook inside the bag so you can always find your keys easily! Pick up this beautiful tote for just $1,980.
3. Saint Laurent
There are so many gorgeous bags available from Saint Laurent, but this Loulou Medium Chain Shoulder Bag is one of our favorites. This luxurious bag has a roomy interior and plush exterior, making it totally irresistible!
The Loulou shoulder bag is crafted from lambskin leather that has been sumptuously padded and quilted for a stunning look. The front of the bag is decorated with a gold YSL logo, while the sliding chain strap is also gold-toned and finished with a leather shoulder pad for extra comfort.
Inside the bag, you will find two compartments, split with a zip pocket in the middle so it’s easy to stay organized. There are lots of different colors available so you can find the option that best suits your personal style.
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If you are looking for a slimmer, sleeker shoulder bag, this Saint Laurent Medium Envelope Chain Shoulder Bag is a great option. This bag is made from textured, grain de poudre leather that has been quilted in three different ways, channel and chevron quilting on the front flap and diamond quilting on the body of the bag.
The YSL logo makes a statement on the front flap, which then opens to reveal a spacious interior, fitted with a couple of slip pockets – just perfect! The chain strap slides so this bag can be styled on the shoulder or across the body. This timeless, sophisticated luxury handbag retails for just $2,950.
4. Christian Dior
The luxury brand, Christian Dior is best known for elegant and polished ready-to-wear collections, shoes, and bags – as you can see with this beautiful Dior Saddle Bag. Every handbag enthusiasts need this bag in their collection since it is such a classic and endlessly stylish bag.
This edition of the saddle bag is crafted from blush pink grained calfskin leather and decorated with glittering gold hardware in the form of a D charm on the front and the CD initials at the shoulder strap. The interior, which is lined with nude suede, is fitted with a zip pocket and is just the right size for your evening out essentials.
The Lady Dior bags are another iconic handbag available from the French fashion house, with a structured silhouette and statement leather top handles. This Lady Dior bag is made from pale grey lambskin leather, which is a fantastic shade that will suit so many different outfits, and then finished with gold hardware.
The front of the bag is embellished with a gold hanging Dior charm, while the grey suede interior is fitted with a patch pocket and a zipper pocket. This small Lady Dior is great for everyday use, but there are lots of other sizes and colors available to suit your personal style.
5. Versace
This Versace La Medusa Canvas Logo Tote has that quintessentially Versace statement look, with the eye-catching canvas exterior and Medusa hardware.
The black canvas of this tote has been printed with rows and rows of the Versace brand name in white for a striking, contrasting look, plus there is a black Medusa head logo sitting on the front of the bag too.
The top handles are crafted from black leather, while the open top allows easy access to the spacious interior, fitted with a handy zip pocket to hold your keys and card case so they are always quick to find! This Versace tote bag retails for $1,650 and is an excellent way to add a little luxury to your busy weekend look!
If you are looking for something a little more minimalist, this Versace Medium Greca Goddess Leather Shoulder Bag is just perfect for you! The sleek calfskin leather bag has a beautifully curved silhouette and is embellished with gleaming gold Greca hardware – a motif that is synonymous with the Versace brand and is seen decorating clothes, shoes, and handbags.
This handbag comes with a removable and adjustable leather shoulder strap and a removable chain strap so you can adapt the bag to suit your look. The front flap opens to reveal a surprisingly roomy interior, fitted with a wall pocket. This Versace bag is also available in bright pink if you want something bold and attention-grabbing.
6. Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta is quickly becoming one the top luxury brands within the fashion industry, with their high-quality materials, incredible craftsmanship, and playful silhouettes, all of which you can see in this gorgeous Bottega Veneta Jodie Teen Intrecciato Napa Shoulder Bag!
This shoulder bag has a curved silhouette, while the arching shoulder strap makes this bag into a complete circle, finished with a knot at one end of the shoulder strap. This designer bag is crafted from strips of lambskin leather, which have been woven together in the signature Intrecciato style.
The top zipper allows easy access to the roomy interior, which features one zip pocket to make it easy to stay organized. This Jodie bag is available in a wide range of different colors, from bright shades to neutral, plus there is a mini version available, which would make the perfect accessory for an evening out.
The Bottega Veneta Andiamo Small Intreccio Top-Handle Bag is a new addition to the Bottega bag collection but has already been worn by the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jacob Elordi, Omar Apollo, and Michelle Yeoh.
This stunning bag has a soft, tote-bag like structure, again crafted from lambskin leather woven using the Intrecciato technique, which is now synonymous with the Bottega Veneta brand. The Andiamo bag has rolled leather top handles and a woven leather shoulder strap that threads through each side of the bag and is finished with a glittering gold metal knot at the front of the bag.
The open top features a magnetic closure, while the interior is super spacious and fitted with a zipper pocket so you can always find just what you need. This top handle bag retails for $4100 and is available in black, taupe, and white.
We hope you found this article answering the question, are luxury brands cheaper in Bangkok, helpful!
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