Bangkok is famous for its glitzy malls and lively street markets, but thrift shopping here offers something truly special, calling out to both savvy bargain hunters and fashion-forward explorers.

In this guide, we’ll unveil a universe of second-hand gems, vintage treasures, and sustainable style that’ll make your fashion-loving heart sing. 

Forget the fancy boutiques and shopping malls; these thrift stores hold the keys to finding unique fashion pieces, rediscovering forgotten classics, and more! Let’s go!

5 Reasons Why You Should Shop at a Thrift Store

Thinking about hitting up a thrift store soon? Well, you’re in for a treat! Check out these compelling reasons why thrift stores are worth your time and money:

Sustainable Shopping: Thrift shopping is basically a superhero move for the planet. It cuts down on textile waste, so you’re a fashion eco-warrior when you shop secondhand.

You can also help combat the fast fashion cycle, which often relies on cheap labour and unsustainable practices. Thrift shopping encourages a shift towards more ethical and sustainable consumption.

Hidden Gems: Some thrift stores secretly stash designer or high-end brands on their racks. Get familiar with logos and labels to score great deals!

Cost Savings: Thrift shopping allows you to stretch your budget further. You can find high-quality clothing and accessories at a fraction of the cost of new items, helping you save money for other priorities.

Vintage Appeal: Vintage clothing has enduring charm and can be a conversation starter. Thrift shopping allows you to add a touch of nostalgia and history to your wardrobe.

Support Local: Thrift stores, especially those run by local charities or small businesses, play a vital role in the community. Your purchases often support important social and economic initiatives.

Essential Tips When Buying Secondhand Clothes

To have the best time thrift shopping, you should know the basics and have some tricks up your sleeve. Check out these tips to ace your next secondhand shopping spree, whether it’s in Bangkok or anywhere else:

Set a spending limit: Keep your wallet in check by deciding on a budget ahead of time. Remember, secondhand stuff often comes with a friendlier price tag than brand-new gear.

Give it the once-over: When you’re sifting through the racks, give your potential new duds a good look. Check for any signs of wear and tear, like stains, holes, or loose seams. 

Don’t forget to inspect zippers, buttons, and clasps to make sure they’re up for the job.

Know your size: Know your measurements like the back of your hand. Sizing can be wonky between different brands and time periods, so don’t get hung up on the labels.

Quality is key: Keep an eye out for top-notch fabrics and craftsmanship, even in secondhand goods. Well-made stuff tends to last longer and keep its value.

Don’t be afraid to haggle: In many thrift shops, prices are up for negotiation. Don’t be shy about asking for a discount, especially if you’re stocking up on multiple items.

Patience pays off: Thrift shopping is a treasure hunt, so keep your cool and hit those stores regularly. Don’t sweat it if you don’t strike gold on your first try.

List of Best Places for Thrift Shopping in Bangkok

We’ve lined up some fantastic thrift shops in Bangkok for you below. Happy thrift shopping!

Chatuchak Weekend Market

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Address: 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Operating hours: 

• Monday and Tuesday – Closed
• Thursday and Wednesday – 7 AM to 6 PM (Plant section only)
• Friday – 6 PM to 12 AM (Wholesale only)
• Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM (Whole Market open)

Website

If you’re ever up in the northern part of Bangkok, don’t miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market – it’s basically shopaholic heaven, especially on weekends. 

It has a whopping 15,000 stalls offering everything under the sun, from snazzy clothing and cool accessories to vintage treasures and knick-knacks you never knew you needed. Vintage fashion fanatics, you’re in luck – they’ve got dedicated stalls for retro finds that span the ages. 

Oh, and don’t forget your haggling game; it’s practically a sport here. Prices are fair, but a bit of friendly negotiation can score you some real steals. But Chatuchak isn’t just about shopping – it’s a whole cultural experience. 

Here, you can also chow down on mouthwatering street food, check out artsy crafts, and soak up the lively vibes. And remember, it’s a weekend gig, so clear your schedule and plan to get lost (in a good way) amidst the maze of stalls. 

Talad Rot Fai (Train Night Market)

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Address: 1 4 Srinakarin Rd, Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok 10250, Thailand

Operating hours: 

• Monday to Wednesday – Closed
• Thursday to Sunday – 5 PM to 1 AM

Website

For the hunt for some retro treasures in Bangkok, you’ve got to check out Talad Rot Fai, a.k.a. the Train Night. This place oozes vintage vibes from every corner, with its old-school decor, classic cars, and antique knick-knacks that’ll take you on a nostalgia trip. 

And speaking of trips, collectors will have a field day here, scouring through vintage toys, vinyl records, movie posters, and more. 

There’s more! They’ve got a whole section dedicated to secondhand and vintage clothing, so you can deck yourself out in rare fashion finds with a serious retro flair. Plus, as you meander through, you’ll catch live music acts and cultural performances that amp up the lively atmosphere. 

Hungry? No worries, there’s a smorgasbord of street food stalls, bars, and restaurants to tickle your taste buds. And here’s the kicker – this market comes to life when the sun goes down, making it the ultimate spot for a unique night out in the bustling heart of Bangkok. 

Pratunam Market

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Address: Soi Phetchaburi 21, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Operating hours: Daily 5 AM to 9 PM

Website

Pratunam Market is a shopping haven that’s got something for everyone. Fashionistas, listen up – this place is a treasure trove of affordable clothing and fashion accessories that’ll have you styling on a budget. 

From hip streetwear to traditional Thai attire, you’ll find a dizzying array of styles to choose from. But here’s the kicker – if you’re into buying stuff in bulk, Pratunam is your jam. 

Many vendors here offer wholesale prices, so it’s a paradise for resellers or anyone looking to stock up on budget-friendly fashion goodies. And let’s not forget the accessories – bags, scarves, sunglasses, and costume jewellery galore.

If you want a quieter, more chilled-out experience, hit up the market in the morning. That’s when it’s less crowded, and you can also snag fresh produce and flowers alongside your thrift shopping spree. 

Eco Ring

Address: 295 Rama 3 Road, Bang Kho Laem Subdistrict, Bang Kho District, Plaem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand

Operating hours: Daily 10 AM to 7 PM

Eco Ring isn’t your run-of-the-mill thrift store – it’s the real deal with seven spots spread across Bangkok. This store is all about sustainable living and doing things differently. 

They team up with big-shot corporations like furniture makers, fashion hotshots, and DIY shops to rescue stuff that’s still got plenty of life in it but might’ve ended up in the dumpster. 

We’re talking about everything from kitchen gear to fancy furniture, musical instruments to branded goodies, baby stuff to bikes – they’ve got it all. And here’s the real deal: they hook you up with these gems at a steal, way less than their original price.

So, whether you’re a bargain-hunting champ, an eco-warrior shopper, or just someone who gets the charm of pre-loved stuff, Eco Ring is where you wanna be in the heart of Bangkok. It’s like a sustainable shopping paradise! 

(un)FASHION Vintage Collection

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Address: 3 Ekkamai 10 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Operating hours: Daily 10 AM to 5:30 PM

Website

In the heart of Bangkok lies a hidden gem for vintage fashion aficionados – (un)FASHION Vintage Collection. This place is a standout destination for anyone on the hunt for one-of-a-kind retro styles. 

They take their vintage seriously, curating a selection of clothing and accessories that’s all about authenticity and fashion-forward flair. It’s like a treasure trove of fashion history, with pieces spanning eras from the roaring ’20s to the groovy ’70s and the eclectic ’90s. 

Quality is king here. You won’t find worn-out threads; instead, they focus on well-preserved, excellent-condition pieces that are not only stylish but built to last.

But it’s not just about the clothes – (un)FASHION also offers a smorgasbord of vintage accessories, from handbags and shoes to jewellery and hats, all ready to add a distinctive touch to your ensemble.

Plus, the staff here knows their vintage fashion history inside out, so they can help you dig up the perfect retro pieces that suit your style. And the shopping experience? It’s boutique all the way, a leisurely stroll through racks of hidden treasures in a relaxed setting. 

Treasure Factory

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Address: 29 Soi Sukhumvit 39, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Operating hours: Daily 10 AM to 7 PM

Website

If you happen to find yourself in Bangkok and you’re up for a thrift shop adventure with a twist, let me put Treasure Factory on your radar. 

This place is the real deal – it’s like a quirky and eclectic treasure chest where you’ll find a whole bunch of eccentric stuff that’s bound to make you do a double take and crack a smile.

We’re talking about weird and wonderful clothing, vintage memorabilia, and just all-around curious goodies that’ll have you scratching your head and grinning like a Cheshire cat. 

And if you’re a pop culture and nostalgia junkie, well, hold onto your hats, because it’s like stepping into a time machine in there.

They’ve got all sorts of treasures from different decades – think retro toys, movie posters, and collectibles that’ll make your inner geek do a happy dance.

The best part? Every time you visit, it’s like going on a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll stumble upon in their eclectic mix, and that’s where the real fun begins. 

Pattavikorn Market New Project

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Address: Nuanchan, Bueng Kum, Bangkok 10230, Thailand

Operating hours: Daily 7 AM to 8 PM

Website

In the heart of Bangkok, Pattavikorn Market is a beloved local gem that offers a quintessential Thai market experience. It’s a vibrant hub of activity, pulsing with the authentic spirit of traditional markets. 

Pattavikorn Market New Project isn’t just any thrift shopping destination; it’s the biggest and cheapest secondhand market in Bangkok. 

Here, you’ll dive into a world of budget-friendly shopping, where you can snag everything from clothing and accessories to household items and electronics at wallet-friendly prices. 

But it’s not just about the deals; it’s a sensory journey through Thai culture, where the scent of delicious street food wafts through the air, tempting your taste buds. And as you sift through the stalls, hidden treasures often reveal themselves – vintage clothing, unique collectibles, and more. 

You might stumble upon handmade jewellery, crafts, and artistic pieces that add a touch of uniqueness to your shopping spree.

But the real heart of it all is community engagement. The project actively supports small businesses and artisans, creating a sense of belonging among visitors.

Horse Unit

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Address: Warehouse 30, Warehouse, No.4, Charoen Krung 30, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Operating hours: Daily 11 AM to 6 PM

Website

Horse Unit is like no other. It’s not just a place to shop; it’s a whole artistic experience wrapped in vintage fashion, art, and lifestyle products.

When you step inside, you’re greeted by carefully curated racks of vintage clothing and accessories, all rubbing shoulders with captivating art pieces. It’s like stepping into a world where creativity knows no bounds, and every item has its own story to tell. 

But what really makes Horse Unit shine is its love for local talent.

They’re buddies with the creative minds of Bangkok, and they often showcase these artists’ handcrafted and one-of-a-kind pieces. So, every visit feels like a surprise party for your senses. And if you’re into vintage, well, you’re in for a treat. 

Horse Unit specialises in vintage items that bridge the gap between the past and the present in the most stylish and artistic way possible.

Shopping here isn’t just about stuffing your bags; it’s a full-blown conceptual experience. The store’s layout, displays, and merchandise are meticulously curated to wrap you up in an artistic ambiance that makes you feel like you’ve just strolled into a living art gallery. 

How to Wash and Disinfect Second-Hand Clothes: Tips and Tricks

Step 1: Thoroughly inspect each clothing 

Before disinfecting, carefully inspect each item for stains, damage, or signs of wear. Address any issues before proceeding.

Step 2: Sort clothes by material

Sort your secondhand clothes by material type, as some fabrics are more delicate than others and may require different treatment methods.

Step 3: Disinfect each item

Since thrifted clothing has been stored for a long time, and you don’t exactly know where it has been or if it was washed prior to being displayed in the thrift shop, properly disinfecting them is crucial.

Disinfectant Spray

Consider using a disinfectant spray specifically designed for fabrics. Lightly mist the clothing, paying attention to areas like collars and cuffs.

Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda on the clothes and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Shake off the excess and then wash the clothing as usual.

Step 4: Wash the clothes 

After checking the labels, proceed to launder your finds! If there aren’t any labels or washing instruction tags on the inside of the clothing, Google is your best bet. 

In case you don’t know what kind of material you’re dealing with, you can head on to Facebook or Reddit groups with expertise on clothing and fabrics. 

Washing Machine

Once you’re confident your item is safe to wash in a washing machine, use the highest temperature setting. Wash the clothing as usual, and opt for mild fabric-friendly detergent.

Hand Washing

For delicate items, hand wash them in warm water with mild detergent. Gently agitate the clothing and rinse thoroughly.

Pro Tip: Add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree oil or lavender oil to your laundry to infuse your clothes with a pleasant scent and provide some antibacterial properties.

Step 5: Line-dry under the sun 

Hang your secondhand clothes in direct sunlight for a few hours. Sunlight has natural disinfectant properties and can help eliminate germs and odours.

Ensure your secondhand clothes are completely dry before storing them. Dampness can lead to mould and mildew growth.

Step 6: Opt for steam cleaning

Once your freshly laundered thrifted clothes are dry, use a garment steamer to steam. Aside from removing wrinkles, the high temperature can kill bacteria and refresh the fabric. 

Pay extra attention to armpit areas and other spots prone to odours.