Where to Buy Backpacking Gear in Thailand (Chatuchak, Decathlon & Markets)

Thailand has excellent cheap gear markets — don't overpack from home. Whether you need a sarong, a rain jacket, or last-minute camping equipment, Thailand's markets offer 30-70% cheaper prices than Western retail with no customs hassle.

This guide shows you where to buy gear in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and islands, what's actually worth buying there, and what to either bring from home or rent instead.

Top Places to Buy Gear in Bangkok

Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market) — The Mothership

Location: Chatuchak Park, Bangkok Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 9am-6pm Size: Roughly 15,000 stalls across 26 sections — largest outdoor market in Asia

Sections 17, 18, and 22 are your gear zones: outdoor equipment, camping supplies, hiking boots, army surplus, waterproof bags, trekking poles.

Why go:

• Prices 30-70% cheaper than Western retail
• Huge selection (competition = lower prices)
• Cash haggling is expected — bring small bills

Insider tips:

• Arrive early (9am) — quality items sell out by noon
• Sections 17-18 closer to eastern entrance (BTS Mo Chit)
• Bring cash (vendors give better deals for exact change)
• Haggle respectfully — 10-20% off is reasonable
• Fake brands are common (avoid "North Face" that looks off) — stick to unbranded or Thai brands
• Tuesday-Friday market is smaller but less crowded for serious shopping

What to expect:

• Waterproof bags (100-300B vs 800B branded)
• Trekking poles (150-400B vs 1200B branded)
• Rain jackets (300-600B vs 1500B branded)
• Day packs (100-200B basic, 300-600B quality)
• Sleeping mats/pads (200-500B vs 1200B)
• Cheap sandals (50-100B) — replace every 2 weeks

Decathlon Bangkok & Regional Stores

Locations: Central World (Bangkok), Chiang Mai (Blue Lagoon), Phuket (Jungceylon) What they are: French sporting goods retailer with legit outdoor gear

Why go:

• Authentic products (no fakes)
• Fixed prices (no haggling needed)
• Wide range from budget to quality
• English-speaking staff
• Air-conditioned (important in Bangkok heat)

Best items to buy at Decathlon:

• Quick-dry clothing (200-400B for shirts, 300-500B for pants vs 1200B branded)
• Packable rain jackets (600-900B vs 2000B)
• Hiking socks (100-150B per pair)
• Trekking poles (400-700B)
• Waterproof bags and dry bags (200-600B)
• Microfiber towels (250-400B)
• Water bottles and hydration packs (150-400B)

Avoid at Decathlon:

• Hiking boots (sizing is narrow — Western feet often don't fit well)
• Winter gear (not climate-appropriate)

Price example: Decathlon quick-dry pants cost 300-400B. Chatuchak might be 200-300B, but Decathlon's fit and quality are guaranteed.

MBK Center (5th Floor) — Electronics & Accessories

Location: MBK Center, Bangkok (BTS National Stadium) What it is: Massive mall with 8 floors of electronics, accessories, and some clothing

Why cautiously go:

• Great for legitimate tech accessories (cables, chargers, cases)
• Some outdoor gear scattered throughout
• Cheap prices on authentic items

What to buy:

• Phone cases and screen protectors
• USB cables and power adapters
• Portable chargers (2000-4000B vs 6000B branded)
• SIM cards and phone accessories

What to avoid:

• Anything with a major brand logo that seems too cheap (likely counterfeit)
• Fake outdoor gear (prevalent on lower floors)
• Knock-off shoes

Pro tip: If a brand-name item is under 30% of international price, it's probably fake.

Pratunam Market — Cheap Clothing

Location: Central Bangkok, near National Stadium BTS What it is: Sprawling textile and clothing market

Why go:

• Cheap lightweight clothing (perfect for tropical climate)
• Wholesale prices if you buy multiples
• Casual wear and fabrics

Best buys:

• Lightweight linen/cotton trousers (150-300B vs 800B branded)
• Loose shirts and tank tops (50-150B)
• Lightweight skirts and wraps (100-200B)
• Fabric by the meter (if you want custom tailoring)

Skip it for:

• Branded outdoor gear (mostly not stocked)
• Technical backpacking equipment

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar — Trekking Gear & Souvenirs

Location: Chiang Mai Old City Hours: Daily 6pm-midnight

What you'll find:

• Trekking backpacks and day packs (200-600B)
• Hill tribe textiles and bags
• Outdoor accessories
• Touristy souvenirs (mixed in)

Good for:

• Quick gear purchases if you're in Chiang Mai (less overwhelming than Chatuchak)
• Smaller, more affordable trekking packs
• Local textiles that double as scarves or cloths

Specific Items to Buy in Thailand (Cost Comparison)

Sarong

Thailand price: 100-200B Home price: 800-1500B Where: Any market (Chatuchak, Pratunam, islands) Why: Multipurpose essential. Use as: beach wrap, temple cover, light blanket, towel, window shade, hammock strap, picnic cloth.

Best quality: Silk or cotton from Pratunam or Chatuchak Section 18. Cheapest: knockoff "Thai" sarongs from island markets.

Lightweight Linen/Cotton Trousers

Thailand price: 150-300B per pair Home price: 800-1500B Where: Pratunam Market, Chatuchak, night markets Why: Better quality fabrics than home, fit is designed for tropical climate, breathable.

Buy 2-3 pairs at Pratunam (wholesale discount for bulk). You can wash daily and rotate.

Rain Poncho

Thailand price: 50-100B Home price: 1500-3000B Where: Any street market, especially islands (Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Phuket) Why: Cheap, lightweight, multipurpose (rain, windbreak, ground tarp).

Downside: low durability. Buy multiple cheap ones instead of one expensive one — you'll use them and lose them.

Flip-Flops (Havaianas Look-Alikes)

Thailand price: 100-200B Home price: 400-600B Where: Any market, all street vendors Why: Replace often in Thailand heat — flip-flops deteriorate fast. Cheap Thai brands are nearly identical to Havaianas.

Pro strategy: Buy cheap flip-flops monthly. Accept they'll wear out and don't stress replacing them locally at 150B.

Padlock for Hostel Lockers

Thailand price: 50-100B Home price: 300-500B Where: Any hardware store, market, or 7-Eleven Why: Critical for safety in shared dorms. Buy it there — TSA-approved travel locks work but are pricier.

Buy two (one for locker, one as backup).

Day Bag or Tote

Thailand price: 50-200B Home price: 800-2000B Where: Chatuchak, Pratunam, markets, night bazaars Why: Woven or canvas totes are perfect for day trips, markets, and beach bags. Cheap enough to replace if lost.

Quality varies (some fall apart, some last months). Look for tight weaves and sturdy stitching.

Luggage Locks and Straps

Thailand price: 30-80B Home price: 200-400B Where: Chatuchak, MBK, any hardware vendor Why: Abundant, cheap, TSA-compatible options.

Microfiber Towel

Thailand price: 200-400B Home price: 800-1200B Where: Chatuchak Section 18, Decathlon, some night markets Why: Compact, quick-dry, perfect for beach and hiking.

Decathlon's quality is reliable; market versions vary.

Electronics Accessories — Buy in Thailand

If you're traveling with a phone or laptop, buy accessories in Thailand:

| Item | Thailand Price | Home Price | Where | |------|---|---|---| | USB-C cable | 50-100B | 300-500B | 7-Eleven, MBK | | Phone case | 100-300B | 400-800B | MBK, markets | | Screen protector | 50-150B | 200-400B | MBK, 7-Eleven | | Power strip | 200-400B | 600-1200B | 7-Eleven, hardware stores | | Portable charger | 200-500B | 1000-2000B | 7-Eleven, MBK | | HDMI cable | 50-100B | 200-400B | MBK, electronics shops | | USB hub | 300-600B | 1200-2000B | MBK, computer shops |

7-Eleven note: Thailand's 7-Eleven stores are better stocked than most countries. You can buy phone chargers, cables, power strips, and basic tech gear at any 7-Eleven.

What NOT to Buy in Thailand (Skip It)

Hiking Boots

Problem: Thai markets and bootleg brands use Asian sizing. Western feet are wider and longer — you'll struggle to find your size.

When to buy in Thailand: Only at Decathlon (which imports Western sizing) and only if you try them on first.

Better strategy: Bring hiking boots from home or buy at REI before traveling. Renting is also an option for treks.

Quality Trekking Poles

Problem: Real trekking poles at markets are often heavy knockoffs. The lightweight aluminum originals are expensive and hard to identify as legit.

When to buy in Thailand: Decathlon (400-700B) — tested, lightweight, reliable.

Avoid: Ultra-cheap poles at Chatuchak (under 200B) — they're heavy and snap on downhills.

Prescription Eyewear & Contact Lenses

Problem: Bring your own supply. Thai opticians vary in quality, and if you need urgent replacement, glasses take 1-2 days to make.

Strategy: Pack extra contacts or backup glasses in your backpack.

Dive Equipment

Problem: Unless you dive frequently, buying is wasteful. Renting is the move.

When to buy: Only if you're planning 20+ dives (cost breaks even). Otherwise, rent locally.

Laptop or Electronics

Problem: Thai prices aren't necessarily cheaper (they're competitive with international prices), and warranty is complex for foreigners. If it breaks, repair is complicated.

Strategy: Bring your laptop or tablet from home.

Renting vs Buying — The Tipping Point

| Item | Buy | Rent | Why | |------|-----|------|-----| | Scooter | ✗ | ✓ | Accidents, insurance complications. Rent 150-300B/day. | | Bicycle | ✗ | ✓ | Rent in cities (Chiang Mai great for cycling). 60-100B/day. | | Snorkel gear | ✗ (unless 20+ dives) | ✓ | Rent 500-800B/day. Buy only if diving regularly. | | Surfboard | ✗ | ✓ | Rent at Phuket, Khao Lak. Buy only for locals/long-termers. | | Tent | ✓ | — | Lightweight tents cheap at Chatuchak (300-800B). Rent rare. | | Dry bag | ✓ | — | Cheap at Decathlon/Chatuchak. Use for island trips. | | Lightweight jacket | ✓ | — | Buy at Decathlon/Chatuchak. Cheap enough to keep. | | Hiking backpack | ✓ | — | Essential. Buy from markets or bring from home. |

Key rule: If your item costs under 500B in Thailand, buy it there. If it costs over 2000B, consider if renting makes sense.

Budget Gear Shopping Strategy

1. Month-Long Trip to Thailand

Shopping list by budget:

• Flights (must bring): Hiking boots, prescription eyewear
• Upon arrival in Bangkok: Hit Chatuchak or Decathlon for sarongs, quick-dry pants, day pack, microfiber towel (total under 2000B)
• Mid-trip (island phase): Replace cheap flip-flops (100B), buy extra sunscreen at 7-Eleven
• Chiang Mai (mountain phase): Extra DEET, moleskin at pharmacy, trekking poles if needed (Decathlon)

Total gear spending: 2000-4000B (~$55-110 USD)

2. 2-3 Week Trip

Focus: Buy essentials only (sarong, quick-dry pants, day pack). Don't over-shop. Budget: 1500-2500B

3. Long-Term (3+ Months)

Strategy: Buy seasonally. Don't pack everything at once.

• Arrive with minimalist kit
• Buy gear as you realize you need it
• Take advantage of monthly tailor shops in Chiang Mai for custom alterations (100-300B)

Final Packing Wisdom

The overweight problem: Overpacked gear becomes dead weight after 2 weeks. Buy light in Thailand, replace frequently, and accept that gear is consumable.

The fake goods trap: Chatuchak's appeal is price, but quality varies wildly. Stick to:

• Thai brands (Thai-made are often legitimate)
• Decathlon (everything is authentic)
• Well-established vendors (ask other backpackers for recommendations)
• Avoid ultra-cheap knockoffs of major brands

The timing question: Should you buy before flying or after arriving?

• Before flying: Only bring prescription items and essential clothing. Everything else is extra weight.
• After arriving: Better quality-to-price ratio, lighter backpack during travel, ability to try things on.

Thailand's gear scene is built for backpackers. Use it.

Next step: Check our Packing List for Thailand for a complete breakdown of what to bring from home vs buy locally.