There’s a certain shimmer that sets Thai silk apart — a living, breathing fabric that seems to capture sunlight and hold it captive in its threads. Whether you’re gliding through the air-conditioned halls of Siam Paragon or wandering down the labyrinthine alleys of Bangkok’s Old Town, that glint of silk — rich, iridescent, unmistakably Thai — catches your eye.
If you’re wondering where to buy Thai silk in Bangkok, you’re in for a treat. The city isn’t just a shopping destination — it’s a gateway to Thailand’s centuries-old weaving heritage. From the legendary Jim Thompson boutiques to family-run fabric stalls where silk is sold by the meter, Bangkok offers something for every traveler — collectors, tailors, fashionistas, and anyone who simply wants to take a piece of Thailand home.
This insider’s guide reveals the best places to buy Thai silk in Bangkok, plus how to tell real silk from imitation, what to pay, and where locals go when tourists aren’t looking.
The Legacy of Thai Silk: A Story Woven in Gold
Before we get into the “where,” let’s start with the “why.”
Thai silk isn’t just fabric — it’s culture. For centuries, Thai women have woven silk on handlooms in the quiet afternoons of the countryside, especially in the northeast provinces like Surin, Buriram, and Khon Kaen. Each thread tells a story — of rice fields, rivers, and royal ceremonies.
Then came Jim Thompson, the American architect-turned-silk visionary who almost single-handedly revived the Thai silk industry in the 1950s. His brand turned silk into an international luxury, adorning Hollywood stars and New York catwalks.
Today, Thai silk remains a symbol of elegance, worn at weddings, gifted during holidays, and proudly displayed in temples and royal ceremonies.
💡 Fun Fact: Authentic Thai silk is made from Bombyx mori silkworms and is handwoven, giving it that signature uneven texture and shimmering two-tone hue known as “shot silk.”
1. Jim Thompson House & Boutiques – The Gold Standard of Thai Silk
If you’re buying silk in Bangkok for the first time, start where it all began: Jim Thompson House, a cultural landmark tucked amid tropical gardens near Siam Square.
The museum showcases traditional Thai architecture and the art of silk-making, while the adjacent Jim Thompson store sells exquisite scarves, ties, handbags, and home décor. Every piece is made with hand-dyed, handwoven silk sourced from Thai artisans.
You can also find Jim Thompson boutiques in luxury malls like Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and Iconsiam.
💰 Price Range: 1,500–10,000 THB for scarves and accessories; 2,000–6,000 THB per meter for fabrics
📍 Jim Thompson House, Rama I Road – BTS National Stadium Station
🕒 Open daily 9 AM–6 PM
🔗 Jim Thompson Official Website
💡 Insider Tip: Visit the museum first — it gives you context about the silk-making process, so you’ll appreciate your purchase even more.
2. Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles – For Heritage Lovers
Nestled within the grounds of the Grand Palace, the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles is both a museum and a tribute to Thai craftsmanship. The adjoining shop sells exclusive silk products made under royal patronage, blending traditional artistry with modern design.
💰 Price Range: 2,000–8,000 THB for scarves and small garments
📍 Na Phra Lan Road, Old Town – near Wat Phra Kaew
🕒 Open daily 9 AM–4:30 PM (closed on major holidays)
💡 Local Insight: The royal silk sold here often features delicate patterns inspired by Queen Sirikit’s own wardrobe — elegant, understated, and authentically Thai.
3. Chatuchak Market – Silk by the Meter (For Tailors & DIY Lovers)
Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market is a paradise for fabric lovers. In sections 6 and 26, you’ll find dozens of stalls selling silk by the meter — from bold patterns to understated neutrals.
Here, silk is often sold at wholesale prices, and you can even negotiate if you’re buying in bulk. Many Bangkok-based designers source their materials here before sending them off to local tailors.
💰 Price Range: 300–800 THB per meter (depending on quality)
📍 MRT Kamphaeng Phet Station or BTS Mo Chit
🕒 Saturday–Sunday, 9 AM–6 PM
💡 Pro Tip: Ask vendors if the fabric is handwoven or machine-made. Handwoven silk has small imperfections and a softer glow — that’s how you know it’s the real deal.
4. Narai Phand – Bangkok’s Oldest Thai Craft Store
Just a few steps from Ratchaprasong Intersection, Narai Phand has been promoting Thai craftsmanship since 1940. Inside this quiet, air-conditioned boutique, you’ll find premium silk scarves, shawls, and traditional pha sin skirts made by local artisans.
It’s government-backed, so you’re guaranteed authenticity and fair pricing — ideal if you want genuine silk without tourist markups.
💰 Price Range: 800–3,000 THB for scarves; 1,500–4,500 THB per meter for fabric
📍 Rajdamri Road, next to InterContinental Bangkok – BTS Chidlom Station
🕒 Open daily 10 AM–7 PM
5. Bangkok’s Fabric District: Pahurat & Sampeng
For a slice of old Bangkok, head to Pahurat Market — the city’s historic Indian textile district near Yaowarat (Chinatown).
Here, you’ll find narrow alleys filled with rolls of colorful silk, satin, and brocade. Shops like Thai Silk Center and Sirisomboon Textiles offer affordable, authentic options by the meter — perfect if you plan to have a dress or suit tailored in Bangkok.
Walk further into Sampeng Lane, and you’ll stumble upon small family-run fabric shops that have been in business for generations.
💰 Price Range: 200–1,200 THB per meter
📍 Pahurat Road, near Chakphet Road – MRT Sam Yot Station
🕒 Open daily 9 AM–6 PM
💡 Local Tip: This area gets hot and crowded — go early in the morning and bring cash for better bargains.
6. O.P. Place & River City Bangkok – For Boutique Silk Shopping
If you prefer a quiet, refined atmosphere, O.P. Place (near the Mandarin Oriental Hotel) and River City Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River are elegant alternatives.
These colonial-style shopping galleries feature independent Thai designers and boutiques offering luxury-grade silk fashion and home décor. The vibe here is more art gallery than market — calm, curated, and deeply sophisticated.
💰 Price Range: 2,000–15,000 THB depending on design
📍 Charoen Krung Road – BTS Saphan Taksin Station
🕒 Open daily 10 AM–8 PM
7. ICONSIAM – Modern Luxury Meets Thai Tradition
Inside Bangkok’s shimmering riverside mall ICONSIAM, you’ll find an entire floor dedicated to Thai heritage brands. The ICONCRAFT zone features high-quality silk scarves, shawls, and fashion from regional artisans and royal projects.
It’s perfect if you want to see Thailand’s traditional artistry reimagined through modern design — elegant, colorful, and completely gift-worthy.
💰 Price Range: 1,000–8,000 THB
📍 Charoen Nakhon Road – BTS Gold Line, ICONSIAM Station
🕒 Open daily 10 AM–10 PM
8. Jim Thompson Factory Outlet – For Big Discounts
If you love the brand but not the boutique price tag, head to the Jim Thompson Factory Outlet in Sukhumvit Soi 93.
Spread over three floors, the outlet sells discounted fabrics, apparel, and home goods. You’ll find up to 50% off discontinued designs — everything from cushion covers to bolts of pure silk perfect for custom tailoring.
💰 Price Range: 400–1,200 THB per meter
📍 Sukhumvit Soi 93, near BTS Bang Chak Station
🕒 Open daily 9 AM–6 PM
💡 Traveler’s Tip: Bring your passport if you plan to claim a VAT refund — and consider booking a Grab taxi, as the area isn’t very walkable.
9. Tailor Shops in Sukhumvit & Silom – Turn Your Silk Into Something Custom
Once you’ve picked your fabric, the next step is turning it into something beautiful. Bangkok’s tailor scene is world-famous — and many tailors specialize in working with Thai silk.
Top-rated options include:
- Narry Tailors (Sukhumvit 11) – Excellent for women’s dresses and men’s suits.
- Nickermann’s (Sukhumvit 19) – Known for precision and high-end finishing.
- Pinkys (Silom Road) – Popular among expats and travelers for quick turnarounds.
💰 Custom Dress or Suit: 3,000–12,000 THB depending on design and silk quality.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring photos or sketches of what you want — Bangkok tailors are incredibly adaptable.
How to Identify Genuine Thai Silk
Bangkok markets sell both authentic Thai silk and machine-made synthetics that look similar. Here’s how to tell the difference:
✅ Touch Test: Real silk feels slightly rough with natural irregularities, while fakes feel smooth and slippery.
✅ Weave Irregularities: Authentic silk has tiny “slubs” (knots or bumps) from handweaving.
✅ Color Shift: Tilt it under light — real silk changes shades due to its dual-tone weave.
✅ Burn Test (for experts): Genuine silk burns slowly, smelling like burnt hair; fake silk melts into a bead.
✅ Label: Look for the Royal Thai Silk Company or Thai Silk Association certification tags.
FAQs: Where To Buy Thai Silk In Bangkok
Q1: Is Thai silk expensive in Bangkok?
Prices vary — authentic silk starts around 400–1,000 THB per meter at markets, while premium designer silk can cost several thousand per meter.
Q2: Can I find Thai silk in malls?
Yes. Jim Thompson, ICONCRAFT (ICONSIAM), and Narai Phand all sell high-quality silk products in modern, air-conditioned settings.
Q3: Is all Thai silk handwoven?
No. Many cheaper varieties are machine-made. Handwoven silk from rural provinces like Surin and Khon Kaen is more expensive but has better texture and longevity.
Q4: Can I have Thai silk tailored in Bangkok?
Absolutely — many tailors specialize in working with Thai silk. Bring your fabric and design ideas to Sukhumvit or Silom tailor shops.
Q5: What are the best souvenirs made from Thai silk?
Scarves, cushion covers, handbags, and even silk-covered journals make elegant and lightweight gifts.
Conclusion: Bringing Home a Piece of Thai Heritage
Buying Thai silk in Bangkok isn’t just shopping — it’s a cultural journey. From the handloom villages of Isaan to the polished boutiques along Sukhumvit, every piece of silk carries the heartbeat of Thailand: patience, artistry, and grace.
Whether you splurge on a Jim Thompson scarf or uncover a hidden gem in Pahurat Market, you’re taking home more than fabric — you’re carrying a story woven from generations of skill and beauty.
Plan your Bangkok silk-shopping adventure today — and wrap yourself in the timeless elegance of Thailand.
Summary (TL;DR)
The best places to buy Thai silk in Bangkok include Jim Thompson House, Chatuchak Market, Narai Phand, ICONSIAM, and Pahurat Market. Expect prices from 400–5,000 THB per meter, depending on quality. Always check for handwoven texture, two-tone shimmer, and certified authenticity.