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Bangkok Shopping: Buying Leather

Bangkok is a good place to buy leather goods. Not only do you get a wide range of different leathers here (including common ostrich, shark, stingray, alligator, snake, calf, lamb, sea snake and more and so on). But you also have excellent craftsmen and -women here who know how to handle it and produce high-quality leather products.

Many of our clients come to Bangkok to buy leather. One of the most popular shops is called Tony Leather – and it’s true that they have quality goods. However, they are not one of our favorites, mainly for two reasons: you can get considerably superior quality for the same price in other places if you know where to shop, and second: they are so popular that they seem to care very little about individual customer satisfaction.

Whereas other shops go out of their way to provide the customer with the products they want, we repeatedly witnessed how the staff there was rather indifferent and uncooperative. However, let’s not get all these stories out. If you need good quality and don’t mind paying more, Tony leather is still a good address.

If you have a little more time on hand, there are other places though. The Chaoroen Krung Road has many leather supply stores, and some of them really good, both in terms of quality and the value that you get for your money. Plus, the service is friendly and attentive.

You can also find several vendors who sell leather goods in Bangkok’s famous weekend market, the Chatuchak market (also known as Jatujak market or JJ market). This one is located at the BTS station Mo Chit, and you can go there Saturday and Sunday. Best time to go from 10 am – 4 pm. However, be prepared for a labyrinth – there are literally thousands of vendors and stalls, and it can be challenging to find your way around there.

Smaller local markets that cater mainly to Thais often do not have leather goods, or only a very limited selection. This is mainly because of the lack of purchasing power – the people who frequent these markets are budget-conscious, and prefer to buy cheap imitation leather that looks like real than spend more money on genuine leather.

You can also find leather goods in shopping malls, but for high prices.

An exception are some stalls in the Platinum mall in Pratunam, where you can also buy leather wholesale.

Whether you want bags, wallets, shoes, boots, accessories, leatherwear, you find it all.

You can also get custom-made leather goods, including fancy things like golf bags, briefcases, leather wine cases and so on. And of course: a leather case for your iPhone πŸ˜‰

If you want to go on a shopping spree during your Bangkok sightseeing trip, or need a local shopping assistant who can help you to locate the best sources for your needs, as always, feel free to contact us with your requests.

{ 42 comments… add one }
  • Amy Wang April 19, 2011, 9:36 am

    hi there, i’m in koh samui right now returning to bangkok on friday april 22
    would like to know some suggestions for leather shopping
    look to buy a nice croc leather bag in black

  • The Bangkokian Dude April 20, 2011, 12:05 am

    Hi Amy,

    I sent you an email πŸ™‚

  • Fatima May 9, 2011, 12:20 am

    Hy!! I have my one handbag design company back in Argentina. Right now I’m living in Singapore but I often fly to BKK. I would like to produce leather handbags there and then ship them back to my country. Any suggestions on where to by the leather, zippers, and all the nessesary materials for producing?? To you have any idea on how to contact with workshops that know how to create the handbag from scratch? I need some help!! Thanks, cheers! Fatima

    • Sarah September 28, 2011, 4:01 am

      Hi,
      My husband and I are leather crafters here in Bangkok. We work out of home and do custom leather work. If you are still interested, please email me. Thanks.

      Sarah

    • Nad March 27, 2013, 11:21 am

      Hello Fatima,

      Just read your message. Albeit came across it more than year later. But i was wondering are you still looking around for leather i.e. for production of your leather handbags?

      If so, drop me a line. I will be happy to provide you some initial thoughts.

      Regards,
      Nad

  • linda June 4, 2011, 5:08 am

    I design handbags and urgently want someone to make them for me. I’m travelling to Pratunam-Bangkok in a week. Any suggestions of who or where to go??

    Much appreciated,

    Linda

  • Aaron August 1, 2011, 12:47 pm

    Can you suggest a leather shop that can make custom made bags near the Amari Atruim Hotel on Phetchaburi Road .. or close by

    Regards

  • Doreen August 3, 2011, 5:40 am

    Hello,

    where can I buy stingray leather products in BKK?
    I’m looking for a shop.

    Thanks in advance,
    greetings Doreen

  • Jina sin September 8, 2011, 3:44 am

    Hello I’m in bkk til the 11th sept. I’m looking for the best value/quality supplier for crocodile and python snake skins. Can you direct me to what I’m looking for? I will have a driver Friday and am going to bangplee to meet with a supplier. If you have some knowledge og good stores around bkk is there some way to hire you for the day? Please contact me if you can thank you.

  • Anthony September 21, 2011, 5:31 am

    Hello !
    I am looking for leather in Bangkok, would it be possible to have some more information about it please ? Do you organize individual tour for it ?
    Thanks a lot in advance, best regards

  • lieke November 7, 2011, 2:02 am

    Hi,

    i am travelling to bkk for business in 2 weeks. i am looking for a proper leather accessorie shop, so where you can buy for example leather handles. can you help me with this?

    Thanks! Lieke.

  • wawiwa February 6, 2012, 4:05 pm

    Hi, thanks for the article!

    I have made some designs for board games (backgammon etc.) and am looking for a place in BKK that could make it for me, and high quality would be important. Do you have any suggestions?

    • The Bangkokian Dude February 6, 2012, 11:30 pm

      Hi,
      do you want to make the games just for yourself to play, or do you want to produce larger quantities to sell them?

      • remi May 11, 2012, 2:52 am

        hi, i would like to know if u know where can i buy a backgammon. thx

  • Nathan February 13, 2012, 3:36 am

    Hello,
    I’ll be travelling to Bangkok this weekend, and I’m search for good quality custom or regular cowboy boots for around $100-150 USD. Can you recommend any places? I’ve been getting mixed reviews on most of the popular shops.

    Thanks.

  • shal February 28, 2012, 6:41 am

    hi,

    I’m planning to sell leather bags in my boutique. Do you know where can i custom made calf leather bags in bangkok for wholesale price.?

    Thank you.

  • Kurt March 8, 2012, 5:15 pm

    Hi,
    Great article – I am trying to find a good place to get some leather shoes as well as a pair of sting ray shoes, any recommendations for someone with big square feet?

    Thanks in advance.

    Kurt

  • KD March 19, 2012, 6:28 am

    I don’t agree with your assessment of Tony Leather. I have had a number of pairs of boots made there and they have ALWAYS catered to my specific needs. Perhaps I was lucky, but I think it is best for one to strike up a conversation with the people in the shop and let them know what you want. I am willing to bet that they will bend over backwards to satisfy you.

    • The Bangkokian Dude April 9, 2012, 9:34 pm

      Hi KD,
      thanks for sharing your positive experience with Tony Leather. I’m sure many people are satisfied with their service, otherwise they wouldn’t be in business for so long, but my own experiences weren’t good.

      • Elaine August 31, 2014, 3:29 am

        Hi. i would be traveling to Bangkok in October. I am looking to buy leather hides. I have went to the leather shops which you mentioned like Tony & Wongwaiyian area. Do you have other places which i could visit ? Preferably, somewhere accessible by BTS, MRT and walking. Thank you.

  • Chrisk April 8, 2012, 11:00 am

    Hi, thanks for writing this. I’m going to Bangkok for the first time in a couple weeks. I make my own leather products by hand, but i cant find the accessories i need where i live. Do you know where to get hand tools for leatherworking? I’m also looking to buy watch buckles in bulk. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

  • Snowball June 24, 2012, 8:00 pm

    Hi

    Same questions posted by Fatima. I am making my own bags in Singapore and would like to know where to get the leather, finishings and a good reputable manufacturer/tailor to help me make the bags and ship back to me. Would you share where I can get all these done in Bangkok? Thanks!

  • Visitor August 6, 2012, 12:09 pm

    Hey there,
    I am on my wedding shopping and would like to get nice leather hand bags, foot wears & luggage bags. I’m in Bangkok 16 through 19th Aug.
    Please guide on the locations and specific stores/outlets, if any where I could get unique and quality designs. Also, what could be the avg spend on these items in Bangkok as this is my 1st visit to the country. Thanks much for the help

  • Danielle November 5, 2012, 1:35 am

    Hello to all,

    Is there anybody who can tell me where I can find a wholesale or facory to buy leather on a squire meter, I live on Koh Samui and I go very often to Bangkok, I want to make my own design bags in leather, which they don’t sell on this Island. I need to go to B’kok, but I can not find a facory, there must be a lot I know. Please somebody answer my quistion. Thanks Danielle

  • chertan November 8, 2012, 6:36 pm

    hi, im looking to start leather working as a hobby. I saw this in Japan but everything is so expensive there.

    I’m heading down to Bangkok in dec. And I’m hoping to find leather tools so that I can start crafting. Do you know of any places that sell supplies and tools in Bangkok?

    Thank you.

  • Sarah January 17, 2013, 8:10 pm

    Hi, I’m looking at getting a small amount of leather iPhone/wallets made in Bangkok. I’m familiar with the city, just not sure where to start in terms of finding someone capable of using my designs to manufacture what I need. Any idea’s??

    Cheers, Sarah

  • chino January 25, 2013, 9:42 pm

    Hi! I heard that (Midori) Traveler’s Notebook are manufactured in Thailand, and I’ve read some blogs talking about leather covers of the notebook are being sold in some leather shops for a cheaper price (by kilogram), but the stores are located in Chiangmai, due to time constraints I can’t visit Chiangmai, would you know if there are shops in Bangkok that sells this stuff? Thank You in advance! Hope to hear from you soon!

  • PW February 9, 2013, 11:46 pm

    Hi bs Team,
    I heard something like “wu wen jai” (spelling).
    I want to buy some leather pieces.
    Maybe you know the right name πŸ˜‰
    Thanks fΓΌr your HQ articles.

  • Yani March 6, 2013, 6:22 am

    Hi,

    I’ll be in BKK on March 25 this month. Could you please provide me with the information of the produce of the original stingray leather in BKK or around. Please, send to my email. Thank you so much.

  • travellor March 23, 2013, 2:08 am

    Hello I am visiting bangkok next week and was going to visit tony for some custom shoes, where would i go for better quality and service?

  • Noni July 23, 2013, 3:10 am

    Hi there I need advise on where to go to shop for genuine leather bags and boots.

  • Adrian August 28, 2013, 8:18 pm

    Hello,

    I’m looking for a pair of leather gloves. To be exact, preferably brown and good enough to be worn whilst riding a motorcycle.

    Do you know any specific places I could try?

    I have been casually looking for a while now and haven’t stumbled across any.

    Thanks

  • ZP August 31, 2013, 10:21 pm

    Hi I am travelling to Bbk next month for three days. There are a few things I am hoping to pick up at Bbk. One is a two well fitting ladies leather jacket in colours other than brown and black. I am looking for something maybe in a lime green or a blue. Also, which is the best place to buy shoes and clothes at great deals? Thanks

  • jen September 18, 2013, 2:22 am

    Hi, i just back from Bangkok, i went a shop called “EASTERN FREE SHOP PATHUMWAN BANGKOK” to buy leather purse. I feel that the price is higher, is it the price is same with Hatyai leather shop?

  • Johnny October 3, 2013, 3:22 am

    I’m looking for leather carving tools and stamps.
    Can you advice where I can find it. With a address will be great. I only can say in Bangkok for few more days. Thanks a lot

  • Suntad October 3, 2013, 3:40 am

    Hi can you advice any place in Bangkok can find the leather stamps ? Both letter and number . And some graphic stamp as well. Thanks

  • Ellen October 5, 2013, 8:10 pm

    Hi.. Can you help me to give me recommendation which store i can order leather bags from my own design with a cheap price and have a good quality? Thank you

  • Anna January 4, 2014, 11:47 pm

    Do most of the leather stores in the Charoenrat Road area take visa cards to pay for products?

  • Antonio March 27, 2014, 4:09 am

    So, if you had one place to recommend on Charoen Krung Road, which would it be? Or does it depends on ones feelings with the vendors? Thanks for the article BTW

  • Carolin May 3, 2014, 6:53 am

    Hey there, I am keen on getting a simple leather tote done in 24 hrs. I am in Bangkok now. Any recommendations of custom
    Leather tailors?
    Thank you

  • Elaine May 8, 2014, 3:33 am

    Hi, Do you know where could i get leather hides and skins in Bangkok, to handmake my own products ? Thank you.

  • John MacDougall August 30, 2014, 1:09 am

    I am traveling to BKK in December and I would like to buy a pair of handmade shoes from Tony Leather.
    Can someone please tell me the approx. cost in Baht for a pair.
    Thanks

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