Tha Mai Old Market
Chanthaburi's gem market, a global hub for trading precious stones. Discover raw and polished gems, intricate jewelry, and the vibrant energy of inter...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Widest selection of gems
Tha Mai Old Market
Best Time
Widest selection of gems
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chanthaburi's gem market, a global hub for trading precious stones. Discover raw and polished gems, intricate jewelry, and the vibrant energy of international commerce.
"It's the biggest gems selling market in Thailand, very interesting place when you go there to see how people trade their gems. "
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Agents may start prices 10x higher. Negotiate firmly, especially at the intersection corners.
💎 Know Your Gems
Research common fakes like Kyanite for sapphires. Basic knowledge is key to avoiding disappointment.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 751 reviews
Type
Market
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Buzzing Gem Trading Floor
Witness a vibrant marketplace where global buyers and sellers converge to trade precious stones. Experience the unique energy of this bustling hub.
Unpolished and Polished Gems
Discover a vast array of raw, unpolished stones alongside beautifully cut and polished gems. Find everything from garnets to sapphires.
Jewelry and Artisan Crafts
Beyond loose stones, explore intricate jewelry pieces and unique artisan crafts, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Gem Market
Essential Tools for Gem Hunters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Agents may start prices 10x higher. Negotiate firmly, especially at the intersection corners.
💎 Know Your Gems
Research common fakes like Kyanite for sapphires. Basic knowledge is key to avoiding disappointment.
Buying Gemstones in Bangkok
Hi everyone, I’m starting a jewelry business back home and will be in Bangkok to source gemstones and create my own designs. Any tips on negotiating prices for sapphires, emeralds, tourmalines, and rubies? Also, leads on reliable workshops would help. I’ve been to JTC but prices…
Buying gems in Bangkok
Hello I’ll be arriving in bangkok and I’m looking to purchase a variety of mostly semi-precious gems. I only have 2 days so I’ll be happy to get some recommendations on good wholesalers so I could use my time well. Thank you
🛠️ Bring Your Gem Tools
A loupe, UV torch, and magnet can help verify authenticity.
🌍 African Sellers
Consider checking with African vendors for rough gemstones; they are often direct sources.
Recommendations to meet Gems/Precious Stones suppliers?
I would like to meet some gems suppliers, at the source avoiding intermediaries as much as possible, would anyone have some hints or advices where to start looking? I was thinking about the gemstone area in Sathorn. Thanks in advance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Agents may start prices 10x higher. Negotiate firmly, especially at the intersection corners.
💎 Know Your Gems
Research common fakes like Kyanite for sapphires. Basic knowledge is key to avoiding disappointment.
🛠️ Bring Your Gem Tools
A loupe, UV torch, and magnet can help verify authenticity.
🌍 African Sellers
Consider checking with African vendors for rough gemstones; they are often direct sources.
👀 Observe First
On your first visit, observe pricing at surrounding shops before engaging sellers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe Tha Mai Old Market as a vibrant and educational gem trading hub, attracting global buyers. While the bustling atmosphere and variety of stones are highlights, some find the constant sales pitches overwhelming and advise caution regarding authenticity and pricing.
"I'v been here 7 times, it's great!
If you are a first time buyer go to the surrounding shops with displayed gems to get a ballpark pricing first. Often the price for the gem is displayed at those shops, Vinny Jewelry on 165 Benchamarachuthis Rd is a good place to start. If you sit down at the intersection corner most agents (sellers) will start like 10x the actual value so please bargain. My first day I bought nothing just negotiated to see what prices where.
Many blue sapphires in Chanthaburi are actually Kyanite and you got to have some basic knowledge to be able to properly identify stones.
Some prices I got, most gems I bought where 1-4ct:
decent rough red-pink (uncut) garnet is abut 20-50bath/ct,
rough facet grade rainbow moonstone is about 1USD/g
rough facet grade amethyst is about 1.5usd/g
lots of glass filled rubies so didn't buy any at all.
facetted sphene is 120-150bath per ct
included cut pink spinel 30
nice pink spinel 250-380 bath per ct
Only bought nice gems with some inclusions because then I can easier identify them. Eye clean gems here can be synthetic.
got a nice aquamarine for 30 bath per ct.
copper tourmaline where about 200 bath per ct.
good iolite was 100 bath per ct.
heated blue topaz 100 bath per ct, very clean.
natural topaz with nice needle inclusions 20bath per ct
tanzanite 200 bath per ct lots of inclusions
natural clear zircon 120 bath per ct
decent turquise apatite 140 abth per ct
scapolite/andasine 75 bath per ct, good quality.
clean clear 4ct red garnet 125 per ct.
tri colour flourite 50bath per ct
nice spessartite 200 bath per ct
high quality black star sapphire with perfect 6 star 160 bath per ct
large pyrite specimen 200 bath.
nice fanta garnet 200-250 bath per ct.
loupe clean citrine 50bath per ct.
opaque gemstones that are supposed to be clear are mostly worthless so don't pay heaps for a opaque ruby or sapphire.
Do yourself a favour and buy a uv torch, a "Noble" torch, a magnet, a loupe, a dichroscope and a spectroscope at the equipment shop close by, very good prices. with those tools you can identify most gems. the Refractometer is a bit to bulky to carry around. One of those diamond testers is useful to test density (or thermal conductivity).
For buying rough gemstones I found the African shops in the area better all over since they are often the source of many gems in the area, mostly cut stones here.
Friday and Saturday is best.
Sunday later is ok.
Mr leekh at the corner is kind and good to sit with, speaks English well. He never asked for commission to sit at his table, I guess the sellers pay the commission.
happy hunting!"
Lea B
"The gam and jewelry market in Chantaburi province Thailand. This is the market where sellers and buyers from across the world come to trade their gems. It's a real buzzing market, seller will walk around with their Fannie bags, while buyers will have a table with note, noting down what they are looking to buy. It's very interesting how the system of this market works. You can buy gem stone in bulk or individual. You can find unpolished stone, polish, shine stone as well as jewelry. This market is easily the icon on Chantaburi province and even if you are not into jewelry, it is educational to learn about this market."
Katethip Varanyuwatana
"WHAT A FUN EXPERIENCE!!! The gem market is initially what drew me to Chanthaburi & it was well worth the adventure. Such a fun group of sellers, all with amazing gems to sell. It was so fun to pick out my favorite pieces to take home. Thank you for an afternoon I will never forget!"
McKenna Buckley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tha Mai Old Market is located in Chanthaburi province. Travelers typically reach Chanthaburi by bus from Bangkok (around a 3-4 hour journey). From Chanthaburi town, you can take a local taxi or songthaew to the market area.
While the market itself is a hub, getting to Chanthaburi requires inter-provincial travel. Once in Chanthaburi, local transport options like songthaews can take you to the market.
Most visitors opt for a bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). This is a convenient and affordable option.
The market is a significant landmark in Chanthaburi. It's often referred to as the gem and jewelry market of Chanthaburi province.
Yes, driving is an option if you are in Thailand. Parking availability might vary, especially on busy market days.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is typically no entrance fee to wander through Tha Mai Old Market. It's a public market where you pay for any gems or goods you wish to purchase.
The market is most active on Fridays and Saturdays, with many sellers present. While some activity might occur on Sundays, it's best to visit on the weekend for the full experience. Specific hours can vary, but it's generally a daytime market.
Friday and Saturday are considered the prime days for gem trading, offering the widest selection. Sunday afternoons can still be active but with fewer vendors.
No advance booking is required to visit Tha Mai Old Market. It's an open market accessible to all visitors.
The market is generally open on weekends, with peak activity on Friday and Saturday. It's advisable to check for any major Thai holidays that might affect operations, though it's usually active.
🎫 💎 Gemstone Buying
You can find a wide variety of gemstones, including rough and faceted garnets, sapphires, moonstone, amethyst, spinel, sphene, tourmaline, iolite, topaz, zircon, and more. Be aware of treated or synthetic stones.
Bargaining is expected and essential. Start by researching prices at surrounding shops to get a baseline. Agents may quote very high prices initially, so be prepared to negotiate firmly.
It's crucial to have some basic knowledge. Be wary of stones like blue sapphires that might actually be Kyanite. Investing in a loupe and other gemological tools can help.
Prices vary greatly depending on the stone type, quality, size, and treatments. For example, rough garnets can be around 20-50 Baht/ct, while nice pink spinel can range from 250-380 Baht/ct. Always research and compare.
Some reviewers suggest checking with African shops for rough gemstones as they are often direct sources. Building rapport with a seller like 'Mr Leekh' at the corner is also recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of vendors and their privacy. Always ask for permission before taking close-up shots of individuals or their merchandise.
Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the trading floor, the diverse array of gemstones, and the interactions between buyers and sellers. The waterfront area also offers scenic views.
While not explicitly stated, it's good practice to be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography and focus on capturing the essence of the market's activity.
The market is typically outdoors or in open-air structures, so natural light is prevalent. Some areas might be shaded, so be prepared for varying light conditions.
A versatile lens that can handle both wider shots of the market's atmosphere and closer details of gemstones would be useful. A macro lens can be great for showcasing gem facets.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit