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Many of the shopping areas and markets in Chonburi are still used by Thai people. But, they increasingly cater for foreign visitors and day-trippers.
The diversified range for shoppers includes modern malls, local markets, high-end fashion, unique souvenirs, and fresh local produce.
Mingle with some locals and you should be able to grab yourself a good deal - even if you do not know the Thai language.
Body language will teach you a lot. And bargain you must, for that is at the heart of shopping in Thailand.
OK it's not everyone's cup of tea. But, once you realise that bargaining (bartering) is an essential part of Thai shopping, the experience will be more rewarding - financially and emotionally.
It should soon become apparent if "price negotiations" are not on the agenda - for there will be no smile.
Bartering, bargaining, asking for discounts, is all part of the excitement for westerners, even if it's a more serious part of survival for many Thais. Nonetheless, be gentle, be satisfied, and don't push too far.
So, where exactly are the best locations for shopping in Chonburi province? Here are some of the biggest and most popular malls and retail stores.
If you're staying in Chonburi City accommodation, Central Pattana is the primary destination for bargain hunters. It features international and Thai brands, a cinema, and a wide variety of restaurants.
It is one of the largest lifestyle shopping complexes in the region, marked by a unique architectural design to enable shoppers to feel the sunlight permeating through the clear glass facade.
Once you settle indoors, you'll find more than 250 retails departments and all the top retail brand names, including Robinson Department Store, Carrefour, Tops Market, B2S, PowerBuy, SuperSports, Office Depot, and SF Cinemas City.
In addition to large malls and bazaars, local walking streets like the Bang Saen Walking Street offer a more relaxed shopping experience.
The local markets are great places for picking up souvenirs, tasting street food, and enjoying live music.
Located near Bang Saen Beach, Ang Sila Market is famous for fresh seafood and handmade stone mortars, which make excellent souvenirs. The market also features traditional Thai snacks, dried seafood, and local crafts.
A family-friendly shopping destination near Laem Chabang Port combines retail therapy with regional entertainment, popular chain stores, and fast food eateries.
The mall has a movie theatre, Tesco supermarket, shops selling clothing, gadgets, and toys, along with attractions such as an indoor trampoline park and a play area for kids.
Located in the holiday resort Pattaya, this upscale shopping mall is a one-stop destination for international brands, fine dining, and lively entertainment.
The mall offers a wide range of clothing, home electronics, and beauty products. Plus, a superb beachfront location means you get stunning views and a great spot to relax after making some thrifty purchases.
Inspired by an airport theme, Terminal 21 Pattaya features different sections designed to represent cities around the world, such as Paris, Tokyo, and London.
The mall houses a mix of global brands, boutique stores, and a massive food court with affordable Thai and international cuisine.
For a more traditional Thai shopping experience, the Pattaya Night Bazaar is the place to go. The market offers a variety of clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and handmade crafts at affordable prices.
Bargaining is common here, so you can get some really good deals - especially on Thailand OTOP products.
It's dubbed "the City of Love", and Mimosa Pattaya is a unique shopping and entertainment complex with a European-style village design.
It features boutique shops selling handmade goods, souvenirs, and fashion items. The venue also hosts live performances, making it a great spot for an evening outing.
This weekend market is one of the largest and most popular in Pattaya. Visitors can find everything from trendy clothes and accessories to electronics and home goods.
Furthermore, the night market in Thepprasit Road is also a paradise for food lovers, with a wide array of local delicacies and street food.
For a cultural shopping experience, the Pattaya Floating Market is a must-visit. This market is set on canals and offers traditional Thai goods, souvenirs, handicrafts, and food.
Imagine being able to shop from vendors on small water crafts and enjoy live cultural performances as well as organised boat rides.