Despite Bangkok being well-known as a shopping destination, only those in the know are aware of the city’s reputation as a place to find second-hand bags. From collector’s item one-of-a-kinds to classic vintage from names such as Chanel, YSL, Dior and Louis Vuitton – the selection is surprisingly impressive. From the exterior, these little boutiques may not look like much, but anyone with an expert eye for fashion will recognise the handbags and clutches that hide behind the glass.

Of course, these second-hand designer bags are the real deal, so don’t expect to pick one up for a few thousand baht... In fact, if the price seems too good to be true, it could be that the item isn’t real either! Worry not, we’ve tracked down a handful of second-hand bag stores in Bangkok that you can trust.

  • 1

    Lena The BrandName House

    Lena The BrandName House
    • Shoppers

    Lena the BrandName House is well-regarded by connoisseurs of designer handbags, watches and accessories. The brands on offer are impressive, with Louis Vuitton coming top of the pack in terms of variety and selection. Whether you want the traditional canvas bags or the famous Vernis, LV fans will be in monogrammed heaven.

    The stock has a high turnover because it's well known for offering great value bags. Knowledgeable fashionistas will speak to Tid, the owner, and reserve the items that are due in store over the next few weeks. Don’t worry though – there’s so much here that it’s almost impossible to walk away empty-handed.

    Location: Central Plaza Grand Rama 9, 8F, 9/9 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10320, Thailand

    Open: Daily from 10am to 10pm

    Phone: +66 (0)87 874 6665

    Map
  • 2

    (un) FASHION Vintage Collection

    (un) FASHION Vintage Collection
    • Shoppers

    This is a second-hand leather store with a bit of a difference because not all the bags here are from well-known designers. In fact, most of them are obscure names or brands that no longer exist, with some of the items on display deserving of the shop’s moniker. The great thing about this shop is that you could find an amazing surprise here every week, whether it's an old-style doctor’s bag from the '70s, a suede shopper from Prada that probably hasn’t been seen on anyone’s arms for years or a cute Gucci clutch from a few seasons ago.

    The collection is sourced from Japan, Europe and right here in Thailand, so you are guaranteed to find a wide range of goodies. The store is split in 2: The first section is dedicated to men’s clothes and bags (although if ladies are looking for a more satchel type of bag, it's worth having a rummage here as well) and the other section focuses on women. Alongside the bags, you'll find shoes, scarves and a small selection of accessories.

    Location: 3 Ekkamai Soi 10, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

    Open: Daily from 11.30am to 9pm

    Phone: +66 (0)2 726 9592

    Map
  • 3

    BrandLover Cafe

    BrandLover Cafe
    • Shoppers

    This bag shop doesn’t have a name outside, but let’s be honest, it doesn’t really need one. Items in the windows are displayed more like artefacts in a museum, and to anyone who loves designer handbags, it's a real feast for the eyes. Some top bags are artfully arranged in the main window.

    Once you get inside, the shop is bright and airy with a high ceiling and shelves lined with bags in all different shapes and sizes. The team here are friendly and know their designers well. Some of the bags are brand new, so be sure to ask to see the second-hand and vintage bags, which are much more affordable.

    Location: 46/3 Soi Sukhumvit 49, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

    Open: Monday–Friday from 10.30am to 7pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10.30am to 6pm

    Phone: +66 (0)81 933 7400

    Map

    photo by Wen-Cheng Liu (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 4

    Labellist Vintage Vibes

    Labellist Vintage Vibes
    • Shoppers

    Perched on the Louis XIV-inspired sofa at the centre of this impeccably displayed bag shop, you'll find the owner of Labellist Bangkok, a friendly lady who has a passion for bags. She's particularly fond of the Hermes Kelly and Birkin – hard to find names that people have been known to fight over in the past. New arrivals come in weekly, often at the request of her regular clients, so don’t be surprised to see things that are beyond your price range on display.

    This is one of the few places in town where we've spotted Mulberry bags. Our favourite picks from here include a sky blue YSL Muse bag in perfect condition and a slouchy second-hand Chloe Bay bag in tan from the Spring/Summer 2007 collection.

    Location: Gaysorn Village, 999 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

    Open: Daily from 11am to 7pm

    Phone: +66 (0)80 565 6156

    Map

    photo by Wen-Cheng Liu (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Lux

    Lux
    • Shoppers

    The owners of Lux Bangkok second-hand bag boutique started the shop because of their own passion for designer handbags. Once their own wardrobes were full, they wanted to share their knowledge and connections with the rest of Bangkok. Their range covers pre-owned, vintage and even the occasional collectable high-fashion bags. The items here are some of the best designer bargains you can find around the city. More unusual brands stocked here include Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood and Miu Miu. Prices for a small bag start at around 6,000 baht.

    Location: Interchange 21 Building, 399 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

    Open: Monday–Friday from 10am to 7pm (closed on weekends)

    Phone: +66 (0)92 556 5655

    Map