Where is the best place to buy gold in 2026: Top 10 gold shops to invest in and techniques for making the right purchase

Buying gold remains one of the most popular investments among Thais, dating back to ancient times until today. Whether accumulating gold for investors or purchasing jewelry, in 2026 there are many gold shops open for service, from traditional gold stores in Yaowarat to shopping mall gold shops and online services that offer greater convenience. Choosing the right gold shop is essential to ensure your investment success.

Set your gold purchase goals before investing

Before deciding where to buy gold in 2026, the first step is to ask yourself: what is your purpose for buying gold? This question will determine the best shop and type of gold for your needs.

If buying as jewelry: Opt for gold jewelry rather than bars, even if it involves paying a premium and getting a lower resale price. Jewelry is beautiful and practical. Department store gold shops are a good choice because they offer convenience and diverse designs.

If aiming for long-term investment: Gold bars are a better option. They effectively hedge against inflation. Although they require storage, they retain stable value. Buying from reputable shops ensures easy resale later.

If short-term speculation: Consider online trading services, such as gold trading via Forex platforms, which offer greater convenience without holding physical gold. No storage fees, quick buy/sell with a few clicks, and the use of margin trading allows trading with less capital.

10 trusted gold shops suitable for investment in 2026

After defining your gold purchase goals, the next step is selecting a reliable shop. In 2026, many gold shops operate—from traditional stores and mall outlets to online services. Choosing shops that are members of the Thailand Gold Traders Association is important for credibility.

1. Hua Seng Heng Gold Shop Co., Ltd.

Hua Seng Heng is a well-established Thai gold retailer with over 70 years of history. Originally focused on gold jewelry, the name Hua Seng Heng means “unity” in Chinese, reflecting a family business image.

Today, Hua Seng Heng has branches in Bangkok and surrounding areas, with its main branch in Yaowarat. Besides selling traditional jewelry, it offers online trading of gold bars at 96.5% and 99.99% purity, with real-time market prices. It is also a broker for Gold Futures on TFEX.

Their comprehensive services, including trading and delivery, make it a professional choice for gold trading.

Caution: Online gold trading carries cybersecurity risks. Use official channels and protect personal data.

2. Yaowarat Gold Shops

For Thai-Chinese or general Thai customers, Yaowarat Gold Shops are well known. Established since 1969, they initially focused on jewelry trading but expanded to meet growing customer demand.

With over 350 branches nationwide, they offer standard prices from the Thailand Gold Traders Association, for both jewelry and bars, providing convenience and standardization.

Caution: The large number of branches may lead to inconsistent service quality. Choose reputable branches or use online services for assurance.

3. Aurora Gold Shop

Aurora Gold has over 40 years of experience, starting as Sui Seng Heng Gold Shop in 1973, specializing in goldsmithing and wholesale jewelry. It later rebranded as Aurora Gold, focusing on jewelry, diamonds, and auspicious gold bars, with prices based on the Gold Traders Association.

With over 200 branches nationwide and online trading via Aurora Gold app, it’s ideal for jewelry buyers.

Caution: Prices may be higher due to jewelry and gemstone focus. Compare with other shops before purchasing.

4. Ausiris Gold

Ausiris Gold pioneered gold bar investment in Thailand, with over 16 years of experience. Originally a gold shop in Phetchaburi since 1917, it expanded to Bangkok in 1987, focusing on investment gold bars since 2005 and online trading.

It collaborates with the Stock Exchange to list gold ETFs. Headquartered in Bangkok, it offers online trading, gold savings, and standard gold bars.

Its comprehensive services and 24/7 online trading make it a strong choice for serious investors.

Caution: Investing in ETFs and derivatives involves high risk. Study products carefully and plan strategies.

5. MTS Gold Co., Ltd.

MTS Gold, established in 1952, is a long-standing gold trading company. It offers online trading of gold bars and jewelry, as well as derivatives trading via the MTS Gold platform.

With headquarters in Bangkok, it provides 24/7 online transactions, making it suitable for investors.

Caution: Limited physical branches; online services are recommended for convenience.

6. Thongbai Yawarat Gold Shop Co., Ltd.

Founded on Yaowarat Road, Thongbai Yawarat has over 60 years of history. It mainly trades jewelry, gold, diamonds, and gemstones, focusing on jewelry for adornment.

It is a member of the Thailand Gold Traders Association, with 5 branches in Bangkok.

Caution: Focused mainly on jewelry; consider other shops for different investment types.

7. Jin Hwa Heng Gold Shop

Established in 1980, Jin Hwa Heng specializes in high-quality jewelry, offering various designs like gold cards, bangles, earrings, rings, and necklaces. It also sells laser-engraved gold bars with detailed patterns, available online and in-store, at standard prices.

Caution: Few branches, mostly in Bangkok. Online shopping is more convenient.

8. YLG Bullion Company

YLG Bullion produces and exports gold jewelry and gemstones, with over 20 years of international experience. It rebranded as YLG Bullion International in 2003, offering 99.99% and 96.5% gold bars nationwide, with comprehensive investment services including futures.

Headquartered in Bangkok, it provides online trading via YLG Bullion Trading.

Caution: Limited branches; online services help compensate.

9. Thongbai Yawarat Gold Shop Co., Ltd.

This shop has been operating on Yaowarat Road for decades, mainly trading jewelry, diamonds, and gemstones. It is a member of the Thailand Gold Traders Association, with 5 branches.

Caution: Focused on jewelry; consider other shops for broader investment options.

10. Thonakit Gold Shop

Founded over 40 years ago, Thonakit Gold Shop specializes in jewelry and gemstones, offering buy, sell, pawn, and custom-made items like amulets, lockets, and rings. It does not offer gold savings or investment programs.

Caution: No dedicated investment or savings plans; suitable for jewelry and personal items.

6 key steps for proper gold purchase and verification

After choosing a shop, follow these steps to ensure quality and fair pricing:

Step 1: Select a reputable shop with a good history

Choose shops with long-standing operations, trusted by customers, with membership in the Thailand Gold Traders Association. Such shops are better regulated and protect customer rights.

Step 2: Specify the type and form of gold

Decide whether to buy gold bars or jewelry, and whether 96.5% or 99.99% purity. Different types serve different purposes and have varying prices.

Step 3: Have experts verify weight and purity

Weigh gold in front of both buyer and seller for accuracy. Have a professional check purity to confirm quality.

Step 4: Check prices, premiums, and fees

Understand the actual buying price, premiums (engraving fees), and other charges like mold fees. Record these details for transparency.

Step 5: Review other conditions

Check buy-back policies, warranty terms, and return conditions. A proper warranty is important for resale.

Step 6: Resell to the same shop

Selling back to the original shop ensures the gold’s quality is verified, facilitating better resale prices and avoiding authenticity issues.

Conclusion: Choose a shop aligned with your needs

By understanding various shops and proper buying procedures, investors can select the best shop for their goals—whether traditional jewelry stores, mall outlets, or online platforms.

For 2026, the most important factors are choosing a reputable shop with a good track record and membership in the Thailand Gold Traders Association, and carefully reviewing all conditions before purchase. This way, you can invest confidently and securely in gold.