Paro Handicrafts Market Riverside
A charming market in Paro offering traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, local wines, and the highly-rated Dragon Cafe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best to see crafts
Paro Handicrafts Market Riverside
Best Time
Best to see crafts
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming market in Paro offering traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, local wines, and the highly-rated Dragon Cafe.
"Prices can be high, but bargaining is possible and local wines are a great value. "
🎯 Bargain for the Best Price
Shopkeepers expect bargaining; aim for a fair price. Discounts are often possible!
💳 Cash is King
Carry local currency (Ngultrum). Credit card transactions in INR can be problematic.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.6 · 29 reviews
Type
Shopping Mall
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Bhutanese Handicrafts
Market stalls lining the street
Discover intricate wood carvings, vibrant textiles, and unique souvenirs reflecting Bhutanese artistry.
Dragon Cafe Experience
Within the market area
Enjoy exquisite local cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere at this highly recommended cafe.
Local Wines and Spirits
Various shops and cafes
Sample affordable and delicious peach, grape, and rhododendron wines unique to the region.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bargain Smart, Shop Wisely
Timing Your Visit for Treasures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bargain for the Best Price
Shopkeepers expect bargaining; aim for a fair price. Discounts are often possible!
💳 Cash is King
Carry local currency (Ngultrum). Credit card transactions in INR can be problematic.
🚶♀️ Stroll and Discover
The market is compact, easily walkable in about ten minutes. Use zebra crossings.
☕️ Don't Miss Dragon Cafe
Highly recommended for its exquisite food and ambiance.
Any Handmade Antiques in Thimphu or Paro?
We are in Bhutan visiting for the first time. A lot of the shops have generic mass-produced souvenirs. Are there any shops that have legitimate handmade items or antiques?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bargain for the Best Price
Shopkeepers expect bargaining; aim for a fair price. Discounts are often possible!
💳 Cash is King
Carry local currency (Ngultrum). Credit card transactions in INR can be problematic.
🚶♀️ Stroll and Discover
The market is compact, easily walkable in about ten minutes. Use zebra crossings.
☕️ Don't Miss Dragon Cafe
Highly recommended for its exquisite food and ambiance.
🍷 Taste Local Wines
Enjoy affordable and unique fruit wines like peach and rhododendron.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Paro Handicrafts Market to be a place with elegant shops offering ethnic items and souvenirs, with shopkeepers who communicate well. However, many note that prices are unattractive and items can be overpriced, suggesting that bargaining is key. The Dragon Cafe is a highlight, and local wines are a great value.
"After having not so promising experience of shopping at Thimphu, our guide suggested waiting till the visit to Paro.
Decidedly, the shops were elegant here.
Many stores are selling ethnic items and souvenirs.
The shopkeepers were able to communicate better too.
The outlets surround both sides of a single lane. One can traverse the entire stretch in ten minutes walks. However, it’s a must to intersect the road on the zebra stripes only.
Though the variety was more select here, prices were unattractive.
Nevertheless, bargaining is possible to some extent.
To our utter surprise, the owner provided a generous discount even without asking!
Another care is needed here while using a credit or debit card in INR. If the billing is in the local currency, there would be an instant decline!"
सीके _
"Overpriced junk. Don't buy! You can easily purchas everything for half the price if you look harder. We got fridge magnets for Nu 50 each elsewhere while this place was charging over 150"
Dhiren Khatri
"Expensive antique, stamp and traditional stores. Exquisite cafes; must visit the Dragon Cafe 👌🏼. The only thing cheap are alcoholic beverages. Peach, grape and Rododendron wines are excellent at a mere sum."
Saptarshi Bhattacharya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is located in Paro town, easily accessible by taxi or on foot if you are staying nearby. It's a central point in the town, making it convenient to reach after exploring other attractions.
No, the market is in Paro town, while the Tiger's Nest hike is a significant trek outside of town. You'll typically visit the market on a different day or after returning from the hike.
Taxis are readily available for getting around Paro town and to nearby attractions. Many visitors also explore on foot within the town itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Paro Handicrafts Market. It's an open market where you can browse freely.
The market generally operates during daylight hours, typically from morning until early evening. It's best to visit when shops are open to see the full range of goods.
No advance booking is required. You can simply walk in and explore the various shops and stalls.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a variety of traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, including intricate wood carvings, hand-woven textiles like scarves and bags, thangkas (religious paintings), prayer flags, jewelry, and other unique souvenirs.
Yes, bargaining is common and expected. While prices might seem high initially, you can often negotiate for a better deal.
It's advisable to use cash (Bhutanese Ngultrum). Some shops might accept cards, but there can be issues with INR transactions, and it's generally safer to pay in local currency.
While the main market has many options, some reviewers suggest that similar items might be found for half the price if you look harder elsewhere in town. However, the market offers convenience and a good selection.
While specific shop names aren't frequently mentioned, exploring the entire stretch of the market will give you a good overview. Look for shops selling antique items, stamps, and traditional Bhutanese crafts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market area has several small restaurants offering various cuisines. The highly recommended Dragon Cafe is also located within or near the market.
Yes, many of the small restaurants offer local Bhutanese dishes. It's a great place to try authentic cuisine after shopping.
Surprisingly, alcoholic beverages like local wines (peach, grape, rhododendron) are quite affordable and considered a good value.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the market area, but it's always polite to ask shopkeepers before taking close-up photos of their merchandise or inside their shops.
Daylight hours offer the best natural light for capturing the vibrant colors of the handicrafts and the market atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit