Thailand is not only adored for its charming scenery but also considered a wonderful shopping paradise. Thinking what to buy in Thailand? There are many famous Thailand souvenirs and other special things that you can bring back as a gift from Thailand to your friends and family. Find gift ideas on this list of the best things to buy in Thailand.
Famous Things to Buy in Thailand
Souvenirs imbued with Thai cultural identity not only bring pleasant surprise but also are full of meaning. For getting an idea about unique gifts from Thailand, we’ve made the list of the 34 famous things to buy in Thailand, which includes the best Thai souvenirs and other Thailand famous products that you should definitely pack into your suitcase when coming back home.
1. Flower Soap
Thai soap coming in all shapes of flowers and interesting fruits is not only beautifully carved but also extremely fragrant. This is a true "hand-made" soap that not only has a fruit-like shape but also has the typical aroma similar to its shape with mango soap being one of the most popular. These Thailand souvenirs are often bought by tourists to give to their loved ones for decoration in homes and bathrooms. You can find all kinds of fruit soaps at Chatuchak Weekend Market, night markets, souvenir shops or even big shopping malls.
Price: 30-40 Baht
2. Wooden Carvings
Wooden carvings may seem like a heavy product to add to the list of things to buy in Thailand, but in Bangkok you can find some of the most beautiful wood carving crafts. From simple pieces of wood, passing through the hands of Thai artisans, they become an extremely unique and distinctive work of art, sculpted in many different shapes. Wooden carvings can be a nice addition to your interior or a great gift from Thailand.
Price: 100-2,000 Baht
3. Triangular Pillows
When lost in the paradise of Thailand souvenirs, you will surely be impressed by the extremely fancy triangular pillows. These Thailand famous products are some of the souvenirs that impress tourists the most when traveling around the country.
4. Paper Umbrellas
Paper umbrellas offered in many colors and adorned with beautiful Thai landscapes will surely make you want to choose them as Thailand gifts to bring to your friends and relatives. The beautiful umbrellas that you can buy in Thailand are actually sun umbrellas, and they are mostly used for decoration.
5. Thai Keychain & Magnets
Keychain and refrigerator magnets are classic souvenirs that are both fun and easy to bring home in your suitcase. Keychain and magnets also have different shapes and meanings and the most popular ones in Thailand are, of course, souvenirs with elephant pattern.
Price: 20-50 Baht
6. Amulets
Thailand is known as a spiritual country, so you should not miss the opportunity to buy amulets as gifts to bring like lucky charms for your family. Small Buddha figures, or talismans, and bracelets are meaningful gifts from Thailand for you to give to your loved ones.
7. Thai Silk
Other Thailand famous products are items made from Thai silk. It is quite expensive, but will definitely give you a lot of pleasure. Thai silk sheets are not only used for sewing clothes, but can also be used to make pillows, carpets or curtains. There are many types of soft silk brands available at shopping centers, and the most famous of them is Jim Thompson store which always sells high quality products.
Price: 200-5,000 Baht
8. Gemstones
Thailand is a country known as a paradise of beautiful and valuable gemstones. Once polished to become sparkling, colorful, gems become trendy and stylish jewelry for you to dress up in luxurious dresses. However, there are many frauds in this regard. If you are not an expert, you should not buy gems from less known places.
9. Ceramics
Two of Thailand's most famous ceramic companies are Bencharong porcelain and Sangkhalok stoneware. You can find ceramic and porcelain products throughout Thailand, from hotel halls and department stores to souvenir shops. Chiang Mai Province is famous for housing many ceramic tile factories, so you should prioritize buying gifts made of ceramic and porcelain in this city.
10. Thai Silverware
If you are not sure what to buy in Thailand as a gift from the “Land of Smiles”, then Thai silver jewelry is an ideal choice. In Thailand, you can buy silver jewelry at very affordable prices that will surely make you satisfied. To find Thai silver jewelry, drop by Silom and Chinatown, the areas in Bangkok with the biggest number of silver shops. You can also find silverware being sold on the big streets in downtown Bangkok.
11. NaRaYa Bag
NaRaYa is a famous local brand specializing in handcrafted bags of premium quality. They come in all types, colors and designs, giving a variety of suitable choices. You can find NaRaYa stores in major shopping centers in Bangkok as well as at the airport.
12. Brocade Bags
Brocade bags are definitely a Thailand souvenir that you will notice. Brocade bags that are both durable and beautiful will surely save unforgettable memories from the impressive journey. You can visit shopping centers such as Siam Square or MBK in Bangkok to buy beautiful brocade bags.
13. Thai Spices
Thai cuisine is famous for its spicy flavors and marinated spices with aromatic sauces. If you have friends and family members who love to cook, Thai spices would be a very special gift from Thailand.
You can buy spice mixes and pastes that can be used to easily cook Thai food by yourself, as there is normally a recipe on the package and you just need to follow the steps to cook a standard Thai dish without adjustments.
You can buy these Thailand famous products at Gourmet Market, Chatuchak Weekend Market, or in the shopping mall.
Price: From 10 - 100 baht
14. Dried Thai Fruits
Thailand is famous for many delicious and attractive Thai fruits. Dried jackfruit, dried mango and dried durian are just some of Thai specialties. You can find and buy dried Thai fruits at various markets, supermarkets such as Big C and thousands of other places of sale in Thailand. Most of the items are cheap and provide great fruity flavors.
Price: 100-300 Baht
15. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of the traditional Thai food dishes. For those who are addicted to this dish, there are Pad Thai packages produced and processed from the original ingredients, making this popular dish easy to cook at home.
16. Bento Squid
One of the hottest snacks in Thailand and storming among tourists is Bento Squid. Thai Bento Squid has typical Thai taste so it is relatively hot and has three levels of spiciness that can be chosen depending on the color of the product packaging: red, orange and green. The spiciest one is orange, which is a little sweet and very crispy. The least spicy green Bento offers more sweet taste.
17. Royal Chitralada Milk Candy
Royal Chitralada Milk Candy is one of the most famous candies in Thailand and all Thai people know this candy. This is a local product of the "Royal Agricultural Project Chitralada", developed and promoted by Thai royal family. The candy is flat in shape and has a characteristic sweet, juicy milk flavor.
Price: 15 Baht
18. Milk Candies
Thai milk candies come in a variety of flavors from corn, watermelon, mango, strawberry, chocolate and apple. Choose one according to your taste and take it as Thailand gift as well!
19. Instant Noodles
If you are a fan of instant noodles, then instant Tom Yum flavored noodles of Mama brand is definitely the thing buy in Thailand for you. Mama noodles are the most famous noodle brand in Thailand that can be found being sold everywhere, from supermarkets to street vendors.
20. Koh Kae Peanuts
Koh Kae peanuts are extremely popular with both Thai adults and children. The greasy, sweet taste with the crunchiness is easily addictive for any snack fan. Accordingly, up to 14 different types of flavors from classic, coconut cream to Tom Yum can make you spoiled for choice when in need to choose your favorite flavor for bringing as a gift from Thailand.
21. Tao Kae Noi Seaweed
Commonly known as Thailand's "No. 1" snack, Tao Kae Noi crispy seaweed is favored as a delightful fries. This snack also has many different flavors such as seafood spices, Tom Yum, wasabi, curry crab and many others. Tao Kae Noi seaweed is one of Thailand special items and is sold all around the country.
22. Thai Pocky Sticks
Pocky sticks are a really popular snack in Thailand. Even if you admire the original flavor such as chocolate, banana, lychee, blueberry, mango and others, you will be fascinated by the spices of Thai food such as Tom Yam and Larb.
23.Thai Elephant Pants
When in Thailand, you can often spot tourists from afar by the trousers they're wearing that are called Thai elephant pants. This is a fairly typical outfit for backpackers or those who love the unique texture and comfort. Elephant pants are a pretty interesting bohemian - chic harem pants that you can easily buy at famous night markets.
Price: 100 Baht
24. Muay Thai Shorts
Muay Thai shorts have recently become a favorite Thailand souvenir of many tourists. A pair of pants brings a sense of comfort that you can completely wear while watching real Muay Thai fights. This is truly a must buy in Thailand and the best gift you can make for a martial arts fan. You can buy these shorts from sporting goods stores, major shopping centers or famous outdoor markets.
Price: 300-1,300 Baht
25. Thai Traditional Costume
Vietnam has Ao Dai, Korea has colorful Hanbok and Japan has impressive Kimono, and in Thailand you will also see people wearing a traditional costume. Traditional Thai clothing varies from city to city, but one thing remains the same: it's beautiful. Every color you can imagine blends perfectly. Chatuchak Weekend Market and Chiang Mai markets are the ideal place for buying these unique costumes with diverse designs at reasonable prices.
Price: 300-1,000 Baht
26. Graphic Tank Tops & T-Shirts
Graphic Tank Tops & T-Shirts are extremely popular Thailand souvenirs for tourists. Thai clothes are usually quite cheap, the quality of fabric is also good. Thai garment industry is quite developed and very diverse in design, color and material, so you easily find T-shirts or tank tops with logos of famous brands such as Chang Beer, Singha, Red Bull or Starbucks. Night markets such as Ratchada Train Market and even Chactuchak Weekend Market are selling lots of such clothing.
Price: 80-120 Baht
27. Thai Footwear
Thai footwear is another Thai souvenir you could buy to give to your friends and relatives. This product is highly appreciated by tourists for its smooth quality, durability and reasonable price. When walking around the markets or streets of Thailand, you'll find plenty of stalls featuring a variety of footwear from sandals, Thai silk shoes, high heels, children's shoes, women's shoes to men's shoes.
Price: 100-300 Baht
28. Takabb Anti Cough Pill
Takabb Anti Cough Pill is a fairly effective remedy for cough, which is popular in Thailand. It contains the herbal ingredients that can relieve cough and refresh throat. Herbs such as Rhus Chinensis Mill. and Prunus Armeniaca L. can help relieving cough, Glycyrrhiza L. can help dissolving phlegm and refresh throat. This is Thailand famous product that is worth buying as it is cheap and works very well.
Price: 30 Baht
29. Spa Products
You cannot miss spa products when filling your bag with Thai souvenirs and other gifts from Thailand. You can choose various body spa products such as aromatic soaps, exfoliating creams, essential oils, compressed herbs that are beautifully packaged to take home. One of the most popular scents is the unique Jasmine scent that helps dispel the everyday stress. Spa products is a favorite product not only for women but also for men. You can find spa products for every budget in different parts of the city.
Price: 40 - 500 Baht
30. Thai Coconut Oil
Nowadays, Thai coconut oil is used very widely, from moisturizing the face, softening hair to hand and foot care. Not only that, some people also add coconut oil to their tea or coffee for a more delicious taste. Coconut oil is available throughout Thailand so you can easily find coconut oil of different brands ranging from big brands to local brands. Coconut oil will be completely transparent in Thai heat, but as soon as the temperature drops below 25°C, the product will immediately become white and very thick.
31. Scented Candles
Scented candles are really a unique and effective relaxation therapy. The room will become more pleasant with the scent spreading gently in the space and giving you to feel the whole senses. This is truly an ideal Thailand gift to bring home to family and friends.
Price: 100-300 Baht
32. Nasal Inhaler
Nasal inhaler is definitely among the most worth buying items in Thailand. Thai inhalers, called "Ya Dom" in Thai, are very popular Thai souvenirs as they consist of natural ingredients such as Eucalyptus oil, Menthol, Camphor oil and mint. You can easily find them being sold at the convenience stores, shopping mall and markets. The most famous brands of Thai nasal inhalers are POY-SIAN, Peppermint Field and Jarungjit.
Price 15-30 Baht
33. Cooling Powder
Because Thailand has a tropical climate, Snake Brand cooling powder is Thailand famous product that is really popular between locals. This powder is used for summer and when applied to the skin it dispels the heat that is super suitable for travelling in this country.
34. Mosquito Repellent
When traveling to tropical countries like Thailand, you should pay attention to insects and mosquito bites. To avoid them, you should buy mosquito repellent. It will be especially helpful when you visit the tropics and especially the small provinces in Thailand. You can easily find different brands in local pharmacies or supermarkets. Mosquito repellent is a must buy in Thailand.
What cannot be exported from Thailand?
When considering what to bring home from Thailand, you should know the list of prohibited items that are the following:
- body parts (skins, teeth, etc.) or stuffed animals of valuable animals (these include tiger, elephant, turtle, crocodile, butterflies, seahorse and oyster);
- unprocessed corals;
- potted plants and soil for planting;
- national works of art;
- Buddha statues higher than 15 cm;
- Durian fruit.
Tips
7% VAT is applied on products sold in Thailand. If you want to get a tax refund when you leave the country, it is useful to shop at the places that have the sign “VAT Refund for Tourists”. To do this, you must make purchase at least 2,000 Baht from a shop on any given day. You need to request “PP10 VAT Refund Form” from the shop where you are shopping and add your invoices to this form. At least 2,000 Baht and above expenditures must be specified in each form. In addition, you should have done a minimum of 5,000 Baht shopping during your entire holiday to apply for the tax refund. Tax refund applications must be made within 60 days from the shopping date. When leaving the country, you can apply for a refund with your forms at the airport.
You can visit one of the traditional floating markets in Thailand to enjoy a boat ride on the canal and spend your leisure time shopping around the floating market as well as trying authentic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, rice noodle soup, or Mango Sticky Rice sold by the floating vendors.