Shopping: the 14 best souvenirs and gifts to buy in Thailand

Thailand is not only the land of smiles, massages and good food, it is also a shopping paradise with many original products.

To give you an idea of what to bring back for your friends, family or just to treat yourself, here is a list of the 14 best Thai souvenirs.

1. Flower-shaped soap

Soap carved in the shape of a flower. Photo: Narisa

Thai soap, which comes in all forms of flowers, is not only beautifully sculpted, but also extremely fragrant.

It is a real "handmade" soap that has not only the shape of a flower, but also the typical aroma of its shape, the mango soap being one of the most popular.

These soaps are often bought by tourists who give them to their relatives to decorate their homes or bathrooms.

You can find all kinds of carved soaps in the Chatuchak weekend marketIn addition to the above, there are many other places to visit, such as night markets, souvenir shops or even large shopping centres.

2. Wood carvings

Carved wooden wall panel. Photo: Siam Sawadee

You can easily find beautiful woodcarvings of varying sizes in Thailand.

Whether they are statues or carved panels of Buddhaof Naga, of dancer ApsaraThere is no shortage of choice.

Of course, this can be cumbersome unless you have them mailed to you.

3. Triangular cushions

Triangular cushion. Photo: mangotrees

These very stylish pillows are comfortable and can be seen in many Thai homes.

It is one of the most impressive souvenirs for tourists on a trip to Thailand.

4. Paper umbrellas

Paper umbrellas. Photo: Brian Jeffery Beggerly

The paper umbrellas available in many colours and with beautiful Thai landscapes will surely make you want to choose them as souvenirs from Thailand to bring to your friends and family.

You will find a large selection at the Bo Sang Umbrella and Handicraft Festival in Chiang Mai.

5. Thai key rings and magnets

Thai fridge magnets. Photo: Zamongi

Keyrings and fridge magnets are classic souvenirs that are both fun and easy to pack in your suitcase.

Keyrings and magnets also have different shapes and meanings and the most popular in Thailand are, of course, the elephant souvenirs.

5. Amulets and Pha Yant

Amulet of protection of the monk Luang Pu Thuat.

Thailand is known as a spiritual country, so you should not miss the opportunity to buy amulets as gifts to wear as good luck charms for your family.

Small Buddha figures, or talismans, and bracelets are a meaningful gift from Thailand that you can give to your loved ones.

Protective fabric: Pha Yant

Pha Yant are small cloths with images of Buddha or other deities and sacred texts, used for good luck or protection from evil spirits.

Some of them are really beautiful and it's a space-saving gift that will please your friends.

6. Thai silk

Natural silk factories in Satuek market. Photo: Gigi2562

Thailand is also famous for its silk goods.

They are quite expensive, but will certainly give you a lot of pleasure.

There are many types of soft silk brands available in many shopping centres, and the most famous of them is the Jim Thompson which always sells high quality products.

7. Silver objects

Silver bracelet. Photo : Pony Up

If you're not sure what to buy as a gift in the 'Land of Smiles', then Thai silver jewellery is an ideal choice.

In Thailand, you can buy silver jewellery at very affordable prices.

To find Thai silver jewellery, go to Silom and Chinatown, the districts of Bangkok which have the largest number of silver shops.

8. Handbags

Thai bag. Photo : Etsy

Bags made of different textiles, such as brocade, which is both durable and beautiful, will certainly make your trip unforgettable.

You can go to shopping malls such as Siam Square or MBK in Bangkok to buy beautiful bags with Thai designs.

9. Thai spices

Thai cuisine is famous for its spicy flavours and spices marinated in aromatic sauces.

If you have friends and family members who love to cook, Thai spices would be a very special gift.

You can buy spice mixes and pastes that can be used to easily cook Thai dishes yourself, as there is usually 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 products at the Gourmet Market, Chatuchak Weekend Market, or in shopping centres.

10. Elephant trousers

Elephant trousers

In Thailand, you can often spot tourists from a distance by the trousers they wear, called Thai elephant trousers.

This is a fairly typical outfit for backpackers or those who like the unique texture and comfort that you can easily buy at the famous night markets.

11. Thai boxing shorts

Thai boxing shorts

Muay Thai shorts have recently become a favourite souvenir for many tourists.

This is truly the best gift you can buy in Thailand for a martial arts fan.

You can buy them in sporting goods shops, large shopping centres or famous outdoor markets.

12. Printed T-shirts

Printed T-shirts are extremely popular souvenirs for tourists.

Thai clothes are generally quite cheap, the quality of the fabric is also good.

The Thai garment industry is quite developed and very diverse in terms of design, colours and materials.

So you can easily find T-shirts with the logos of famous local brands such as Chang Beer, Singha or Red Bull.

Night markets such as the Ratchada Train Market and even the Chactuchak Weekend Market sell a lot of this type of clothing.

13. Spa products

Chiva-Som Wellness Centre in Hua Hin. Photo: Chiva-Som

You can't miss the spa products when you fill your bag with souvenirs and 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 fragrances is the unique scent of jasmine, which helps to relieve daily stress.

14. Nasal inhaler

The nasal inhaler is certainly one of the most interesting items to buy in Thailand, it is a cheap and space saving gift that will please your friends.

Thai inhalers, called "Ya Dom" in Thai, are very popular, as they are made of natural ingredients such as eucalyptus oil, menthol, camphor oil and mint.

You can inhale them to make your breathing easier or use them to fight itches, such as mosquito bites or to massage a sore muscle.

You can easily find them for sale in convenience stores, shopping centres and markets.

The best known brands of Thai nasal inhalers are POY-SIAN, Peppermint Field and Jarungjit.

See also :

Handicrafts in Thailand: shopping tips