Everyone loves picking up souvenirs from their trips, but there is often an overwhelming amount of knick-knacks to choose from and, if you’re going in unprepared, you probably don’t know what’s worth buying.
Here are a few ideas of cool things to buy in Thailand, either as souvenirs and reminders of your trip or as gifts for your friends and family upon your return.
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Silk
Silk is one of the most popular Thai souvenirs and is definitely worth bringing back from your trip.
Thai silk is made from the strands of silkworms that have been fed on a strict diet of mulberry leaves, which is hand-woven to create silky smooth pieces in a variety of bright colors and patterns.
Silk can be found everywhere in Thailand, but you should be wary of the silk sold at markets, as this is often very low-quality or fake silk made from polyester.
While any textile can be a lovely souvenir and the cheaper options may be preferable, if you’re looking for quality Thai silk, head to a Jim Thompson shop, which has locations all over Thailand.
Alternatively, head to one of the textile museums in Bangkok. Genuine Thai silk is not cheap, but if you’re happy to pay for quality, it’s more than worth it.
Parasol
Sometimes the best souvenir is something that you can actually make use of while on your travels. To help protect yourself from the hot and humid weather in the same way that the Thai locals do, head to a market and pick up a parasol.
These parasols are often made from paper, oiled in the traditional Thai way, which makes for a wonderfully useful souvenir.
You’ll find a range of styles, colors, and sizes depending on where you go, but you’re likely to be able to find parasols being sold at most markets in Bangkok and along the main streets in Phuket and Krabi.
Alongside parasols and umbrellas, you can also find a wide range of hand fans to help you against the hot and humid air.
Harem pants
If you’re partial to picking up souvenirs that can also prove useful during your trip, seek out a pair of harem pants.
While they may be a tad cliche as souvenirs, harem pants are an essential staple for coping with the hot and humid Thai weather.
Harem pants are light, airy, roomy, and, best of all, come in lots of patterns and designs. Also incredibly versatile, harem pants are pretty gender-neutral and can be easily paired with the rest of your Thai wardrobe.
You can find harem pants at most markets in Thailand for a reasonable price, particularly if the market is oriented towards tourists.
Thai alcohol
Not only is Thai alcohol one of the best souvenirs from Thailand to bring home, but it’s also far more affordable than international liquor and generally a more preferable purchase while in the country.
International alcohol is very heavily taxed in Thailand, making Thai alcohol the obvious choice for those wanting to drink while visiting.
But besides financial factors, trying out some Thai alcohol is a great way to expand your palette and get a taste of the local area in a very unique way.
Thai alcohol is known for being very exotic, with popular brands to look out for including Mekhong Whiskey, SamSong Rum, and Singha beer. Most popular brands can be found at any general grocery store, 7-11, or supermarket in Thailand.
Soap carvings
If you’re looking for something truly unique to bring back from Thailand, you’ll want to seek out some soap carvings.
Found at markets all over Thailand, these soap carvings come in a wide variety of intricate floral shapes and bright colors and are injected with lovely exotic fragrances.
While you can, of course, use these soap carvings to wash your hands, many people choose to keep them as ornamental mementos as they just can’t bear to use them!
These carvings are generally cheap and can be found in markets all over, as well as in shopping centres such as the MBK Center Shopping Mall in Bangkok.
Thai silver
Thai silver is known for its intricacy and can be found in various forms such as jewelry, tableware, ornaments, and trinkets.
When shopping for Thai silver, be sure to check for the .925 stamp, which indicates that the item is authentic and made from 92.5% silver.
Silver can be bought all over Thailand in shops and markets, such as Chatuchak Market and, so it’s just a matter of seeking out something you like.
Be sure to also seek out the silver that has been made by the tribes of Northern Thailand.
This high-quality handmade silver is up to 99% pure and makes for one of the best items to buy in Thailand.
Edible insects
If you’re an adventurous eater, edible insect snacks are one of the things you must buy in Thailand.
Popular even with Thai locals, a range of insects are fried up or dried and prepared as a snack, often enjoyed with beer, and sold at pretty much every market in Thailand.
When shopping for edible insects, expect to find the likes of silkworms, crickets, and grasshoppers, packaged up by brands such as Non-Pai and Jing Leed.
You’ll also find edible insects that are ready to eat and not bagged up in a range of markets, the most popular being Khao San Road.
Instant noodles
If edible insects aren’t your thing, don’t fret. Instant noodles are another very popular Thai food and make for a very convenient way to bring back the taste of Thailand in your suitcase.
The most popular instant noodle brands include Mama, WaiWai, and Little Cook, which can be found at most supermarkets and 7-11s in Thailand.
With a range of flavors including shiitake mushroom, seafood, and pork, Thai instant noodles make for a great way to share the Thai experience with loved ones at home.
