What to Bring back From Thailand: 15 Must-Buy Thai Souvenirs!

Souvenirs are more than just mementos; they capture the essence of your travel experiences and bring a piece of the culture back home. Thailand, with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, offers an array of unique souvenirs that reflect its charm and craftsmanship. But what should you bring back from Thailand? In this comprehensive guide, we present a selection of the finest Thai souvenirs ideas to purchase in Thailand, tailored to your preferences, budget, and suitcase space. Follow our guide!

Written by Jade NGUYEN, (local expert) Updated on 05-11-2024

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1. Statuettes

Buddha statues are a quintessential souvenir, symbolizing Thailand's deep Buddhist roots. Sculpted in noble materials like wood, porcelain, and silver, these aesthetic pieces carry a profound cultural significance. Whether as a gift or a centerpiece in your home, a Buddha statue will add a spiritual touch of Asia.

Equally iconic are carved elephant figurines, revered in Thai culture. Available in various sizes, these elephants symbolize luck and prosperity, perfect as both decorative items and good luck charms.

2. Khon Theatre Masks

The Khon Theatre, with its elaborate masked dancers, is one of Thailand’s cultural treasures. These colorful masks, handcrafted with meticulous care, are now popular souvenirs. Bringing a Khon mask home allows you to share in Thailand’s artistic legacy, a perfect blend of culture and aesthetics.

>>> Read more: Thailand’s most iconic traditional dances

3. Wooden Souvenirs: Toads and Lingams

Thailand’s wooden crafts offer a unique taste of its artistic heritage. The charming wooden toads, which croak when rubbed with a stick, symbolize good luck. Another interesting find is the wooden lingam, a phallic sculpture believed to bring fertility and prosperity. Both items make for interesting and conversation-worthy souvenirs.

>>> Explore: Southern Thailand: Paradise Of The Most Beautiful Islands

4. Handicrafts of the hill tribes

The remote hill tribes of northern Thailand are known for their intricate handicrafts. These include embroidered clothing, woven bamboo baskets, and accessories that reflect centuries-old traditions. By purchasing these handmade items, you're not only bringing home a unique piece of craftsmanship but also supporting local communities.

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5. Benjarong ceramics

Benjarong porcelain, once a favorite of Siamese royalty, remains a symbol of Thai refinement. These colorful, geometric-patterned ceramics are still crafted by hand in the village of Ban Don Kai Dee. You can visit the artisans or purchase these stunning pieces at floating markets, making them both a beautiful and culturally significant Thai souvenir.

Village tours, visits to nearby orchards and the coast, and homestay options are available, allowing visitors to fully immerse in local life and try cooking traditional dishes.

6. Spices & Hot Sauces

No visit to Thailand is complete without taking home its vibrant spices and sauces. Popular choices include Sriracha sauce, tamarind paste, and Thai curry powders, perfect for adding authentic Thai flavors to your home-cooked meals. For a sweet twist, you should consider bringing back dried fruits like caramelized mangoes and shredded coconut.

>>> Best Thai food: Signature Thai Cuisine: Top 10 Must-Try Thai Dishes! 

7. Dried fruit & Thailand palm sugar

Thailand’s fertile lands produce an abundance of tropical fruits, making dried fruit one of the must-have Thailand gourmet souvenirs. Caramelized mangoes, shredded coconut, and fluffy papayas are easy to find in local markets and are packaged in pretty sachets, making them great gifts. These snacks offer a delicious blend of craftsmanship and flavor, symbolizing the Thai epicurean lifestyle.

Looking for a sweet taste of Thailand to take home? Palm sugar (Nam Taan Tanod) might be just the thing. Often compared to maple syrup but with a richer, more indulgent flavor, it's a staple in Thai cooking, giving you a true taste of Thailand’s authentic flavors.

8. ChaTraMue - Enjoy Thai Iced Tea at Home

ChaTraMue's tea mix is a quintessential Thailand souvenir, cherished by Thai people for over 75 years. This beloved tea blend allows you to recreate authentic Thai iced tea at home, offering the iconic taste of Thailand. 

9. Spa Products & Herbal Balms

Bring the bliss of Thailand’s spa culture home with traditional products like essential oils, herbal bath salts, and massage balms. Scents like lemongrass and jasmine capture the calming essence of Thai wellness, making these perfect for unwinding after a long day.

You’ll find these treasures at local markets and top brands like Harnn, Pañpuri, and Karmakamet. Scented candles, luxurious bath products, and soothing massage oils let you relive that serene spa experience. Wondering where to buy them? Visit markets like Chatuchak or specialty stores to find these wellness treasures.

>>> Read more: Thai Massage: A Journey into the Art of Wellness

10. Thai Liquor

Thailand offers a range of flavorful spirits that reflect the country’s culture and local ingredients. Popular choices include:

• Mekhong: Known as "The Spirit of Thailand," this amber-colored liquor is made from rice and sugarcane with a blend of herbs and spices. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.
• SangSom: A smooth and versatile spirit often mixed with soda, commonly found at Thai gatherings.
• Lao Khao: A potent clear rice spirit, best enjoyed in cocktails or with mixers.
• Ya Dong: A traditional herbal liquor infused with roots and spices, believed to have medicinal properties.
• Chalong Bay Rum: A handcrafted, small-batch rum made from pure sugarcane juice, perfect for rum enthusiasts.

For beer lovers, Singha, Leo, and Chang are popular choices, each offering a refreshing taste of Thailand.

11. Sarongs & Thai Silk

Colorful sarongs are a versatile and affordable souvenir, perfect for beach days or as a fashionable accessory. Made from lightweight materials like silk and cotton, sarongs often feature traditional Thai patterns.

If you are looking for a more luxurious textile souvenir, Thai silk stands out for its softness and durability. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, hand-woven Thai silk is a prized material that reflects Thailand’s rich textile history.

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12. Elephant pants

Loose-fitting elephant pants are a favorite among travelers for their comfort and traditional Thai motifs. They’re an inexpensive and stylish way to remember your trip, available at local markets throughout the country.

13. Axe Pillows - Mon Kwan or Mon Sam Lieung

The unique, vibrant triangle pillows, also known as Mon Thai, are a popular item in Thai culture, used for lounging and relaxation. These durable, decorative pillows are perfect for adding a touch of Thai comfort to your home.

14. Silver Jewelry

Thailand is a haven for jewelry lovers, offering a wide range of unique and affordable pieces. From silver charm bracelets to finely crafted necklaces, rings, and earrings, Thai jewelry is inspired by the country's lush nature, spiritual symbols, and traditional craftsmanship. 

What's so special about them? Elaborate and delicate patterns inspired by the lush nature, spiritual symbols and traditional craftsmanship of the country. Enough to bring back precious and authentic memories! Thai silver will appeal to jewelry lovers looking for unique pieces.

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15. Rattan Bags & Sticky Rice Baskets

Rattan bags, crafted from natural fibers, offer both style and function. These beautifully woven bags are popular as beach totes or fashion accessories. Similarly, sticky rice baskets, intricately crafted from bamboo, are both functional and decorative, symbolizing Thailand’s culinary traditions.

16. Carved Soap Flowers

Artisans in Chiang Rai, Thailand, have spent years mastering the craft of carving soap into intricate flower designs through trial and error. Each scented soap flower takes about an hour to complete and is stored in a beautifully decorated wooden box, also handcrafted by the artisans.

Available in two sizes, the soaps are priced between THB180-360 (US$6-12) and can retain their scent for up to two years. These delicate creations are sold at local night markets, where artisans often carve in front of curious visitors drawn in by the soap’s alluring fragrance.

Where to Buy Souvenirs and Goodies in Thailand?

• Night Markets

Night markets are the perfect place to find authentic souvenirs at attractive prices. Under the multicolored lights, you will wander from booth to booth looking for the rare pearl to slip into your suitcase.

The famous Chatuchak Night Market in Bangkok, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai, Phuket Indy Night Market in Phuket, or Amulet Market with a lot of cheap souvenirs...

Pratunam Market is great for fashion items, while Jodd Fairs offers a variety of souvenirs and food. For a unique shopping experience with an element of train-related danger, visit the Maeklong Train Market, where you'll shop amidst passing trains, adding an adventurous twist to your trip.

All these night markets are real treasures where you will find a wide choice of souvenirs to prolong the magic of your stay in Thailand.

• Malls

The huge shopping malls are ideal for looking for stylish souvenirs in Thai fashion. At the Siam Paragon in Bangkok, you will find trendy jewelry, leather goods and clothing with Asian inspirations.

Central World, also in Bangkok, is full of shops offering stylish accessories and high-tech products. Finally, Terminal 21 and its futuristic concept will delight shopaholics with its cutting-edge signs. These temples of consumption are full of contemporary treasures for a memory that is resolutely in tune with the times. Enough to impress your loved ones when you return from Thailand with the ultimate in modern craftsmanship. 

>>> Dive into: How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Thailand? Prices and Tips 2024

• Craft Shops

Craft shops are a great place to find unique and authentic souvenirs. At Jim Thompson Village in Bangkok, you will fall under the spell of unique objects made of silk, ceramics or wood carving. The village of Ban Rak Thai in Chiang Mai is home to handicrafts such as chiseled jewelry and traditional paintings.

As for Bo Sang, also in Chiang Mai, he fascinates with his colorful parasols and other paper creations. These shops are veritable Ali Baba's caves full of pieces with centuries-old know-how. There's nothing like it to bring back the very spirit of Thailand through authentic memories steeped in history.

How To Haggle In A Thailand Market? Our Tips

With so many stalls, take your time to look around. Similar products often vary in price, so a little patience can help you find the best deals. Watch what other tourists and locals pay for items to understand the typical price range and strengthen your bargaining position.

Remember to show casual interest rather than eagerness. Sellers are more likely to offer discounts if you don't appear overly enthusiastic.

Begin negotiations with a low offer. Sellers often set prices higher than what they’re willing to accept, sometimes up to 50% more. Buying multiple items from one stall can lead to better deals. But if negotiations stall, politely walk away. This can prompt sellers to offer a better price to avoid losing a sale.  Keep the process light-hearted and fun. Smile, engage with sellers, and maybe even learn a few Thai phrases - starting from how to say Hello. Enjoying yourself can lead to unexpected bargains.

• Check the tax and refund policies: a 7% VAT is applied but refundable under certain conditions (minimum purchases of 2,000 baht per store per day and 5,000 baht in total during the stay).
• Compare prices at different stores to find the best deal.

>>>> For more information about etiquette in Thailand: Dos and Don’ts in Thailand

Our last words,

Thailand is a treasure trove of souvenirs, each offering a unique way to capture the magic of your journey. From Buddha statuettes and Khon masks to Thai spices and silk, these items will transport you back to Thailand’s vibrant culture long after you’ve returned home. Be sure to leave room in your suitcase for these unforgettable mementos!

>>> Read to know more about Thailand:

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• Thailand Islands: Guide to Choosing the Best One in 2024 
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