What to Bring back From Thailand? Here are 17 Must-Buy Thai Souvenirs!

Thailand is a fascinating country, brimming with cultural, natural, and gastronomic riches. If you have the opportunity to visit this kingdom, you will undoubtedly want to bring back some of its charm and diversity.

But what should you bring back from Thailand? What are the essential mementos that will allow you to relive your trip or bring joy to your loved ones? 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 17-05-2024

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1. The Best Thailand Souvenirs to Bring Home

1.1 Cultural Souvenirs and Traditional Handicrafts

• Statuettes

Thailand is a land of spirituality where Buddhism occupies a primordial place. Bringing back a Buddha statue will be the perfect souvenir to capture the essence of this culture. Meticulously sculpted in noble materials such as wood, porcelain or even silver, these works are both aesthetic and carry a deep meaning. Offered to a loved one or enthroned in your home, they will diffuse a scent of Asia.

But the Buddha is not the only strong symbol of the country. Elephants, revered for centuries, also have an important role in local culture.

As with the effigies of the Buddha, there are small statuettes of carved or chiseled elephants, ideal for interior decoration. More imposing, they stand out as majestic good luck charms. Whatever their size, these elephant figurines capture the soul of Thailand and will make it look great in your home.

• Khon Theatre Masks

The traditional Khon Theatre is one of the cultural gems of the country, with its masked dancers. These colorful masks are made entirely by hand by craftsmen, from shaping the paper to painting the intricate patterns, including drawing the lines. A meticulous work that requires about ten days to obtain a mask worthy of the name.

Once reserved for the stage, these masks are now sold all over the country as souvenirs. Their unique graphics condense the essence of Thai art. Hung at home or given to friends, a Khon mask will take your thoughts on a journey to the kingdom of Siam. It is the perfect good luck charm for all lovers of the country, bringing a little Asian magic back into your home.

• Handicrafts of the hill tribes

Thailand's remote hills are home to hill tribes with centuries-old traditions. Their handcrafted creations, combining embroidery, basketry and weaving, are treasures to bring back in your suitcases.

Fine as lace, embroidery adorns the style of clothes and accessories. Baskets and hats made of woven bamboo combine aesthetics and functionality. These unique pieces, with their colorful patterns, reflect the ancestral know-how of these communities. In addition to their aesthetic dimension, you will bring the art of these tribes to life by contributing to their economy.

1.2 Thai Food Souvenirs

• Spices & Hot Sauces

During your trip to Thailand, don't forget to bring back some typical spices and hot sauces in your suitcase!

Sriracha sauce, made with red chili peppers, is a must-try on your Pad Thai noodles or Tom Yum soup. The tamarind sauce, dark brown and tangy, will wonderfully spice up your curries and salads.

For maximum flavor, also opt for the spicy fish sauce, perfect in your noodle or meat dishes. And if you're a fan of curry, bring back Thai curry powder, a subtle blend of spices to enhance your preparations.

Finally, the Tom Yum sauce, made with lemongrass and lime, will make you relive the flavors of this typical soup. Enough to extend the trip and make your taste buds travel home!

>>> To discover the best Thai food: Signature Thai Cuisine: Top 10 Must-Try Thai Dishes! 

• Dried fruit

Thailand is a fertile land, a cornucopia of juicy tropical fruits. Among the gourmet souvenirs to bring back, dried fruit is a must.

Easy to find in local grocery stores at low prices, these snacks will delight your taste buds when you return. Caramelized mangoes, shredded coconut, fluffy papayas... The flavors of the Land of Smiles will explode in your mouth.

Packaged in pretty sachets, they will also make great gifts to give to your loved ones. A subtle blend of gustatory pleasure and craftsmanship, dried fruit symbolizes the Thai epicurean lifestyle.

1.3 Traditional Thai Clothing and Textiles

If you're looking for easy-to-buy and highly functional Thai souvenirs, clothing is definitely a suggestion that couldn't be more appropriate.

• Colorful Sarongs

Thai Sarongs are interesting clothing souvenirs that you can find in Thailand. The sarong is a type of long, wide fabric used to make dresses, coats, or to wrap it around the hips. It is usually made from lightweight materials such as silk, cotton, or linen, providing a comfortable and cool feeling on hot days.

Sarong come in many bright colors, with unique patterns and traditional patterns from Thai culture. Thais often wear sarongs on special occasions like festivals. You can find these sarongs everywhere at reasonable prices.

• Thai Silk

Thai silk is a precious, hand-woven fabric traditionally recognized for its finesse and superior quality. Made from high-quality silk, it offers the perfect balance of softness and durability.

What makes Thai silk stand out is its varied colors and patterns. From bright hues to neutral tones, there's Thai silk to suit every taste. Its diversity makes it a unique choice and appreciated by textile enthusiasts.

• Elephant pants

Elephant pattern pants are a popular souvenir in Thailand. These are loose-fitting, comfortable pants, usually made of cotton or silk.

Elephant pants are often decorated with traditional Thai motifs, such as elephants, flowers, or geometric patterns. They are also a great way to show your love for Thailand. If you're looking for a unique and comfortable souvenir of your trip to Thailand, elephant patterned pants are a great option.

1.4 Jewelry & Accessories to Bring Back from Thailand

• Silver Jewelry

Thailand is a top destination for finding unique jewelry at affordable prices. The country is renowned for its beautiful silver charm bracelets, a cheaper alternative to major Western brands. But you can also find other typical jewelry such as finely crafted silver necklaces, rings and earrings.

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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• Rattan bags and purses

Rattan bags and purses are popular and well-liked Thai souvenirs. They are made from natural woven rattan fibres, giving them a rustic and authentic look, embellished with colorful patterns and elaborate details. These items are often handmade by talented artisans, representing traditional craftsmanship.

In Thailand, rattan bags are widely used as beach bags, shopping bags, or fashion accessories. Rattan coin purses are handy for storing coins and cards,...

2. Where to Find the Best Souvenirs?

2.1 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,...

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.

2.2 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

2.3 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.

Tips

When shopping in Thailand, keep a few tips in mind to get the most out of your purchases

• Negotiate prices in markets, discounts are often possible, especially if you buy multiple items.
• Check the tax and refund policies: a 7% VAT is applied but refundable under 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.
• Set a budget and avoid impulse buying.
• Protect fragile memories in your luggage so that they arrive intact.

>>> Also read: Tips for a Successful Trip to Thailand 

Our last words,

Thailand is full of treasures to bring back to prolong the magic of the journey. Whether it's Buddhist statuettes, traditional masks or spicy spices, you'll find something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Before you pack your bags, remember to leave room for a few must-have souvenirs. They will transport you to your wildest dreams and immerse you in the unique atmosphere of the land of smiles. So, it's up to you: let yourself be tempted by the thousand and one wonders of Thai craftsmanship and pack your bags for a journey of the senses that never stops!

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