16 Most Popular Thai Fruits You Should Try on Your Trip

With more than 1,000 varieties, Thailand is one of Asia’s true tropical fruit paradises. The flavors are vibrant, unique, and surprisingly affordable for travelers.

Since the variety can be overwhelming, I’ve put together a guide to the 15 fruits you’re most likely to see, including when they’re in season, what they taste like, and the best places to try them. Let’s explore Thailand’s fruit world together.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)

Updated on Nov 20, 2025

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1. Durian (Thu-rian): The world’s smelliest fruit?

When people talk about the smelliest fruit in Thailand, durian is always the first one that comes to mind. It’s often called the king of fruits, and also the world’s most famously strong-smelling one.

Durian’s scent is so powerful that it’s banned on the Bangkok subway, and several airlines don’t allow it as carry-on luggage. While many travelers can’t handle the smell, just as many absolutely love its rich aroma and creamy texture. Once you get past the scent, the flavor is surprisingly addictive. After the first bite, you’ll probably want another.

*Durian is known as the stinkiest in the world*

The best time to try durian in Thailand is from May to July, when it’s at its peak. One important note: avoid eating durian after drinking alcohol, as the combination isn’t good for your health.

Besides eating fresh durian, you can also enjoy it in many local treats such as sticky rice with durian, dried durian chips, grilled durian, durian ice cream, durian tea, and smoothies blended with other fruits.

💡😊 Some of my thoughts: Before traveling to Thailand, I had a mix of love and fear when it came to durian because its aroma is unbelievably strong. The funny thing is that once you manage to taste it, the smell actually becomes pleasant afterward. Each slice has a beautiful yellow flesh, slightly firm when you bite into it, and incredibly sweet and creamy on the inside.

Durian prices vary depending on where you buy it. In Bangkok, a tray with two to three pieces usually costs around 150 to 200 baht. You can find it almost everywhere. The best time to try durian is during the peak season, from April to August, when the flavor is at its best.

My advice is to be careful where you carry it. Avoid taking it into taxis, hotels, or the subway, as the smell can be overwhelming in enclosed spaces.

2. Mangosteen (Mangkut): Thailand’s Queen of Fruits

Mangosteen, known as the “Queen of Fruits”, is one of the treats you’ll see everywhere in Thailand. It has a sweet, slightly tangy flavor that people really love, and it’s much more affordable here than in Europe or the West. Trying it in Thailand feels special simply because it’s fresher and tastes better.

*Thai mangosteen is often exported at a high price*

Thai mangosteens are usually round and firm on the outside, with thick purple skins and soft white segments inside. Most people enjoy them fresh, but you’ll also find mangosteen juices, smoothies, and even ice creams in some places.The main season runs from April to September, which is when the fruit is at its sweetest and juiciest.

🍈 How to Eat Mangosteen?

1. Remove the stem.
Twist the small stem off the top of the mangosteen to create an opening.

2. Use your thumbs to break the skin.
Press your thumbs into the opening and gently push until the thick purple rind cracks.

3. Press the sides.
Hold the fruit with both hands and squeeze lightly around the middle so the shell splits open.

4. Open the shell.
Pull the rind apart to reveal the white segments inside.

5. Enjoy the flesh.
Lift the segments out with your fingers and eat them fresh. The larger segments may contain a seed, but the smaller ones are usually seedless and sweeter.

3. Lanzones (La-jo-wat)

Lanzones are small tropical fruits with bright yellow skin and soft, white, juicy flesh. They grow in tight clusters, and each fruit, about 5 centimeters wide, usually contains five or six bite-sized segments with seeds inside.

*Lanzon from Thailand has bright yellow skin*

The flavor is sweet and refreshing, and the fruit is packed with water and vitamins, making it a great light snack on hot days. When peeling lanzones, it’s easier to start from the bottom of the fruit rather than from the stem. The best lanzones in Thailand can be found from July to October, when they’re at their sweetest.

4. Dragon Fruit (Keo mangkon)

Dragon fruit is pretty easy to find in Thailand. It’s cheap and sold everywhere. The outside is red with some green bits, and the inside is white with tiny black seeds. The taste is light, a little sweet, nothing too strong. Most people just cut it and eat it as is. The seeds are soft, so you don’t really notice them. It’s usually best from April to October. That’s when it tastes fresher.

*Thailand's dragon fruit appears from April to October*

5. Grapefruit (Som-o)

Grapefruit is common across Southeast Asia, but the Thai version tastes a bit different from the ones in nearby countries. It usually has a thick rind and pink flesh, and the skin gets thinner as it ripens. You can eat it on its own, or you’ll often see it used in Thai grapefruit salad with shrimp. Thai grapefruit is light, mildly sweet, and easy to eat. People often say it’s good for anyone watching their blood pressure or weight. You can find it in Thailand pretty much all year.

*Grapefruit is a popular fruit in Thailand*

6. Mango (Mamuang)

Mango is everywhere in Thailand, and there are more than 200 varieties. The fruit originally came from India, but it has become a big part of Thai food and everyday eating. You’ll see it in mango sticky rice, salads, smoothies, and a lot of street snacks.

Thai mangoes are usually sweet, even when they’re still a bit firm. The main season is from March to June, so you’ll notice mango stands almost everywhere during this time. If you want to try green mango, places like Nam Dok Mai, Ok Rhong Damnoen, and Kiew Savoey are known for good varieties.

*Mango from Thailand is added in many typical dishes*

I’ve tried mango in Vietnam, Cambodia, and a few other places in Southeast Asia, and it tastes pretty different from Thai mango. The ones in Thailand are much sweeter and juicier. At first, I thought eating mango with sticky rice was a bit odd, but it actually works really well.

In Thailand, mango stalls are everywhere. If you want the sweeter ones, look for mango with orange-yellow flesh. The lighter yellow ones are usually less sweet. And if you prefer something more sour, the yellow or green mango is the better choice.

Some shops also make mango drinks, which are simple but really refreshing. They’re a nice option if you want something besides the typical mango sticky rice.

💡💡 It is one of the top 10 Thai desserts that delight the palate

7. Rambutan (Ngo)

Rambutan is common in Thailand. Red skin, soft spikes, white flesh, big seed inside. It comes from Malaysia but you see it a lot here, especially in summer. Best time is May to September.

Don’t eat the skin. Some people mix it up with lychee, but rambutan has the soft spikes and lychee doesn’t.

*They should not eat rambutan peel because it is very poisonous*

	Rambutan	Lychee
Skin	Red, hairy	Red, smooth
Taste	Sweet, creamy	Sweet, floral
Season	May - Sep	May - Jun
Where to find?	Everywhere in Thailand	Less common

8. Banana (Kluay)

Banana is really common in Thailand and also one of the cheapest fruits. There are many types, different in size, color, and sweetness. People eat it all the time, usually as a simple dessert. You’ll also see dried bananas and banana chips everywhere.

It’s easy to eat and light on the stomach. Good when you just need something quick during the day. You can find bananas in Thailand any time of the year.

Banana appears in many Thai festivals. It is used as an offering in different rituals and often shows up in traditional events, for example during Loy Krathong.

Even without thinking about festivals, bananas are easy to find in every part of Thailand. Any street or market will have them. Besides the fresh fruit, fried banana (Kluay Tod) is very tasty. It is crunchy, aromatic and has a slight touch of oil. It is best when eaten hot. I have also tried a dessert made with banana boiled or sliced in coconut milk (Kluay Buat Chi). The flavor is simple but different and interesting.

9. Jackfruit (Kanun)

Jackfruit is sometimes mixed up with durian because both have rough skin and yellow flesh. But they are not the same. Jackfruit has smaller segments and the smell is much lighter. Thai jackfruit is usually soft and firm at the same time. The seeds can be roasted and eaten. The jackfruit season in Thailand runs from January to May.

*Jackfruit season in Thailand is from January to May*

10. Papaya (Ma-la-gaw)

Papaya is a common fruit in Thailand and very easy to find. It is known for being light on the stomach and good for digestion. If you know Som Tum, the famous Thai salad, the main ingredient is green papaya.

Papaya did not originate in Thailand. It came from Mexico and spread through the region, including the Philippines. It grows easily, so you can find it in Thailand almost any time of the year.

💥 ▶️Update today: Is it safe to travel to Thailand? (2025)

11. Snake Fruit/Salak (Sa-lak)

Salak has dark red skin that looks a bit like snake scales. Inside is white and firm. The taste is sweet with a slight sour note. Some people think it’s a mix of pineapple and jackfruit.

It came from Malaysia and Indonesia before reaching Thailand. You usually see it from June to September. It’s not everywhere like mango or banana, but some markets still have it.

*Salak from Thailand can be eaten as a nut*

Salak was pretty new to me the first time I saw it. The outside looks like snake skin, and the flesh inside is firm with a sweet and slightly sour taste.

You usually find it in traditional markets in Thailand. Supermarkets have it too. People even told me it can be eaten as a snack with beer, which actually makes sense because of the flavor.

I also heard that salak is considered a good-luck fruit and is used in offerings around the New Year. Some places use it to make jams and syrups during local celebrations.

12. Tamarind (Ma-kham)

Tamarind is common in Thailand. The outside is brown and hard, and the inside is soft and a bit sticky with seeds. The taste is sour with some sweetness. People use it in dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum. You also see tamarind candy everywhere. It is easy to buy and makes a simple gift. The main season is November to February. That is when it is usually better.

*Tamarind is used in many dishes such as Pad Thai, Tom yum*

13. Coconut (Ma-Phrao)

Coconut is everywhere in Thailand. You see it a lot near the beach. A cold coconut on a hot day is easy and refreshing. Thai coconuts have plenty of water and the flesh is thin and slightly firm. The outside is rough and fibrous.

People use coconut in drinks and simple desserts, and it shows up in many dishes. If you are at the beach, getting a fresh coconut is one of the easiest things to do.

*Drink pure coconut water when you travel to Phuket Beach*

I really like Thai coconut water. For me, it is the number one drink to cool down. When I walk around and see a coconut stall, I usually buy one without thinking much. It is refreshing and wakes you up. The taste is also stronger than many coconuts I have tried in other places. It is not watery.

During big Thai festivals like Songkran or Loy Krathong, coconuts are everywhere. I was also told that coconut water and coconut products are seen as symbols of good luck and the sweetness of life. It is an interesting belief.

14. Pineapple (Sat-pa-rod)

Pineapple season in Thailand runs from October to June. If you visit during this time, the pineapples taste much better. They’re pretty small, about the size of a tennis ball. The flesh is yellow, juicy, and sweet. The outside is hard and has tiny spikes, so it can scratch your hand a bit. And like anywhere else, if you eat too much pineapple, your tongue or throat can feel a bit hot or irritated.

*Thailand's pineapple has been popping up since October*

15. Pork Plum (See-iw)

Pork plum shows up in Thailand mostly from July to September. You’ll see street vendors selling it during these months. The fruit originally came from the tropical Americas before being introduced to Asia. The taste is light and a bit cooling. People say it helps with digestion and is good to eat when the weather is hot. In Thai cooking, you’ll see pork plum used in dishes like Som Tam and a few other simple snacks.

Pork plum is always used to make Son Tam

16. Longan (Lam-yai)

Longan is common in northern Thailand, especially in places like Chiang Mai. It's around from July to September, which is the best time to try it. The fruit is small, round, and sweet with a brown skin and clear, white flesh inside. It’s easy to eat. You can usually find it in big bunches at the market. The taste is sweet and light, kind of like lychee but a bit milder. People use it in desserts and sometimes in cold drinks.

Where to buy fruits from Thailand?

The cheapest place to score fresh fruit is definitely the local markets. In Bangkok, you have great options like Or Tor Kor, Khlong Toey, and Samrong. These spots are conveniently accessible via public transport, like the Skytrain (BTS) or subway (MRT). If you’re looking to try some fruit-based desserts or snacks, head to Bangkok’s night markets.

Down in Phuket, local markets are a staple of the culture. Be sure to check out Banzaan Market, Kamala Village Market, or Cherng Talay Market.

*It is easy to find and buy fruits sold on all the streets of Thailand*

If you find yourself in Pattaya, stop by Ratanakorn Market, the largest and most popular market in the area. You'll find a huge variety of fresh produce there, including tons of tropical fruits.

Beyond the markets, you can also find Thai fruits in supermarkets (expect higher prices) or from street vendors (usually at similar prices to the markets).

Important Tips When Buying Thai Fruit

🛒 Shopping & Haggling

Bargaining: It’s okay to negotiate at local markets. Buying in bulk often gives you leverage for a better price.
Seasonality: Buy fruits that are in season (e.g., Mangosteen in rainy season) for higher quality and lower prices.
Check Quality: Always inspect for bruises and ask to taste before you buy.

*What to notice when you buy fruits from Thailand*

🧊 Storage & Safety

Storage: Keep fruit in a cool area, away from direct sunlight to prevent spoiling.

Traveling Home (Customs Warning): Be extremely careful if you plan to bring fruit home as gifts. Customs regulations in countries like the US and Australia typically ban fresh produce. You could face heavy fines.

Alternative: Look for dried or vacuum-sealed processed fruits instead.

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