While on vacation, you are going to want to keep an eye out for popular Thailand souvenirs. Even the smallest towns have markets and as a foreigner, these markets are an adventure in themselves. This post on what to buy in Bangkok will give you some ideas of the best Thailand gifts, Thailand products, and some of the best things to buy in Thailand, whether you are in Bangkok or beyond.
What to Buy in Bangkok: Thailand Souvenirs you will want to Bring Home
If you are like me, you are going to be on the lookout for the top things to buy in Thailand and this comprehensive list of must-buys will help you narrow down your search. Whether you come home with one or all of these things from your first time in Bangkok, or even if you are a seasoned veteran, souvenirs are sure to evoke strong memories of your time in this beautiful country. Make sure when you budget your trip, that you allow for a few souvenirs to bring back home!
Thai Elephant Pants: Must Buy in Thailand
There are so many wonderful things to do in Thailand and after island hopping or exploring the Sak Yant Tattoo options in Bangkok, shopping for the perfect pair of trousers is probably the top must buy in Thailand.
The most common type of Thai pants have elephants on them and they make a great souvenir, as the elephant is the national animal of the nation.
These bohemian chic pants are light and airy and a staple in the backpacker scene.
Fisherman pants are also very popular and are designed to fit any size. They are comfortable and versatile and a popular souvenir that Thailand is famous for.
You can buy these pants in markets in Thailand, but most commonly in markets that cater to tourists.
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B00Z0AY0W4″ locale=”US” src=”https://carpediemourway.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/51koardOUCL.jpg” tag=”cadiouwa-20″ width=”334″]
Elephant Shaped Items to buy in Thailand
As the national animal of Thailand, elephants are represented all over the country. Whether it is in art, decor, furniture or paintings, elephants are featured in more than just Thailand souvenirs.
Popular elephant souvenirs from Thailand include not only the pants mentioned above, but scarves, bags, wooden carvings and jade. You can find soft toys, jewelry and ornaments that represent elephants. They make great souvenirs and are meaningful gifts from Thailand to bring home to friends and family.
Popular Thailand Products: Fruit Shaped Soaps
In the markets of Bangkok you will find the brightly colored soaps. In all shapes and sizes you can barter for pineapple shapes or floating flowers or various other handmade creations! Watch the prices, these are one of the cheap things to buy in Thailand and one of the best gifts to buy in Thailand to bring home to share with your friends and family.
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B07STHDJD3″ locale=”US” src=”https://carpediemourway.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/41cdUAQL0lL.jpg” tag=”cadiouwa-20″ width=”500″]
Scarves
Scarves are a popular market item and come in a variety of colors! They pack easily to bring back home and are something useful that you can use in cooler weather or for modesty or to accent many outfits! Pick one up in one of the markets in Thailand as a souvenir of your visit.
If you are looking for Thai silk scarves, check out the shops in Bangkok. Jim Thompson House is one of the reputable places to buy Thai silk that is spun in the northern part of the country. You can also try the Museum of Textiles. Most other places do not have authentic silk, despite their “silk tests” to try and prove their quality.
Silk scarves are not inexpensive, but a beautiful Bangkok souvenir to bring home with you.
Wooden Toad Instrument
If you are an amphibian fan or want to bring home one of the unique Thailand souvenirs for kids, why not pick up a wooden toad instrument. These toads emit a croaking noise when they are rubbed with the wooden stick.
If you want to grab one of these Thailand souvenirs online, you can pick one up [easyazon_link identifier=”B00NP80XMO” locale=”US” tag=”cadiouwa-20″]here[/easyazon_link] .
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”376″ identifier=”B00NP80XMO” locale=”US” src=”https://carpediemourway.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/41aLXEgiNUL.jpg” tag=”cadiouwa-20″ width=”500″]
Handmade Coin Purses
There are plenty of options to buy affordable coin purses in various colors and designs. You can also keep an eye out for handmade handicrafts that are made in Thailand. Some tribes make purses, bags, shoes and wallets and they are sold in markets in Bangkok and beyond.
Coconut Oil
As with other tropical destinations, coconut oil can be bought in Thailand and brought home. Coconut oil had hundreds of uses from cooking to hair care to boosting your immune system or for skin care. If you are looking for a natural product, this might be what to buy in Thailand! Look up the hundreds of uses of coconut oil online.
And while we are on the topic of coconuts, try the fresh coconuts while you are in Thailand. Whether it is fresh coconut water, shredded coconut, coconut baked goods or coconut candy, there are a variety of things to try made from Thai coconuts.
Thai Tea Mix
Tourists in Bangkok are going crazy for Thai Milk Tea and Ice Cream. Since you can’t bring this delicious soft-serveg home with you, rab some mix while you are in Thailand to make when you get home. When you run out, you can also grab more here.
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B008U219E6″ locale=”US” src=”https://carpediemourway.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/512yATY8KIL.jpg” tag=”cadiouwa-20″ width=”500″]
Dried Foods
Thailand has some of the sweetest fruits, from kiwis, mangos, pineapple or durian. Many shops have dried versions of these exotic fruits that you can bring home to share with your friends and family. As I mentioned coconut above, some shelf-stable coconut is a great ingredient to have in your kitchen at home.
Beauty Products
Thailand has an array of beauty products including makeup, skincare, and hair products. Some of the labels are in English and some are not, but that is part of the fun of shopping. Hair masks to tame frizzy hair are popular. Keep an eye on the ingredients as some beauty products have whiteners in them. Plenty of chain stores and shopping malls have well-stocked shelves of popular Thai and imported products.
Spices
If you want to bring some Thai flavors home then spices make great souvenirs from Thailand. Look out for curries, lemongrass and bird’s eye chili as you browse the night markets and grocery stores in Bangkok.
MORE THAILAND CONTENT:
Read more on my series of what to buy posts:
Switzerland Souvenirs to buy on your Vacation
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have young children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.