Top 10 Best Souvenirs to bring back home from Thailand
- John Runaway
- Jan 3, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Feb 20, 2024
Searching for some nice Thai gifts or souvenirs to bring back home from Thailand? I'll show you my most favorite, unique Thai souvenirs you can buy in Bangkok!
Venture beyond the ordinary in Thailand, a place where every souvenir has a story. This guide takes you on a curated journey through the country's most authentic keepsakes and why you should bring some of them back home.
1. Thai Silk
📍 Jim Thompson House & Museum Shop 📍 Jim Thompson Central World 📍 Jim Thompson Factory Outlet (50-70% off)
🏷️ Price: ฿700 (Accessories) - ฿10.000 (Dresses & Shirts)
Thai silk isn’t just a fabric; it’s a symbol of Thai heritage, narrating tales of tradition, elegance, and meticulous craftsmanship. This legendary material, known for its quality and unique designs, is deeply ingrained in Thailand's history.
The journey of Thai silk begins in rural villages, where local artisans, predominantly women, engage in the age-old process of silk-making. The life cycle of the silk worm, the delicate unraveling of silk threads, and the natural dyeing process, all reflect a harmony between nature and human skill. What makes Thai silk exceptional is not just its shimmering appearance and durability, but when you purchase Thai silk, you’re not just buying a souvenir; you're taking home a piece of Thai culture, a keepsake of the country's artistic legacy.
You can buy Thai silk products at local markets, but be aware that the likelihood of it being genuine is pretty low. Silk is expensive and even if you come across genuine silk at a lower price point, it will most likely be sourced from outside Thailand.
For those seeking authenticity, the Jim Thompson House in Bangkok offers not just genuine Thai silk products but also a glimpse into the revival of the Thai silk industry. If you don't want to spend too much money, the Jim Thompson Factory Outlet located in Bang Chak is a great alternative! P.S.: If Thailand is your first stop, traveling through South East Asia, you should really consider getting a silk shirt - I have never worn silk before, but it's honestly the best fabric to keep cool in hot climates.
2. Authentic Buka Ball (Sepak Takraw)
📍 Big C Huamak (3rd Floor)
🏷️ Price: ฿300 - ฿600
Rooted in the centuries-old game of Sepak Takraw, this woven ball is a symbol of agility, teamwork, and cultural playfulness.
Originating from the royal courts of Thailand, Sepak Takraw is a game that blends the grace of dance with the thrill of sport. The Buka Ball, essential to this game, is crafted with precision and care, often using natural materials like rattan. Its lightweight, resilient structure is perfect for the high-flying, acrobatic nature of the game.
When you pick up a Sepak Takraw Buka Ball as a souvenir, you’re not just taking home a piece of sports equipment; you're carrying a piece of Thai tradition. It’s a conversation starter, a decorative item, and for many, a reminder of the playful, spirited encounters on Thailand’s beaches or in its local parks.
It turns out, you can get a genuine Buka Ball at the Big C Supermarket around the Sepak Takraw Stadium! You will also find them at various sports equipment stores around town - it's somewhat of a national sport here :)
3. Muay Thai Shorts
📍 Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium 📍 Lumpinee Muay Thai Stadium 🏷️ Price: ฿1.000 - ฿2.500
They are designed for maximum comfort and flexibility, essential for the dynamic movements of Muay Thai. The vivid colors and intricate patterns often found on these shorts are not just for show; they represent the vibrant spirit and energy of Muay Thai.
Visitors to Thailand are drawn to these shorts as souvenirs for their unique style and as a tribute to the sport's place in Thai culture. When you purchase a pair, you’re not just buying a piece of clothing; you're buying a piece of Thai heritage. These shorts can be found in sports shops and markets across Thailand, especially in areas known for Muay Thai training & events like the two famous Muay Thai Stadiums in Bangkok!
You can also get unbranded Muay Thai shorts at the Chatuchak Market, but if you can, go for genuine products from APEX or TWIN.
4. Elephant Pants
📍 Chatuchak Market
🏷️ Price: ฿100 - ฿500
Elephant pants have become synonymous with the traveler's wardrobe in Thailand. Known for their comfort and distinctive patterns featuring elephant motifs, these pants are more than just a fashion statement; they are a nod to the significance of elephants in Thai culture.
My friend told me that Elephant pants came from the North of Thailand, probably originating from Indian culture. Once Thailand became a popular tourist destination, elephant pants were often sold close to temples to cover your legs, as many tourists did not arrive in the appropriate dress code to visit a temple.
Elephant pants are now available in a myriad of colors and patterns, each pair of elephant pants is unique, offering a relaxed style that embodies the laid-back, yet respectful approach to life in Thailand. They can be easily found in local markets and souvenir shops across the country.
5. Thai Porcelain
🏷️ Price: ฿500 - ฿3.500 These ceramics, with their intricate designs and luminous glazes, tell tales of Thailand's royal and religious traditions. Each piece of Thai porcelain is a labor of love, often hand-painted in vibrant colors with gold accents, depicting mythical creatures, nature, and traditional Thai motifs.
Owning a piece of Thai porcelain is like owning a fragment of Thai history. It's not just a decorative item; it's a symbol of the refined craftsmanship and artistic heritage that has flourished in Thailand for centuries. Ideal for collectors or as a distinguished gift, Thai porcelain can be found in specialty shops and markets.
6. Thai Jewellery & Buddhist Amulets
🏷️ Price: ฿1.000 - ฿6.000 (Leila Amulets)
Thai jewelry and amulets are not just adornments; they are bearers of luck, protection, and spiritual significance. Among these, Leila amulets stand out for their authenticity and connection to Thai mysticism. These amulets, often featuring Buddha images and revered monks, are deeply embedded in Thai culture, with many locals believing in their power to ward off evil and bring good fortune.
The craftsmanship of Thai jewelry, with its intricate designs and use of local materials like gold, silver, and precious stones, reflects the country's rich artistic heritage. Whether it's a delicate necklace, a handcrafted bracelet, or a sacred amulet from Leila, each piece tells a story of faith, tradition, and skilled artistry.
Leila amulets are really beautifully crafted. They are high in quality and became one of my most favorite gifts to get for my loved ones if I want to bring them something special & unique from Thailand!
In a hurry? Just go to 7-Eleven!
📍 Just walk for 5 Minutes into any direction
(They are everywhere in Bangkok)
Yup, a Thai local 7-Eleven is a great alternative to buy some unique gifts if you're already late catching your plane or short on time for any reason! I would highly recommend getting some of the items listed below over any overpriced shop at the airport!
7. Yadom (Nasal Inhalers)
📍 7-Eleven
🏷️ Price: ฿30 - ฿100
The Yadom nasal inhaler encapsulates a unique aspect of Thai wellness culture. These small, potent inhalers, filled with herbal essences, are a common sight in Thailand, reflecting the traditional Thai approach to natural health remedies. Inhaling the aromatic oils from a Yadom is believed to relieve dizziness, refresh the senses, and provide a quick energy boost.
Yadom inhalers are deeply rooted in Thai life. They are a go-to remedy for locals, used for instant relief from nasal congestion or simply to enjoy a moment of aromatic tranquility. The compact size makes them perfect for travel.
The small Yadoms are great to put in your pocket, but make sure to get the bigger ones with the Rooster (Green, White, Yellow or Red) for the full, Thai aroma experience :)
8. Herbal Balm
📍 7-Eleven
🏷️ Price: ฿80 - ฿300
Thai herbal balms are a testament to Thailand's rich tradition in natural medicine. Made from a blend of local herbs, these balms are used for relieving muscle aches, insect bites, and providing a sense of relaxation. The balm's soothing properties and aromatic scents reflect the Thai approach to wellness, where nature's gifts are harnessed for healing.
Visitors are often drawn to these balms for their therapeutic benefits and as a natural alternative to conventional remedies. The balms come in various formulations, each with unique properties – from cooling sensations to warming relief. They are a tangible piece of Thailand's holistic approach to health.
P.S.: Even tho Tiger Balm is a very popular brand here in Thailand, it's actually from Singapore. There are several other local Thai brands that offer the same experience. Get a genuine Thai one :)
9. Bennett Herbal Soap
📍 7-Eleven
🏷️ Price: ฿50 - ฿100
Herbal soaps, like those from Bennett Natural Soap, capture the essence of Thai botanicals in a daily-use item. Made with natural ingredients and traditional recipes, these soaps are a popular choice for visitors seeking a piece of Thailand's rich herbal heritage.
Bennett Natural Soap, known for its use of local ingredients and gentle formulations, exemplifies the Thai dedication to natural beauty and skincare. The soaps come in various scents and properties, each offering a unique bathing experience reminiscent of Thailand's tropical flora.
These soap will make your Bathroom smell like a genuine Thai massage spa! (The good ones)
10. Thai Snacks with Unique Flavors
📍 7-Eleven
🏷️ Price: ฿30 - ฿250
Each snack offers a unique taste adventure, from the sweet and spicy to the tangy and savory. These snacks are a reflection of the Thai people's love for complex flavors and their skill in blending various ingredients to create something truly extraordinary.
The uniqueness of Thai snacks lies in their variety and the unexpected combinations of flavors. You can find everything from crispy rice crackers seasoned with traditional Thai herbs to fruit chips with a perfect balance of sweet and sour. The snacks often feature ingredients like tamarind, lemongrass, and chili, providing a glimpse into the typical Thai pantry.
Durian snacks are also a really popular flavor - If you want to pack something for shock value, bring those! Fish snacks are also pretty 'unique' in flavor :)
At the Postal Service: Sending Souvenirs back home
If you are planning to send things back home, make sure to arrive at the post shop with open boxes. Employees will have to check your content and record it for customs prior. My preferred carrier is DHL. They are fast and reliable, but also really expensive. If you don't want to spend too much on delivery, you can go for Thai Post - They will also ship abroad for much less, but it can take up to 1 month for your package to arrive if you go for the least expensive option.
What not to bring ❌
List of prohibited items & souvenirs you are not allowed to bring back or send home from Thailand.
Thai Currency
Authentic Thai Religious Artifacts
Fresh Products like Meat, Fish & Fruits
Drugs & Weapons
Some regular items like cosmetic products might also be restricted in quantity due to concerns for shipping them out for commercial reasons. It's best to check what import restrictions apply to your specific country before going out on a souvenir shopping spree!
...just to be on the safe side!
🎁 Enjoy shopping some gifts for your loved ones! If you discovered another great, unique idea for a Thai Souvenir, leave a comment below!
댓글