Make the most of the space in your case with our guide to the best souvenirs in Thailand.
Finding Quality Souvenirs in Thailand
When it comes to travel, few destinations offer as rich a blend of culture, history, and craftsmanship as Thailand.
Known for its vibrant street markets, intricate handicrafts, and deep-rooted cultural traditions, this Southeast Asian gem is a paradise for souvenir hunters. But with so much on offer, how do you choose the perfect keepsake that captures the essence of your journey?
In this guide, we’ll explore the best souvenirs in Thailand – from delicate silk scarves and hand-carved Buddha statues to fragrant spices and rare gemstones. Whether you’re wandering through the bustling markets of Bangkok or exploring the serene temples of Chiang Mai, you’ll find something truly special to take home.
Top Tip: Make your travel across Thailand more convenient by booking taxis, buses, flights, and ferries at Siam Tickets.
Thailand on the World Stage
Did you know that Thailand ranks as one of the top 10 exporters of gems and jewellery in the world, contributing over $15 billion annually to its economy? Meanwhile, Thai silk, renowned for its quality and craftsmanship, has a global reputation, with Jim Thompson reviving the industry in the 20th century, making it one of the country’s most sought-after exports.
Get ready to dive into a world where tradition meets modernity, and discover which souvenirs are worth every baht. Let’s make sure your suitcase leaves with more than just memories.
Need some more general inspiration first? See our guide to the best souvenir ideas for 2024
The Best Thailand Souvenirs
Scented Soap Carvings
Move away scented candles because scented soap carvings are here to elevate your gift-giving experience. Thai soap carvings are available in different styles, sizes, shapes, and colours.
They even smell different. You will find simple soap carvings like structured blooming lotuses and popular fruits, such as mangoes, pineapples, and lime, as well as intricate ones like dainty blue flowers with ladybugs.
Besides their striking appearance, their intoxicating fragrance makes them the perfect gift for your loved ones.
You’ll get these soap carvings everywhere in Thailand, even at Bangkok airport.
Thai Silk
Thai silk is a traditional hand-woven cloth prized for its superiority, elegance, and tenacity. It is produced from silkworm cocoons that have been raised on mulberry trees. Renowned for its vivid hues, fine textures, and complex patterns, Thai silk is a well-liked souvenir.
Ensure you are purchasing authentic Thai silk and not a less expensive, inferior imitation. Be on the lookout for the Peacock Emblem label, which verifies authenticity.
You will find several items made from silk in Thailand, including bags, shawls, clothing, and home decor.
The Thai Silk Village in Chiang Mai and Jim Thompson Outlets are good places to check out when you are looking for Thai silks.
Thai Snacks
Delicious Thai snacks can be one of the best gifts for loved ones. Not only are these snacks super yummy, but they also offer a taste of Thailand’s flavourful and unique cuisine. You will find Thai snacks in a wide range of flavour profiles at affordable price points.
Among the most-liked Thai snacks are seaweed snacks, durian, dried squid, Thai fish curry, crispy pork sticks and pork floss. You can even pick up some delicious snacks from 7-Eleven, including pre-cooked dishes that only need to be heated up. However, check the shelf life if you are buying snacks from 7-Eleven. Some of them might have to be consumed immediately or within 24 hours.
Home Decor Items
Buying home decor items in Thailand is an excellent way to add a touch of Thai elegance and culture to any living space. Thai home decor is famous for its use of natural materials and exquisite craftsmanship. Some of the most popular Thai home decor include elephant-themed items and intricate wooden carvings.
Lacquerware and Celadon ceramics are also popular items that people like to decorate their homes with. Lacquerware consists of intricately lacquered bowls, boxes, and trinket holders that are both beautiful and functional. Celadon, on the other hand, is a signature Thai art form. You will find teapots, vases, and bowls featuring traditional patterns and floral motifs.
Thai Spices
Food is at the heart of Thai culture, and bringing home fragrant Thai spices is the best way to recreate some fabulous dishes from your vacation and serve them to your loved ones.
Spices such as coriander, lemongrass, Thai chilli, turmeric, Thai basil, saffron, and ready-made curry pastes are available at most markets throughout Bangkok. The Pattaya Floating Market is another incredible place to find a large selection of Thai spices.
Bring the best of Thai cuisine home with you!
- Recommended reading: what is the national dish of Thailand?
Spa Products
Thailand is a paradise for restorative spa treatments, and it is well-known for its wellness products and offerings. You can bring a bit of Thai ambience to your home by purchasing your own fragrant spa items.
You can pick up scented essential oils, bath oils, or body scrubs at markets and stores across Thailand. Simply browse through the products and take your pick.
Silver Jewellery
Thai silver is famed for its intricate designs and quality. You will find silver shops throughout the malls and markets in Bangkok.
The bustling commercial streets of Yaowarat Road in Chinatown and Khao San are great spots for accessory shopping. You will find an abundance of silver and even gold shops present here, offering beautiful bracelets, necklaces, and much more.
Wood Carvings
Thai wood carvings are renowned for their craftsmanship and attention to detail, often depicting scenes from nature, mythology, or Buddhist symbols. You will find these beautiful works of art throughout the country, from the markets of Chiang Mai to the artisan shops in Bangkok.
The northern region, particularly Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, is famous for its skilled woodworkers, offering everything from hand-carved elephants to intricate wall panels. For recommendations about what to do in northern Thailand, check out our guide to the best things to do in Nan.
Elephant Pants
Elephant pants have become a popular and recognisable souvenir among travellers in Thailand. Known for their comfort and vibrant patterns, these loose-fitting trousers are often adorned with intricate designs, many featuring elephants – Thailand’s national symbol. You can find them in countless street markets across the country, especially in tourist hotspots like Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market and Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar.
Lightweight and easy to pack, they make for a perfect casual outfit for exploring temples, lounging on beaches, or long flights home. Affordable and eye-catching, elephant pants are not only a great gift but also a fun way to bring a piece of Thai culture into your everyday wardrobe.
Thai Tea
Known for its distinctive orange hue and rich, sweet flavour, Thai tea is made from strong black tea, infused with spices like star anise and tamarind, and sweetened with condensed milk. You can find Thai tea blends in most local markets and speciality food stores throughout the country, such as Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok, known for its high-quality Thai food products.
For a more immersive experience, try a cup of freshly brewed Thai iced tea at a local café or street vendor in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Once you’ve tasted the authentic version, you’ll appreciate having the mix at home to relive your travels with each sip!
All about the food and drink? Don’t miss our guide to the best food souvenirs from Singapore!
Where to Shop in Thailand
Shopping in Thailand is an adventure in itself, with a mix of bustling local markets, specialised souvenir shops, and high-end boutiques offering an array of unique keepsakes. Here are some of the best places to find high-quality souvenirs and connect with the skilled artisans behind them.
Local Markets
For an authentic Thai shopping experience, head to the legendary Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok. Covering 35 acres with over 15,000 stalls, it’s one of the world’s largest markets. You’ll find everything from hand-painted ceramics and intricate wood carvings to elephant pants and vibrant textiles. A visit here is a must for any traveller looking to take home a piece of Thailand.
For a more relaxed pace, Chiang Mai’s Sunday Walking Street offers a curated selection of locally made handicrafts, including silver jewellery, leather goods, and handmade soaps. You can interact directly with the artisans, many of whom have honed their crafts for generations.
If you’re in Phuket, Phuket Weekend Market is a smaller but equally vibrant spot. It’s a great place to pick up Thai food ingredients like spices or dried fruits, along with clothing and handmade accessories that reflect the island’s laid-back vibe.
Souvenir Shops
For those seeking higher-end, authentic Thai products, Jim Thompson House in Bangkok is famous for its high-quality silk products, from scarves and cushions to home decor. Known for reviving the Thai silk industry, the brand guarantees genuine, expertly crafted items that make for elegant gifts. Another great spot in Bangkok is Naraiphand, the official store for traditional Thai crafts. Here, you can find fine ceramics, jewellery, and wooden sculptures that showcase the best of Thai craftsmanship.
In Chiang Mai, Sop Moei Arts offers beautiful handmade textiles from local hill tribes. The quality is superb, and the products are ethically made, ensuring your purchase supports local artisans. Another Chiang Mai gem is Tha Pae Walking Street on Sunday evenings, where you’ll discover high-quality leather goods, paintings, and handmade paper products.
High-End Malls
If you prefer shopping in air-conditioned comfort, Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM in Bangkok offer a blend of luxury brands and stores featuring Thai-designed products. At ICONCRAFT (within ICONSIAM), you can find high-quality artisanal products made by contemporary Thai designers, such as leather goods, jewellery, and home decor items.
The Best Thailand Souvenirs: A Summary
From stunning silver jewellery and hand-carved wood sculptures to fragrant Thai spices, each item reflects a piece of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. Supporting local artisans not only helps preserve traditional crafts but also ensures that your keepsake carries a deeper meaning. Whether you’re looking for a great gift for a loved one or a unique piece to remind you of your travels, Thailand has something for everyone.
Decorative items like silk cushions or hand-painted ceramics add a touch of Thai elegance to your home, while flavours from Thai food markets let you savour the journey long after your return. High-quality traditional handicrafts make for excellent gifts from Southeast Asia and are a good way of supporting Thai people and the local economy.
It’s a good idea to check the custom rules for the place you’re travelling to next, as some countries place restrictions on food products and other items. Read more about what souvenirs you are allowed to bring into the UK on the GOV.UK website.