20 Best Things to Buy in Thailand : Cheap, Unique and More

Thailand’s a great place to shop as it has many busy markets and modern stores where you can find great deals on unique items. It includes soft Thai silk along with tasty spices and curry pastes.

You may end up shopping more than expected, so prepare for extra luggage. There are many things to buy here from beautiful wooden carvings to comfy Elephant Pants.

Quick Thailand Buying Tips

Shopping in this country’s busy markets is a valuable experience. But you must be prepared first. So, ensure to check these tips to buy wisely. You will learn how to bargain and how to differentiate between real and fake products. Get ready to shop smart.

• Tourists buying in Thailand get a 7% VAT refund. Only purchase items at shops that show the VAT refund for tourists. Be sure to ask for the P.P.10 form while paying. You must buy at least 2,000 THB worth of items to qualify for this refund.
• The duty-free limit for goods you can bring back may change. So, make sure to check the latest rules from Indian customs before your flight.
• Thailand restricts export of Buddha images, especially antiques or large images. Small consumer Souvenir Buddhas can be exported in most cases, but obtaining a permit is recommended.
• Go to Chatuchak weekend market for a wide range of affordable products. Or visit Chiang Mai if you want handmade items. You can also visit large malls like the central world if you want to purchase branded items.

List of 20 Best Things to Buy in Thailand:

And here’s the list of the best items you can purchase in Thailand during your trip.

1. Hand-woven Thai Silk

It’s Thailand’s most famous fabric which is strong and looks beautiful. Look for the royal peacock mark when shopping as it’s the proof of high quality. And consider visiting Jim Thompson’s main store in Bangkok for some lovely and expensive silk. Real silk that’s made by hand feels a bit rough and has a natural glow.

• Scarves will cost you between THB 1,500 and 4,000.
• You can purchase it from Jim Thompson stores or trusted silk houses.

2. Chiang Mai 925 Silver Jewellery

Thailand is famous for its beautiful silver jewellery. This silver is of high quality and widely liked. It’s due to old traditions of making crafts in areas like Chiang Mai.

Check for the 925 stamp on silver to make sure it’s real sterling silver. And only purchase one from trusted stores.

• Simple rings cost THB 500 to 1,200. But bigger and more detailed bracelets can cost THB 2,000 to 6,000 or more.
• You can buy great pieces on craft streets in Chiang Mai or in reliable workshops and silver stores.

3. Benjarong Porcelain

You can visit Thailand’s umbrella village in Central Thailand (Samut Sakhon) to see how such beautiful items are made. This umbrella is both light and colorful that can be easily packed in your luggage. You can use them to decorate your home.

• Teacup sets usually cost between THB 2,500 and 8,000.
• Purchase it from stores specialising in Benjarong or from craft malls with a wide selection.

4. Celadon Pottery

It’s an ancient type of pottery from the Chiang Mai area that is famous for its jade green colour and fine surface called crackle glaze. Places like Chiang Mai Celadon make dishes and decorations in these beautiful colours. And many studios can ship your purchases home.

• Bowls and plates generally cost THB 300 to 1,200 each. Whereas larger and special display items cost more.
• You can buy them from studio showrooms near Doi Saket/Mae Rim or at stores in Chiang Mai.

5. Bo Sang Sa-Paper Umbrellas & Fans

You can visit the Bo Sang Umbrella village near Chiang Mai to see how these beautiful items are made. This is a light and colourful umbrella that can be easily packed in your suitcase. They make exceptional mementos or decorations.

• Small fans cost about THB 120 to 250. And umbrellas cost around THB 300 to 900 or more.
• You can buy them directly at the Bo Sang workshops or at weekend craft markets.

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6. NaRaYa Fabric Bags and Accessories

It’s a popular Thai brand famous for its quilted bags. They make many cute items like fabric tote bags and small makeup pouches. They make for great and affordable gifts that come in different colours and limited designs. You can easily find them all over Bangkok.

• Small pouches cost THB 200 to 500. But crossbody bags cost around THB 590 to 1,650.
• You can purchase them from NaRaYa stores in malls like CentralWorld and at airport shops.

7. Natural Latex Pillows

Thailand is popular for its rubber. And you can purchase best quality pillows and mattresses made from fully natural latex. Such pillows are great since they block dust and stay cushioned and supportive for a very long time. But purchase one only from reputable stores to ensure you get a genuine product.

• Pillows cost between THB 900 and 2,500 each depending on how firm they are.
• Look for trusted brands and shops such as Bangkok Latex or department stores like Central or Robinson.

8. Thai Arabica Coffee

Coffee from Northern Thailand is grown responsibly and is becoming more popular for its high quality. You can easily take them home in capsule or roasted bean form. Look for famous names like the Doi Tung brand before purchasing. This coffee makes for tasty gifts for your friends and family.

• Drip packs cost between THB 200 and 350. And a 200g bag of roasted beans costs around THB 250 to 450.
• You can find such coffees at Café DoiTung shops and in big supermarkets like Gourmet Market or Tops.

9. Premium Curry Pastes

Such pastes are key to cooking Thai food. Make sure to buy all classic types including Green and Massaman. And don’t forget to grab some Nam Prik Pao which is a chili paste perfect for Tom Yum soup. You can also find lovely gift sets made by brands like Blue Elephant.

• Small packets cost between THB 30 and 200. But large tubs for serious cooks cost more.
• You can find such items at all supermarkets like Tops or Gourmet Market and big souvenir stores.

10. Thai Herbal Inhalers

It contains menthol and eucalyptus oils to quickly clear a stuffy nose and help wake you up. Their small tubes are easy to carry and brands like Poy-Sian are famous for this product for years. Always buy them from trusted brands and ensure that its seal is not broken.

• Each tube usually costs between THB 25 and 60. But the roller-ball oils are a bit more expensive and cost about THB 80 to 200.
• You can easily buy them at drugstores and supermarkets.

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11. Spa and Wellness Brands

Thai spa products like oils and butters are great gifts focusing on natural wellness. You can easily find them in small boutiques like THANN and HARNN. You can also shop at the THANN Thailand online store. They are often sold in beautiful boxes that are ready to give as gifts.

• Body wash or butter costs around THB 350 to 1,250. But reed diffusers or oils are more expensive.
• You can buy them from trusted spa brands like THANN and HARNN in malls or online stores.

12. Lemongrass & Kaffir-Lime Essentials

It consists of essential oils and natural soaps which you can find in Thai spas and kitchens. You can also combine them with a wooden diffuser or a ceramic burner to create a relaxing gift. Tourists can easily find them at night markets and shopping centers at reasonable rates outside major mall boutiques.

• Soaps and small oils usually cost THB 150 to 350. Whereas diffusers and burners cost THB 400 to 1,200 depending on size and quality.
• You can find them at spa shops like THANN and HARNN or in local malls and supermarkets.

13. Street-Snack Staples

These snacks are extremely popular and come in a wide variety of flavours. You can also purchase some tamarind candies and coconut chips along with them. This will create a perfect gift for light snacking or sharing with friends back home. You can easily find one at every convenience store in Thailand.

• They cost around THB 30 to 150 per pack depending on size.
• These snacks are sold everywhere in Thailand from supermarkets to online stores.

14. Blue Elephant Pantry Gifts

Blue Elephant also sells sauces and ready to cook kits alongside pastes. They make grand cooking gifts that bring the taste of Royal Thai food. Such premium items are beautifully packaged which makes them excellent souvenirs. You can find them at their dedicated stores or in big supermarkets.

• Individual items cost around THB 80 to 250 in supermarkets with the special gift sets costing more.
• You can find Blue Elephant products in supermarkets like Gourmet Market or in some large souvenir stores.

15. Elephant-Print Cotton “Harem” Pants

Such pants are both light and affordable. Buy ones with better cotton and stronger stitching to make them last longer. They are best for wearing around your house or at the beach. Look for patterns featuring traditional Thai elephants or geometric designs. You can find them at nearly all market stalls and shopping areas.

• Such pants generally cost around THB 150 to 350.
• You can easily find them at places like Chatuchak Market and night markets.

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16. Soap-Flower Carvings

You can find beautifully carved flowers made of soap in Northern Thailand markets. They come in painted wooden boxes and can be used as lovely gifts due to their pleasant smell and portability. It’s a unique and traditional souvenir that is perfect for decorating any room.

• Soap flowers generally cost between THB 100 and 300.
• You can easily find them in Northern markets like Chiang Mai Night Bazaar or sometimes in large Bangkok souvenir shops.

17. Thai Kitchen All-Stars

You can purchase palm sugar and jasmine rice for a bespoke Thai cooking experience at home. Look for trusted brands like Blue Elephant as such brands clearly mentions where their ingredients came from. It ensures that you are buying genuine Thai products.

• You can buy 700 ml of fish sauce for THB 80 to 150 and 500g of palm sugar for THB 50 to 90. And 5kg of jasmine rice is available for THB 180 to 250.
• You can find such items easily at big supermarkets like Tops or at local wet markets for fresh goods.

18. Hand-Carved Teak & Home Décor

You can buy many different types of wood items like small teak serving boards and large carved panels in Thailand. Only buy from places that provide secure packaging and home delivery for larger products. Look for items that are handmade for the best quality. Smaller items are easy to carry home yourself.

• Small teak serving boards cost about THB 300 to THB 1,500. Medium carved panels cost THB 3,000 to THB 15,000+. And large custom panels start around THB 40,000 and require special shipping.
• Find small wood items at major home stores and gift shops. And large carvings at specialized Northern Thailand studios that offer shipping.

19. Traditional Herbal Balms & Liniments

Purchase muscle balms and massage oils from reputable Thai brands only. Such items make a really good gift when you combine them with a wooden massage tool. You can find luxury options at HARNN and THANN shops. Such products are great to relieve muscle aches and are very popular gifts due to their effectiveness.

• You can get muscle balm for THB 50 to 150. And basic massage oil for THB 150 to 350. Or you can purchase luxury oils for THB 400 to 1,200+ from brands like Tiger Balm or HARNN.
• You can buy muscle relief products everywhere from drugstores and supermarkets.

20. Nariphon Coconut Products

You can purchase excellent cold-pressed oils and snacks in Thailand since this country has so many coconuts. Choose sealed oil bottles and use leak proof bags for flights. Look for popular brands like Tropicana or Chao Koh for the best quality oils. Coconut chips and rolls also make tasty and portable gifts.

• You can easily find coconut oil and snacks at major supermarkets like Tops or at convenience stores like 7-Eleven.
• A basic cooking oil is cheaper and only costs THB 100 to 160 per liter compared to premium cold-pressed virgin oil that costs THB 320 to 700 per bottle. While snacks are THB 30 to 65 per pack.

Conclusion

Thailand is a great place to shop and buy unique items. Old craft skills meet new ideas here. Travelers can buy everything from premium Thai silk and silver jewelry to cheap snacks and fun market finds.

Thailand provides a great variety of items if you are someone who enjoys collecting handmade items or finding useful gifts. You can buy new items everywhere from chatuchak market to Bangkok’s luxury malls.

If you plan well then you can bring home souvenirs you will love showing others for a very long time. The best things to buy in Thailand are more than just objects. They are pieces of Thai culture and craft that share the warmth of its people. Shop smart and enjoy your trip.

FAQs

Q1. What are the most popular things to buy in Thailand?

Some great items to buy that are both unique and affordable include:

• Thai silk
• Silver jewelry
• Benjarong pottery
• Spa products
• Curry pastes
• Snacks like Tao Kae Noi and NaRaYa bags.

Q2. Where is the best place to shop in Thailand for souvenirs?

You can visit the following places to buy genuine products at affordable prices.

• Chatuchak Weekend Market
• Bangkok malls like CentralWorld and ICONSIAM
• Craft villages in Chiang Mai.

Q3. Are prices cheaper in markets or malls?

Markets are cheaper and you can bargain for better deals. But malls have set prices and let tourists get a VAT tax refund.

Q4. Can tourists get a VAT refund on shopping in Thailand?

Yes. Visitors can get back a 7% VAT tax on things they bought from stores that are a part of the program. They need to submit their VAT form at the airport before flying to get this refund.

Q5. What souvenirs are easiest to carry back to India?

Following products can be easily carried back to India without any shipping

• Tea
• Spices
• Herbal balms
• Seaweed snacks
• Soaps
• NaRaYa pouches
• Small ceramics.

Q6. Are Buddha statues allowed to be brought back from Thailand?

You may need special permission to take small Buddha statues out of the country for yourself. You must get approval from the Thai Fine Arts Department before exporting large statues and antique items.

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