Best Things to Buy in Thailand

Edited by: Bhawna Nijhawan

Summary :- Thailand is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide variety of souvenirs, gifts, and other items to choose from. From traditional Thai handicrafts to flavourful Thai spices, there’s something for everyone in Thailand. Here are some of the best things to buy when visiting Thailand.

Thailand is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage and vibrant shopping markets, offering a wide range of unique and affordable products. Whether you’re seeking traditional handicrafts, tantalizing spices, or fashionable attire, Thailand has something for everyone. It is indeed a shopper’s paradise, in my opinion. In this blog, I will tell you the 10 best things to buy in Thailand, ensuring you make the most of your shopping experiences. If you are visiting Thailand for a vacation, here are some of the best things to buy there.

Thai Spices and Sauces

Thailand’s not just about beaches and islands, but also about flavors and spices. If you are a food lover like me, then you must not miss out on buying Thai spices and sauces. Thailand is known for its flavorful cuisine, and you can bring a taste of Thailand food back home by purchasing authentic Thai spices and sauces. The aromatic curry paste and tangy fish sauce; all these ingredients will add a burst of flavor to your cooking. I think you can visit any local market or supermarket in Thailand to find a wide variety of Thai spices and sauces.

Best Spices to buy: Turmeric, Lemongrass, Ginger, Green Chilli, Coriander, Cinnamon

Where to buy: Chatuchak Market Bangkok, Spice Story Bangkok, RST Herbs & Spices Chiang Mai, Spice R Us Phuket, Paragon Bangkok

Thai Silk

Thailand is famous for its exquisite silk products. Thai silk is known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs. From scarves and clothing to home furnishings, Thai silk adds a touch of luxury to any item. If you’re looking for the best Thai silk, check out this old mall called ‘The Old Siam’ mall in Thailand. I bought a lot of silk clothes there for my mom and sister. Another best place to buy Thai silk is in Thailand’s famous Jim Thompson House, where you can find a wide variety of silk products to suit your preferences.

Best Thail silk products to buy: Scarves, Blouses & skirts for women, Bowties for men 

Where to buy: The Old Siam Bangkok, Quees Thail Silk Chiang Mai, Jim Thompson House Bangkok

Thai Jewelry 

Thailand is also known for its beautiful jewelry, especially its intricate silver and gold designs. The delicate necklaces, earrings, ornate bracelets, and rings, all these Thai pieces of jewelry are crafted with precision and attention to detail. An owner of a jewelry shop in Thailand told me that an intricately designed gold ring in Thailand is up to 40% cheaper than one in the United States. I even heard from locals there that jewelry is cheaper in Thailand because of the cheaper labor. Compared to other countries, artisans in this country charge much less for a jewelry design. To buy Thai jewelry, I visited Bangkok’s Chinatown and also the Jewelry Trade Center in Thailand.

Best Thail jewelry to buy: Gold and Gemstones, sterling silver jewelry

Where to buy: Chinatown Bangkok, Taweesuwan Co., LTD Phuket, Jewelry Trade Center, Bangkok

Thai Handicrafts

Thailand is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and one of the best ways to experience it is through the country’s handicrafts. Be it earthenware pottery or hand-woven baskets, Thai handicrafts reflect the country’s traditions and craftsmanship. Designers work with local artisans to create homewares, jewelry, and other handicrafts that combine ancient techniques with modern techniques. Thai night markets and local shops always have cute, hand-made trinkets and handicrafts for sale, and I probably bought a few of them. Despite being cheap, these aren’t just mass-produced items – Thailand’s handicrafts are incredibly artistic and I can confirm this from my personal experience.

Best Thail Handicrafts to buy: Carving and Sculpture, Thai Bamboo and Rattan Crafts, Thai Paper 

Where to buy: Night Bazaar Chiang Mai, Chatuchak Weekend Market Bangkok, Royal Thai Handicraft Center Bangkok, Kalaya Handicraft Chiang Mai 

Thai Spa Products

People living fast-paced modern lives experience stress and anxiety more frequently because of increasing lifestyle commitments, demanding work pressures, and lack of sleep. There’s nothing better than a nice spa or massage with fragrant bath and shower oils, followed by relaxing body lotions scented with natural herbs and flowers to combat stress. Thailand is famous for its traditional Thai massage, and you can bring the spa experience home by purchasing Thai massage products from Thailand. You can find a wide range of Thai massage products in almost all local markets or stores. The products will make your skin smooth and glow, while therapeutic scents will calm your mind and make you feel relaxed.

Best Thai Spa Products to buy Herbal massage packs, carved soaps, foot soaks, and body scrubs 

Where to buy: Spa Factory Bangkok, Herbal Ground Spa Bangkok, Loft Thai Spa & Massage Bangkok

Elephant-themed Souvenirs

Elephants are an integral part of Thailand’s culture, and it’s no surprise that you can find a plethora of elephant-themed souvenirs in the country. From elephant keychains to intricate elephant carvings, these souvenirs make for unique and meaningful gifts. I would recommend you get elephant souvenirs made by local artisans for a more personalized touch. Whether you choose a hand-carved statue, an elephant-printed garment, or an exquisite artwork, these souvenirs will serve as cherished reminders of your Thai journey. 

Best Elephant-themed Souvenirs to buy: Keychains, carvings & statues, miniature sculptures 

Where to buy:  Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai, Sunday Walking Street, Chiang Mai

Thai Traditional Clothing

Thai traditional clothing reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and timeless elegance. These garments are a testament to Thailand’s craftsmanship and artistry. I personally loved stepping into the world of Thai fashion when I went to Thailand and purchased a lot of traditional clothes. The beautifully crafted garments feature intricate patterns and are perfect for special occasions or cultural events. You can explore local markets or visit boutiques specializing in traditional Thai attire to buy such clothes.

Best Thai Traditional Clothing to buy: Pha Sin, Chut Thai Chakkri, Sabai, Pha Nung

Where to buy: Night Bazaar Chiang Mai, Warorot Market Bangkok, Jim Thompson House Bangkok

Thai Artwork and Paintings

You can immerse yourself in Thailand’s artistic traditions by buying unique artwork and paintings. Thai artwork and paintings are a captivating blend of history, culture, and artistic legacy. Whether you want to buy traditional Thai paintings and sculptures or contemporary pieces, Thailand offers a plethora of options and a diverse range of styles. These paintings will not only look beautiful on your walls but also serve as timeless reminders of Thailand’s rich artistic heritage. As you explore the vibrant art scene and cultural hotspots, keep an eye out for the places that I have mentioned below to discover the best Thai artwork and paintings. 

Best Thai Artwork to buy: Traditional Thai Paintings, Thai Wood Carvings

Where to buy: Neilson Hays Library Bangkok, Art and Culture Centre Bangkok, HOF Art Residency & Gallery Bangkok 

Thai Tea and Coffee

You can find a wide range of Thai tea and coffee blends in Thailand supermarkets or specialty stores. Whether you want to indulge in the creamy sweetness of Thai tea or savor the aromatic richness of Thai coffee, there are so many Thai tea and coffee products you can try to satisfy your taste buds. From popular brands available in supermarkets to authentic local experiences in street stalls and specialty shops, Thailand has something for everyone. So, if your visit to Thailand, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the local markets and buy different flavors of Thai tea and coffee products that will leave a lasting impression on your mind.

Best Thai Tea and Coffee Products to buy: Doi Chaang, ChaTraMue, Cha Yen

Where to buy: Chatuchak Weekend Market Bangkok, Pratunam Market Bangkok, Four Seasons Tea House Chiang Mai

Thai Coconut Products

There are so many coconut trees in Thailand, and that’s why a wide variety of coconut-based food products are made there. Besides this, coconut fiber and shells are used to create a variety of useful and decorative items for the home, such as baskets, ropes, and utensils. These products can be found all over Thailand, including local markets, stores, and street vendors. These coconut products are a popular take-home gift for those interested in taking a bit of Thailand’s culture back home.

Best Thai Coconut Products to buy: coconut milk, coconut water, coconut sugar, and coconut oil

Where to buy: Coconut Museum Koh Samui, the Chatuchang Market Bangkok, Farmer’s Market Bangkok

Tips for Shopping in Thailand

To make the most of your shopping experience in Thailand, follow these helpful tips:

1. Bargaining is a common practice in Thailand, especially in markets and smaller shops. The real price will usually be 25% to 50% lower than what the vendor initially quoted. However, it is important to maintain a friendly attitude while negotiating the price. 

2. Before heading out shopping, do some research to find the best shopping spots. Some of the popular markets in Thailand are Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, Walking Street Market in Chiang Mai, and Hua Hin Night Market. These markets offer a wide variety of products at very affordable prices.

3. While there are plenty of good discounts to be found, it’s important to be cautious about the quality of the products. Take your time to examine the item you wish to purchase, especially if it’s clothing or electronics. Check for any defects or damages before making a final decision.

4. Shopping in Thailand can be a tiring experience, especially if you plan to explore small local markets rather than big malls. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing to ensure a more enjoyable shopping experience. Thailand’s weather can be hot and humid, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated while shopping.

5. While Thailand is generally a safe country for tourists, it’s important to be aware of potential scams. Avoid buying branded goods from street vendors, as they are likely to be a first copy. Stick to reputable stores and authorized dealers to ensure authenticity if you buying any high-end items.

6. Learning a few basic Thai phrases can be helpful during your shopping experience. Greeting the shopkeepers in their language can create a friendly atmosphere and potentially lead to better deals.

7. Lastly, Shopping in Thailand is not just about buying products; it’s also about immersing yourself in the vibrant culture. Take the time to explore the local markets, try street food, and interact with the friendly locals to embrace the unique shopping experience.

Happy shopping!

FAQs

Is it cheap to shop in Thailand?

Shopping in Thailand can be relatively inexpensive compared to many other countries. The country is known for its affordable street markets, where you can find a wide range of products at affordable prices. While luxury and branded items may be more expensive, overall, Thailand provides ample opportunities for budget-friendly shopping experiences.

Is gold cheaper in Thailand than in India?

It is cheaper to buy gold in Thailand than in many Western and Asian countries, including India. The quality of gold is also better. In Thailand, you should purchase a very small quantity of gold to avoid paying taxes. A small 1 “baht” (15.16 gram) piece of gold jewelry can be imported tax-free if you don’t import anything else from Thailand. Items over the allowance must be taxed at 36.05%.

How much does Thai silk cost?

On average, Thai silk can range from around 500 to 10,000 THB. Simple silk scarves or small accessories may have a lower price, while intricate silk garments or larger home furnishings can be more expensive. The cost of Thai silk can however vary depending on various factors such as quality, design, etc.