Things to Buy in Thailand

Many tourists visiting Thailand for the first time have heard a lot of praise about the country’s vibrant shopping culture. However, the question: ‘What to buy in Thailand?’ remains at the top of their heads. It’s because they want to bring the best for their family back home. Here’s a list of what to buy from Thailand, along with details about the markets where Thailand’s special things are available.

Thai Silk

Ask any Thai local or tourist: What is famous in Thailand to buy? and they’ll say Thai silk. Jim Thompson silk is the gold standard, offering classic, high-quality material. You can get a tailored shirt, a silk scarf, or some fabric to take home for gifting. But if the expensive and authentic one doesn’t fit your pocket, you can opt for the handwoven silk and cotton fabrics available at local markets.

Where to buy?

• Jim Thompson House Museum in Bangkok
• Warorot Market in Chiang Mai
• Ban Tha Sawang Village in Surin Province

Elephant Pants and Bohemian Clothing

Elephant pants are lightweight, breezy, and comfy, with delicate Thai patterns. They are ideal for travel or a lazy Sunday. You’d probably wear them every day on your trip. So, make sure you grab some in a variety of colours. They’re also pretty cheaply priced.

Where to buy?

• Khao San Road in Bangkok
• The Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai
• Patong Beach street markets in Phuket

Handmade Jewellery

The tribal people of Northern Thailand are expert artisans in creating exquisite jewellery from silver, gold, and semi-precious stones. Each piece depicts a story, making it one of the most gifted things to buy from Thailand. The traditional Hill Tribe silver jewellery is high in purity, and its patterns remind you of nature and folklore. Make sure you check the 925 stamp to verify the authenticity of the jewellery item.

Where to buy?

• Chinatown (Yaowarat) in Bangkok
• Wualai Silver Street in Chiang Mai
• Tribal markets in Mae Hong Son for authentic Karen Hill Tribe silver

Thai Handicrafts

One of Thailand’s famous things to buy is the handicrafts created by local artisans. These include hand-carved wooden items made from rosewood, mango wood, and teak, lacquerware, pottery, wicker baskets, and more. They perfectly blend culture with craftsmanship. You can buy wall panels, carved Buddha statues, miniature elephant figurines, or elegant home decor items.

Where to buy?

• Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok
• The San Kamphaeng Handicraft Village in Chiang Mai
• The floating market in Ayutthaya

Tuk-Tuk and Taxi Sign Souvenirs

If there’s one thing that immediately reminds you of Thailand, it’s a tuk-tuk. So, if you want to buy the perfect souvenir, there’s nothing better than the neon-lit tuk-tuk or a Bangkok taxi sign. These LED-lit or metal signs are replicas of the ones seen on the actual vehicles, making them a quirky home decor item. You can buy a large taxi sign for your room wall or a small key-chain-sized version for your car/home keys.

Where to buy?

• Chatuchak Market in Bangkok
• The Floating Market in Pattaya
• The Night Markets in Patong and Phuket Town in Phuket

Buddhist Amulets and Lucky Charms

One of Thailand’s special things to buy is Buddhist amulets and lucky charms. These souvenirs are rooted deeply in Thai culture, with beliefs that they bring prosperity, protection, and good fortune. A few are handcrafted and blessed by monks, enhancing their gifting value.

Where to buy?

• Amulet market at Wat Mahathat near the Grand Palace in Bangkok
• Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai
• Amulet Market near Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya

While monks bless the pendants at Bangkok’s amulet market, temple-blessed amulets are available as donations in Chiang Mai.

Unique Thai tech gadgets

There are many incredibly innovative and unusual tech gadgets worth buying in Thailand. You’ll see them in malls as well as street markets. Some of these gadgets include mini USB-powered rice cookers, elephant-shaped Bluetooth speakers, LED tuk-tuk signs, or a mini projector for family movie nights.

Where to buy?

• Fortune Town IT Mall in Bangkok
• Kad Suan Kaew Mall in Chiang Mai
• The Night Bazaar in Pattaya

Ya Dom (Inhaler Sticks)

While strolling on the streets of Thailand, you may come across people sniffing a tiny tube. Don’t panic; this is Ya Dom - a legendary menthol inhaler - comprising peppermint oil, camphor, and eucalyptus. These natural ingredients help in managing dizziness, congestion, and motion sickness.

Where to buy?

• Any 7-Eleven, Boots, or Watsons pharmacy in Bangkok
• Old City’s night markets and herbal medicine stores in Chiang Mai
• Beachfront mini-marts and local pharmacies in Phuket

Thai Herbal Balms and Essential Oils

Thailand is famous for its traditional and herbal medicinal products. The lemongrass oil, plain herbal balm, and Tiger Balm are beneficial in treating headaches, colds, and sore muscles. These balms are natural and available in the ideal travel-sized packaging.

Where to buy?

• Chatuchak Market and Chinatown’s herbal stores in Bangkok
• Old City’s herbal medicine stores in Chiang Mai
• Patong Beach’s spa boutiques in Phuket

Natural soaps and scrubs

If you’re wondering what to buy in Thailand for ladies, go for the chemical-free, all-natural Thai soaps and scrubs made using tropical ingredients like coconut, jasmine, tamarind, and turmeric. They nourish and exfoliate your skin.

Where to buy?

• Chatuchak Market in Bangkok
• Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai
• Beachside markets in Phuket

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, is the country’s central point when it comes to shopping. If Bangkok is the only city in your itinerary, here is a list of the most famous things to buy in Bangkok.

Handicrafts

You can find pottery, jewellery items, and wood carvings at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, Chinatown (Yaowarat), and Benjarong House & Museum in Samut Sakhon.

Thai Silk

This soft, elegant, and shimmery clothing material, available in the finest quality, is a great souvenir to take home from Thailand. At the Jim Thompson House, you can learn about the legacy of Thai silk and even buy authentic articles.

Clothes and Accessories

There’s a variety of clothing to buy in Bangkok, ranging from international fashion wear to cultural Thai attire. You can head to Khao San Road, Siam Paragon, and EmQuartier, or the Chatuchak Market for unique finds at affordable prices.

Spices and Sauces

Thai food, especially snacks, sauces, and sweets, is renowned worldwide. Carrying some of the dried, processed, packed, and flavoured herbs, sauces, and other food items back home can be a great idea to relive the taste. You can find these items at supermarkets and local grocery stores.

Mastering the art of haggling and bargaining for a deal (which is almost a sport in Thailand) is key to fulfilling the desires of your inner shopaholic. The first price quoted in most touristy areas, such as Chatuchak Market, Silom, or Khao San Road, is rarely the genuine price. And, shopowners know all the tactics to extract more money from your wallet.

Here are a few tips to help you get the top bargains while shopping for Thailand’s famous things and bringing back a suitcase (and heart) full of the best of the best.

Bargain - But Politely

The first tip while shopping in Thailand is to bargain well. The price that’s asked is generally 25% to 50% higher than the real price. So, offer around 30% to 40% than the asking price to start. However, remember to smile, stay calm, and be friendly.

Shop Around

Many shops in Thailand are selling the same or similar products. This gives you the chance to enquire at more than one shop and compare different prices. Once you’ve compared the prices, which shouldn’t take long, you can buy what you like at the best price.

Use the Walk-away Technique

The ‘walk-away’ strategy works well while bargaining, but it’s also a risky action. If you master it, the shop owner will ask you to return and take your items at the price you offered. The strategy helps tourists understand if the asked price was fair.

Shop Late in the Day

It’s common for sellers to drop prices towards the end of the market hours, especially at night markets. It is because shop owners prefer selling items at a lower price instead of carrying them back home. So, try going out late in the day.

Buy More to Receive Bigger Discounts

The shops at the wholesale malls, especially those in the Pratunam district of Bangkok, offer the biggest discounts to shoppers who buy multiple items. If you buy in batches of 3 or more, you will receive a discount of at least 25%.

Travelling to Thailand is a fun-filled experience, packed with memories of relaxing spas, delicious Thai food, cultural festivals, and night market shopping sprees. However, this expedition can become bitter if you don’t focus on all the travel formalities and arrange all the required documentation. Remember to inquire about the visa requirements and buy travel insurance to stay safe in emergencies. A travel insurance policy covers you against different risks like flight cancellations, lost luggage, medical bills, and other expenses, during your vacation.

TATA AIG offers specialised travel insurance for Thailand so that unexpected situations don’t interrupt your trip. The comprehensive coverage and financial support allow you to enjoy peace of mind and keep smiling while exploring the vibrant culture and beaches of the Land of Smiles.

You can buy international travel insurance online within minutes through a simple and user-friendly process from the comforts of your home.