From dried fruit and herbal inhalers to unique local finds, here’s what to buy to remember your time in Thailand.
Finding the best souvenirs from Thailand can feel overwhelming, as there’s just so much to see and buy. With busy shops and endless stalls, it’s no surprise that you will get distracted and miss the special finds. So, we’ve put together this handy guide to help you choose what to buy that feels meaningful and uniquely Thai. From tasty treats to playful keepsakes and everyday items with local charm, these picks help you remember your time in Thailand long after the trip is over.
1. Dried fruit
For tasty things to buy in Thailand that showcase the country’s tropical flavours, dried fruit fits the bill. Made from ripe local produce and gently dried to lock in flavour, these snacks come in convenient vacuum-sealed packs or gift-ready boxes. Naturally sweet and chewy, they feel like a treat, so kids don’t need to be persuaded to eat more fruit. There’s a wide variety to choose from, including dried mango, freeze-dried durian, crispy coconut chips, freeze-dried mangosteen and solar-dried bananas. Best of all, most are processed and sealed well enough to pass customs in many countries.
Best for: Healthy-ish treats the whole family will enjoy
Where: Available at various locations such as IconSiam, Chatuchak Weekend Market and duty-free shops
How much: Starting at B100 per pack
2. Thai snacks
While there are countless things to buy in Thailand, snacks are one of the most fun ways to discover the country’s bold and playful tastes. Local treats feature unexpected flavour pairings, such as potato chips inspired by miang kam, a traditional leaf wrap with zesty lime, ginger, chilli and coconut. Seafood nibbles are especially popular, from chewy, spicy squid sheets like Bento to milder fish strips such as Taro. Throw in crunchy seaweed snacks from Tao Kae Noi and Thai milk tablets from Suan Dusit, a traditional candy many locals grew up with and snack time turns into a tasty little adventure. Click here for our reviews of which Thai snacks to bring back as a souvenir.
Best for: Kid-approved snacks
Where: Available at all local supermarkets
How much: Starting at B20 per pack
3. Instant edibles
Instant edibles are some of the easiest things to buy in Thailand, letting you recreate the taste of local street stalls at home with almost no effort. Options range from three-minute noodles to just-add-water paste kits. The noodles come in a wide selection, including tom yum goong and salted egg. You can also find ready-to-use cooking kits and pastes for pad thai, khao man gai (chicken rice), laab (spicy minced meat salad) and satay, all designed to make home cooking both simple and authentic.
Best for: Quick meals with authentic Thai taste
Where: Available at all local supermarkets
How much: Starting at B7 per pack
4. Instant Thai tea
A sip of the bright orange drink is always refreshing. And if you can’t get enough of its creamy, sweet taste, instant Thai tea deserves a spot on your list of things to buy in Thailand. One of the most well-known options comes from ChaTraMue, a local tea maker established in 1945. You can choose loose tea leaves to brew at home or convenient 3-in-1 sachets pre-mixed with milk and sugar. Just add hot water and enjoy those comforting flavours anytime.
Best for: Drinkable souvenirs
Where: Available at various local supermarkets such as Tops Supermarket and Gourmet Market
How much: Starting at B60 per pack
5. Elephant pants
Known locally as kang keng chang, these pants have evolved from a backpacker cliche into one of the most-loved things to buy from Thailand. Made from lightweight cotton, they’re comfortable and breathable. Their relaxed fit and elephant prints make them a cheerful reminder of your trip, while the soft fabric folds easily into a suitcase without taking up much space. Affordable, practical and easy to find in markets across the country, they’re souvenirs you can actually wear every day.
Best for: Wearable souvenirs
Where: Available at various locations such as IconSiam, Chatuchak Weekend Market and Khaosan Road
How much: Various based on location, ranging from B100–B500
6. Muay Thai shorts
Instantly recognisable for their bold colours and distinctive cuts, Muay Thai shorts are among the best souvenirs from Thailand. Originally made for training and competition, they’ve since moved beyond the ring into everyday wear. The designs range from classic satin styles with traditional lettering to modern graphic updates. It is a practical souvenir with attitude, worn as much for style as for sport.
Best for: Wearable souvenirs
Where: Available at various locations such as Chatuchak Weekend Market, MBK Center and boxing stadiums including Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadiums
How much: Various based on quality, ranging from B250–B3,000
7. Spices
This thing to buy in Thailand is the secret to recreating that Bangkok heat once you return home. Since fresh herbs like galangal and lemongrass can be difficult to bring through customs, dried and powdered spices make a smart souvenir. Look for essentials such as dried kaffir lime leaves and galangal, both key ingredients in tom yum soup. Fragrant white pepper powder is commonly used in classic garlic-and-pepper stir-fries. You’ll also find Thai cinnamon and star anise, often included in massaman or five-spice kits, prized for their rich aroma and depth of flavour.
Best for: Stocking up on hard-to-find Thai ingredients
Where: Available at various locations such as Chatuchak Weekend Market and Little India (Phahurat)
How much: Ranging from B50–B300
8. Herbal inhaler
Walking along the streets of Thailand, chances are you’ll spot locals holding an inhaler to one nostril for a few seconds. These herbal inhalers, known as ya dom, are among the best souvenirs from Thailand thanks to their pocket-sized design and everyday usefulness. Many Thais use them to cope with the heat, ease dizziness and clear congestion. There’s a wide range to choose from, from small tubs filled with real dried herbs, star anise and eucalyptus to handy stick inhalers. The stick style comes in a 2-in-1 design: sniff from the top or twist open the base to dab herbal oil on temples or insect bites.
Best for: Pocket-sized souvenirs you’ll actually use
Where: Available at all local supermarkets
How much: Starting at B20
9. Tie-dye fabric clothes
This is what to buy in Thailand for a souvenir that doubles as a fashion statement. The most traditional style is natural indigo textiles. Dyed using botanical plants, these deep blue garments are turned into shirts, dresses, scarves and bags that are comfortable to wear. The material softens over time, so it’s even nicer with use. Alongside classic pieces, you’ll also find colourful tie-dye designs for beach days and relaxed, casual outings.
Best for: Wearable souvenirs
Where: Available at various locations such as IconSiam, Chatuchak Weekend Market and Khaosan Road
How much: Various based on location and quality, ranging from B100–B1,500
10. Snake brand prickly heat
The humidity in Thailand can be a challenge for visitors not used to the sweaty weather, which is why this classic item ranks high on any list of what to buy from Thailand. Invented in 1947 by a local doctor to help expats cope with the heat, this cooling powder has become a household staple. Best known for its metal tin, it now comes in modern, travel-friendly forms too. If powder isn’t your thing, try cooling sprays, refreshing body wipes or shower gel versions that deliver an instant cooling boost.
Best for: Easy-to-pack essentials for warm destinations
Where: Available at various all supermarkets
How much: Starting at B19
11. Benjarong ceramics
For the best souvenir from Thailand that showcases fine craftsmanship and detail, Benjarong ceramics stand out as a premium choice. It is the country’s most prestigious traditional porcelain, known for dense, hand-painted patterns with a textured, relief-like feel and touches of gold. Today, pieces range from classic tableware and vases to modern bowls and decorative plates. Designs feature traditional motifs such as elephants and garuda (a divine eagle-like creature). You can find contemporary pieces in local markets or invest in collectible works through auction houses.
Best for: Decorative souvenirs
Where: Available at various locations such as River City Bangkok, IconSiam and Chatuchak Weekend Market
How much: Various based on quality, ranging from B800–B100,000
12. Coconut oil
Due to the country’s abundance of coconuts, this oil is what to buy in Thailand for everyday beauty and wellness routines. Often cold-pressed and minimally processed, it has a light texture and a mild natural scent. Locals commonly use it to condition hair, smooth dry skin, remove makeup or massage sore muscles after a long day. Some also apply it as a lip balm or cuticle oil. You’ll find it in bottles and jars in a range of sizes, making it easy to choose one that suits your needs.
Best for: Multi-use beauty care
Where: Available at various local supermarkets such as 7-Eleven and Tops Supermarket
How much: Starting at B50 per bottle
13. Honey
A simple item like honey is also a top thing to buy from Thailand, due to its unique local varieties and rich flavours. This local nectar is highly prized, with the longan harvest being the most celebrated. Gathered from orchards in the north, it is recognised for its thick texture, dark amber hue and gentle floral aroma. Other popular options include wildflower or forest blends from jungle areas, as well as lighter lychee infusions and rarer coffee-sourced versions with deeper notes. Often associated with wellness and home remedies, these golden jars make for a natural, long-lasting souvenir that is easy to enjoy.
Best for: Healthy edible souvenirs
Where: Available at various all supermarkets
How much: Starting at B50
14. Basketry
You might think basketry is bulky and heavy, but Thai artisans have reimagined it into a practical thing to buy in Thailand. Traditionally used for food storage and carrying goods, these handwoven pieces are now designed for everyday use at home or on the go. Small sticky rice baskets work well as storage containers, woven handbags are sturdy enough for daily outings and sedge bags are ideal for beach days or shopping. Woven bamboo baskets also double as gift holders or home organisers. It’s a souvenir that’s not just decorative, but genuinely useful.
Best for: Practical gifts
Where: Available at various locations such as IconSiam, Chatuchak Weekend Market and MBK Center
How much: Starting at B50
15. Changdao flipflops
This thing to buy from Thailand is often called the nation’s footwear, due to its durability, comfort and deep roots in everyday Thai life. First introduced in 1955 by the brand Nanyang, these sandals are made from 100% natural rubber, making them heavier and more flexible than plastic versions. Their simple, timeless design has remained largely unchanged for decades. Once valued purely for practicality, they’ve recently gained retro-cool status with limited-edition designs.
Best for: Practical gifts
Where: Available at various malls and supermarkets such as 7-Eleven (not all branches) and MBK Center
How much: Starting at B99
16. Flower soaps
Thai flowers are admired for their beauty, but their freshness doesn’t last long once you leave. That’s why handcrafted soaps have become one of the best souvenirs from Thailand. Carefully shaped into roses, lotuses and other delicate blooms, these creations look lifelike at first glance. They’re lightly scented with soft floral aromas that gently perfume a room, wardrobe or bathroom. Beyond decoration, they can also be used as hand soap or placed in drawers as a fragrant keepsake.
Best for: Decorative souvenirs
Where: Available at various locations such as IconSiam, Chatuchak Weekend Market and MBK Center
How much: Starting at B80
17. Thai silk
One of the best souvenirs from Thailand, Thai silk is known for its natural sheen and slightly textured feel. It comes in many forms to suit different budgets and styles, from elegant scarves and ties to handwoven fabrics for tailoring, as well as small gift items like pouches or keychains. When choosing silk, look for gentle colour shifts in the light and a slightly uneven texture. Both are signs of natural fibres. Many pieces are also sold with authenticity labels or certificates, helping ensure you bring home a genuine piece of local craftsmanship.
Best for: Wearable souvenirs
Where: Available at various locations such as Jim Thompson, MBK Center and IconSiam
How much: Various based on quality, ranging from B200–B10,000
18. Tuk-Tuk models
While the three-wheeled open-air vehicles are iconic, you can’t exactly take one home. What you can buy in Thailand instead is a tuk-tuk model. These mini versions capture the charm of the country’s renowned street taxi and come in many styles. You’ll find colourful models hand-crafted from recycled soda cans, sturdy die-cast versions that resemble toy cars and elegant wooden pieces carved from teak or rain tree wood.
Best for: Gifts rooted in Thai culture
Where: Available at various locations such as IconSiam, Chatuchak Weekend Market and MBK Center
How much: Ranging from B30–B1,000
19. Coconut shell handicrafts
In a country that’s a major producer of coconuts, it’s common to see every part of the fruit put to good use. Coconut shell handicrafts have therefore become some of the best things to buy from Thailand. These items are made by polishing and carving discarded shells into eco-friendly, everyday pieces. Beyond home decor such as bowls and lamps, you’ll also find practical kitchenware, jewellery, fashion accessories and even musical instruments. Each piece offers a sustainable souvenir with local character.
Best for: Gifts rooted in Thai culture
Where: Available at various locations such as IconSiam, Chatuchak Weekend Market and MBK Center
How much: Starting at B50
20. Perfumes
Perfume is a thing to buy in Thailand that expresses the country’s signature aroma. Inspired by traditional scents, these fragrances often feature floral notes like jasmine and lotus or fruity accents, layered with herbs, spices and soft woody tones. Many are made with essential oils and natural extracts, giving them a lighter, more delicate feel than mainstream brands. You’ll find them in convenient roll-ons, balms, small spray bottles and sachets.
Best for: Scented souvenirs
Where: Available at various locations such as IconSiam, Chatuchak Weekend Market and MBK Center
How much: Starting at B390
21. Thai chocolate
For a sweet thing to buy in Thailand, Kad Kokoa is a premium brand focused on celebrating local cacao while supporting farming communities through ethical and sustainable practices. Its single-origin bars showcase the unique terroir of regions across the country, from floral and fruity notes in Chiang Mai to nutty, classic profiles from Chumphon and bright citrusy tones from Prachuap Khiri Khan. The range includes 70% dark varieties, salted caramel and tamarind-infused treats, as well as bonbons, truffles, and indulgent babka (a rich, cocoa-filled pastry).
Best for: Chocolate lovers
Where: Various locations, including branches at Sathorn, Velaa Sindhorn Village and One Bangkok, as well as supermarkets such as Tops Supermarket
How much: Starting at B99
