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What to buy in Thailand by a local expert: 10 Best Thailand souvenirs
Discover the best Thailand souvenirs with local expert tips on what to buy, where to shop, and unique gifts to bring home.
Thailand is where you can find some of the most unique and wildest souvenirs, especially in the Chatuchak Market in Bangkok.
Our curated list of Thailand souvenirs includes Thai silk, elephant pants, Thai herbal teas, Ya Dom inhalers, and so much more. To make sure this guide goes beyond generic recommendations, we spoke with one of our Holafly experts, born and raised in Thailand and currently living there.
He brings a lived perspective on what to buy in Thailand, not just what tourists tend to pick, where to shop for souvenirs, and how to avoid the dreaded tourist mark-up. Stay connected throughout your Thailand trip with Holafly’s unlimited data travel eSIM.
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1. Ya Dom herbal inhalers (a traditional Thai remedy)
Thailand is renowned for its traditional medicine and wellness rituals. Ya Dom is one of Thailand’s most iconic herbal inhalers and makes great gifts, especially for people with minor respiratory problems. Locals use them for muscles, aches, circulation, and even insect bites; they’re not just scented souvenirs.
“If I had to give just one gift to a foreign friend, it would be a herbal inhaler. It’s practical, smells heavenly, and is a staple in Thai households.”
These inhalers use products such as menthol, eucalyptus, camphor, and peppermint oil and can relieve symptoms such as congestion, dizziness, and motion sickness.
- Where to find it: 7-Eleven, Chatuchak Market (Bangkok), Warorot Market (Chiang Mai)
- Price: Around $1-2 USD (30-60 TB)
- Top tip: Stay away from scented oil sets in airport stores. Stick to botanically focused names in markets like Chatuchak or at local herbal shops in Chiang Mai.
2. Thai silk
Authentic Thai silk is another great Thailand souvenir or gift, known for its vibrant colours and varying textures. It’s elegant and luxurious-looking, but actually very affordable. You can style it as a scarf or even stitch pillow covers or dresses.
Jim Thompson silk is a more local, classic brand, but other markets also sell a range of other types, including handwoven silk and cotton fabrics. It’s also lightweight and will barely take up any room in your luggage, making it an ideal souvenir.
- Price: ~$22-80 (800-3000 TB)
- Where to find Thai silk: The Silk Zone at Old Siam Plaza, Jim Thompson House Museum, Kham Koon Silk Shop at J.J. Mall, Chiang Mai
- Top tip: Authentic silk feels substantial and complex, not slick or shiny like polyester.
3. Thai elephant pants or Muay Thai shorts
Once you wear one of Thailand’s elephant pants, you probably won’t ever go back. They’re also known as harem pants and are lightweight, breezy, and perfect for warm climates. The best part is, like most souvenirs on this list, they’re extremely cheap. You can grab them in a few colours to wear with various outfits or on a chill day.
Muay Thai is an integral part of Thai culture, and you’ll find thousands of gyms all over Thailand for people of all ages. Even if you’re not a fan of martial arts, Muay Thai shorts can be a great and practical souvenir. They’re comfortable and an excellent choice for activewear.
- Price: ~$3-8 (100-300 TB)
- Where to get elephant pants: Khao San Road (Bangkok), The Night Bazaar (Chiang Mai), Patong Beach street markets (Phuket)
- Top tip: You can also opt for Thailand’s traditional sarong pants if the elephant pant isn’t your style. These also come in multiple patterns and designs and can be worn as skirts, dresses, shawls, and even beach cover-ups.
4. Thai snacks and local sweets
Sun-dried mangoes, durian chips, and tamarind snacks are among the popular Thailand souvenirs. They’re delicious, and everyone gets a chance to try Thailand’s unique flavours. For example, Lay’s Thailand offers crazy flavours like seaweed, tom yum, hot chilli squid, and even grilled shrimp.
You can also try durian chocolate, coconut candies, and Thailand’s iconic cha yen (Thai milk tea). Our Holafly expert explains that locals love to gift other locals with fruits and snacks from their own province.
“Northern Thailand’s specialties are herbal saugange (sai oua) and green chilli paste/dip (nam prik num), and longan fruits. The North-Eastern side includes Sai krok Isaan (north eastern style sausage), and fermented fish sauce.”
- Price: ~$4+ (150 TB)
- Where to get Thai snacks and sweets: Banzaan Market (Phuket), Warorot Market or Muang Mai Market (Chiang Mai), Or Tor Kor Market or Chatuchak Market (Bangkok)
5. Hill tribe handicrafts and Thai silver jewellery
These Thailand souvenirs include embroidered textiles, woven bags, and sterling silver items, handmade by ethnic minority groups in Northern Thailand. They’re probably the most meaningful Thai souvenirs, especially when bought thoughtfully.
Karen, Hmong, or Lahu, Northern Thailand artisans, create the best pieces. Look for hand-embroidered textiles — cushion covers and small bags — and high-silver jewellery including bracelets, cuffs, and pendants.
- Price: ~$15-80+ (500-3,000+ TB)
- Where to find Thai jewellery: Chinatown (Bangkok), Wualai Silver Street (Chiang Mai), Mae Hong Song
6. Thai spices and curry pastes
One thing everyone raves about is Thai food; Thailand’s street food scene is incredible. It only makes sense to bring some of the local taste home. You can find dried chillies, lemongrass, and spices like Thai peppercorns and holy basil, which are pretty Thailand-exclusive.
This is something that will serve as a pleasant and constant reminder of Thailand every time you cook! They last for months, are essential in creating authentic Thai dishes, and are super affordable.
- Prices: ~$1-9+ (10-300+ TB)
- Where to buy Thai spices: Chatuchak Market (Bangkok), Muang Mai Market (Chiang Mai), Supercheap 24 (Phuket)
7. Thai herbal teas and butterfly pea tea
These are more than just beverages or evening-time drinks. They’re an extension of Thai culture and the country’s wellness and botanical traditions, and some are known for their health benefits. For example, pandan tea is perfect for digestion, and lemongrass tea for relaxation.
You’ve probably heard of Thailand’s butterfly pea tea. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing and Instagram-worthy, with its purple and blue presentation, but it also contains antioxidants. Cha Ya (instant Thai tea) is also another favourite. This is the creamy orange drink you see everywhere in Thailand.
- Price: ~$3-10+ (100-300 TB)
- Where to find: Chatuchak Market, Big C, Tops (Bangkok), Specialty tea shops (ChaTraMue stores)
8. Coconut oil and coconut-based products
Coconut oil products make practical, versatile Thailand souvenirs. There’s an abundance of coconuts throughout the country, and coconut oil is used in cooking, skincare, wellness routines, and even hair care.
You can find coconut sugar, handcrafted coconut soaps, and coconut-based balms infused with aromatic herbs. There’s a wide variety of coconut oil body care, too, including massage oils and body butters.
- Prices: ~$5-25+ (150-900 TB)
- Where to find coconut oil-based products: Chatuchak Market, Siam Paragon, and MBK Center, Phuket, and Koh Samui night markets
9. Elephant figurines and wooden carvings
Thailand’s elephant is an iconic national symbol and represents strength, wisdom, and good fortune. Having an elephant figurine will definitely remind you of your time in Thailand and is a great souvenir.
You can find them in a range of materials, from hand-carved teak wood to painted ceramics. But what makes these carvings special is the local craftsmanship. They come in a range of sizes, small enough for a backpack and large enough to be a centrepiece at home.
- Price: ~$3-45+ (100-1,500+ TB)
- Where to buy elephant figurines: Chatuchak Market (Bangkok), The San Kamphaeng Handicraft Village (Chiang Mai), The Floating Market (Ayutthaya)
10. Benjarong ceramics
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir from Thailand that won’t get lost in a drawer, Benjarong ceramics are a perfect option. These hand-painted porcelain items usually come in cups, bowls, plates, or small decorative jars.
Initially, they were made for Thai royalty, which is why they feel refined and luxurious compared to most of the souvenirs on this list. What makes Benjarong a great gift is that it works for many people: parents, hosts, or anyone who appreciates home decor or tableware.
- Price: ~$25-40+ (900-1,400 TB)
- Where to find Benjarong ceramics: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Siam Paragorn, ICONSIAM
Where to find the best Thailand souvenirs
In Thailand, you can buy souvenirs almost anywhere. The real challenge isn’t finding souvenirs, it’s knowing where you’ll get the best quality, fair prices, and unique pieces. If you stick to touristy areas, you’ll probably pay more for mass-produced and generic items.
According to our local Thailand expert, there’s one place that stands above the rest.
“Chatuchak market is generally the best place to find authentic crafts. Otherwise, you really need to visit the village directly.”
The Chatuchak Weekend Market has over 15,000 stalls, and you’ll find everything from handmade jewellery and Benjarong ceramics to Thai snacks, elephant pants, wooden carvings, and so much more. If you only have time for one shopping stop in Bangkok, this is hands down the best place for souvenirs from Thailand.
Planning to move between cities or markets? It’s worth checking out our complete guide on transportation in Thailand, which breaks down trains, buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, and domestic flights so you can plan your shopping more efficiently.
Shop smarter and stay connected in Thailand with Holafly
Having reliable mobile data will make your Thailand souvenir shopping spree incredibly easier. Navigating different markets, comparing prices, or haggling with a local vendor using Google Translate will require a solid internet connection.
That’s where Hoalfly’s eSIM for Thailand comes in. Instead of hunting for a local Thailand SIM card, settling for limited data plans, or dealing with flaky public WiFi, you can activate unlimited mobile data as soon as your plane lands.
With Holafly, you get data that keeps up with you so you can focus on discovering the best Thai souvenirs, food experiences, and hidden gems that only locals know about. Staying in Thailand for a longer period? Check out Holafly Plans’ internet packages to stay connected without contracts or cancellation fees.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
