On your trip to Thailand you’re sure to create memories that will get you through the morning commute for years to come, but that’s not all you can bring back from the Southeast Asian nation. There are plenty of souvenirs from Thailand that will remind you of your wonderful trip, as well as treats and snacks local to the country that you can enjoy when you’re back home and want to recapture that feeling satisfying your wanderlust.
Whether you’re checking out the delights of Chiang Mai on a Northern Thai Highlights tour or island hopping on the nation’s Western coast, you’re sure to find some great mementos to take with you. With so much choice, though, you might be wondering what exactly to buy, but luckily for you we’ve put together this list of the best souvenirs from Thailand for you to pick from!
1. Thai spai products
Thailand is famous for its spa culture, which encompasses everything from the famously vigorous massages to some truly life-changing cosmetic products. While you’re not able to bring back your masseuse, some of the best souvenirs from Thailand are the wonderful essential oils, soaps, and candles used to create such a warming, relaxing atmosphere in spas around the nation.
Many of these spa products utilise local ingredients like lemongrass or Thai honey, or are made from materials native to Thailand. Most importantly, though, much like Proust’s madeleine they can bring you back to your Total Thailand trip with just one sniff.
2. Thai silks
Thai silks are known for their quality and the more rustic construction than similar products from nearby China. Usually handwoven, garments made from this material are able to last for a lifetime, and their beauty is truly eye-catching. Add in the fact that they’re light and easy to pack, and you have one of the best souvenirs from Thailand.
3. Thai coconut oil products
Most of the best dishes in Thailand have coconut oil as their base, but this versatile fat isn’t just for cooking. Depending on how the oil is refined, it can make for a great moisturiser, massage oil, or even as a way to make your hair develop a more lustrous shine.
With all of these uses, it’s no surprise that coconut oil is a serious business in Thailand, with shops that sell nothing but this product. If you are getting some as a memento of your time in the country, just make sure you get the right version for whatever you want to use it for!
4. Muay Thai shorts
When it comes to martial arts, nothing has quite a hold on the Thai imagination as Muay Thai. After all, one of the most interesting facts about Thailand is that kids as young as ten are already engaging in professional bouts of the national sport. All this means that if you’re looking for a souvenir from Thailand that is both authentic and modern, you can’t do better than Muay Thai shorts.
While we understand not everybody is into fighting sports, watching a live match is one of the best ways to soak in this aspect of Thai culture. Even if you don’t consider yourself a martial arts fan, it could be a good idea to make an exception here. Shorts are available all over the country, from the bright lights of Khao San Road to the more laid back beaches of Phuket, but getting one from near a fighting arena guarantees quality.
5. Thai spices
What you think are the best places to visit in Thailand will depend on where your priorities lie, but there’s no doubt that the delicious dishes the nation is known for will play a part in where you end up. And, what better way to honour this delicious aspect of Thai culture than by choosing Thai spices as your souvenir to bring back?
The list of food stuffs you can take home includes known quantities like dried chillies to fresh lemongrass, but there are also some brilliant options that are much harder to find at home, including Thai peppercorns and holy basil. If you fall in love with the food while island hopping on Thailand’s eastern coast, then there’s no better souvenir from Thailand.
6. Wooden carvings
The history of Thai wooden carvings goes back centuries, and these gorgeous pieces make for perfect mementos of any trip to the Southeast Asian nation. Some of the most popular options include small, handheld pieces like elephants and cats, which are said to bring good luck. If you have more space in your luggage or the ability to post items home, you can secure a heftier piece like a carving of the Buddha, or animal masks.
These pieces are designed by artisans and are of a high quality, which means they’re pretty durable too. However, you should still ensure you handle and pack with care, as you wouldn’t want to see your perfect souvenir from Thailand sustain any damage before you have the chance to admire it in your own home.
7. Thai snacks
Red hot rice crackers, fragrant and spiced nuts, dried fish…okay, maybe not every Thai snack is the sort of thing that you’ll be jumping at to try, but the plethora of delicious (and easily transportable) options means that they’re a great treat to bring back home. This is true whether you’re a sweet tooth or more of a savoury lover.
While some Thai snacks are unique to the country, others are similar to what we know and love, but with more local flavours. So, don’t be surprised if you fall in love with Tom yum crisps or pandan crispy rolls – and don’t be too upset when you devour them within a few days of returning! The perfect souvenir from Thailand for any food lover.
8. Soap carvings
Even if you’re trying to fit in Thailand in a week, you’re sure to see these ornate and colourful carvings all over, especially in the capital. Soap carving is an evolution of the popular Thai art of fruit carving, and these pocket sized gifts make for the perfect Bangkok souvenir thanks to their beauty and utility. You can get them in all kinds of shapes and sizes, from flowers to animals.
9. Local handicrafts
A lot of the best souvenirs from Thailand are those that ensure money flows into local pockets yet are also unique to you, which is why local handicrafts like earthenware pottery or hand woven baskets are such a great memento of your trip. Often these products combine ancient techniques with modern sensibilities, and best of all they can be found in markets all over the country, utilising all kinds of materials, from bamboo to clay.
10. Thai silver
As far as souvenirs from Thailand go, few options are as precious or long-lasting as Thai silver. With an incredibly high silver content (between 95 and 98%) Thai sterling is renowned worldwide for its quality, as well as its simplicity when compared to silver from nearby locations like Bali.
One of the main ways in which Thai silver is presented is on nielloware, which allows it to shine brightly. Nobody quite knows how the Thai people came up with this technique, as they were already using it when Europeans made contact, so it wasn’t learned from the Romans who are widely considered to have invented it. What we can be sure of, though, is that Thai silver is a perfect souvenir.
What is Thailand’s famous souvenir?
Thai silk is probably Thailand’s most famous souvenir, although Thai silver and Buddha-related products also have a claim to that crown.
Thai silk is known for its quality and versatility, as well as its unique structure.
What is a traditional Thai gift?
Traditional Thai gifts range from handmade jewellery to Buddha statues, but the most common are undoubtedly food related. This will be of no surprise to anyone who has visited the country, which is known for its wonderful culinary culture and hospitable locals.
