Buying a souvenir on impulse doesn’t appear to be one of life’s riskier decisions. Still, a vacation abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many of us, and a poor souvenir choice will not enhance those memories. Conversely, a well-chosen souvenir can transport you magically back to that special place and magically replenish your memory bank.
Souvenirs are far more important than mere keepsakes and should be chosen carefully, with proper planning, to evoke the sights and sounds of the country (or town) you want it to represent. Don’t settle for something cheap and easy in the airport gift shop minutes before you board your plane; a souvenir bought without emotion is just an object.
Here are Eight Unique Souvenirs from Thailand – all for under U$20.00:
- Sak Yant Tattoo
- Mother of Pearl Caviar Spoons
- Hanuman Neck Pillow
- SangSom Rum
- Wooden Pestle & Mortar
- Thai khon Masks
- ‘Very Thai’ book
- Wooden Ribbed Frog
Despite the influx of Asian goods into western countries and travel documentaries showing various countries in depth, there is nothing therein that compares to the feeling of physically visiting a new country. The more exotic, the better for many people and Thailand is as exotic as it gets, bar none.
Gifts and souvenirs from the jungle Kingdom can be a plethora of exciting purchases guaranteed to evoke a response in all but the brain-dead, but there is another side. Thailand has long been known for cheap goods, though unlike China, cheap in Thailand does not necessarily mean poorly made or manufactured.
What are Cheap Things to Buy in Thailand?
Cheap handicrafts in Thailand belie the adage that cheap is nasty and should really be referred to as inexpensive. Spending some time in the markets and malls of the Kingdom should give you an insight as to what is available and at what price, but here are seven suggestions:
- Thai Magnets & Keychain
Refrigerator magnets and keychains are small souvenirs that are fun, inexpensive, and easy to carry home. The most popular ones in the Kingdom are understandably souvenirs with the ubiquitous tuk-tuk or an elephant pattern. U$1-2
- Triangular Pillows
These extremely fancy (presumably ornamental) triangular pillows are still very popular amongst western women, particularly those from Scandinavia. While I still haven’t figured out what they are for, they are unusual and worth checking out.
- Flower Soap
Thai soap is produced in all shapes of flowers and interesting fruits and is beautifully carved and extremely fragrant. The soap not only has a fruit-like shape but has the added attraction of being handmade. Mango-shaped soaps smell like ripe mangoes and are the best sellers.
Not only lovely but useful for decoration in homes and bathrooms, these soaps are available all over Thailand. U$ 1-2
- Spa Products
Another very popular souvenir is the wide range of Spa products on sale at suitable shops and markets. You can choose aromatic soaps, exfoliating creams, essential oils, or compressed herbs, all beautifully packaged to take home. One of the most popular scents is Jasmine that is said to help dispel everyday stress. U$2 – U$15
After returning home from a long trip in Thailand, you might want to soothe your body and mind with essential oils and a lovely hot bath. Thailand is a great source of herbal massage packs, carved soaps, foot soaks, and body scrubs, great for both genders.
- Nasal-Inhaler
A nasal-inhaler (Ya Dom in Thai) is very popular, with clove, cardamom, star anise, and mint aromas. They contain natural ingredients such as Eucalyptus oil, Menthol, and Camphor oil and are easily found at convenience stores, malls, and shopping markets.
The three best-known brands of Thai nasal-inhalers are POY-SIAN (an obvious play on POISON), Jarungjit, and Peppermint Field. They are said to relieve dizziness, nausea, and even motion sickness. U$ 1.00
- Locally Roasted Coffee Beans
The quality of Thai coffee has improved enormously over the years, but, like all Asian coffees, it is still viewed with suspicion. Brave Roasters have a Jom Thong Honey Process gaining popularity, and Gallery Drip Coffee is certainly worth checking out.
- Herbal Balm
Many Thais carry herbal balm whereever they go, and the most popular brand seems to be Wang-wan. They use fresh organic ingredients from the Wang Nam Khiao district to the northeast of Bangkok, where their factory is situated. Great for muscle stiffness, the balm has a comforting scent and does wonders for sore feet after a day’s shopping.
Are Clothes Cheap in Thailand?
Thailand is very well known for having inexpensive, well-made clothing and other garments. The bigger shopping malls will have everything you want, but you could also try the markets and street stalls that you find along the way. Sometimes, an item found on an obscure table in an out-of-the-way market has far more meaning than one pulled off a chrome rack in the mall.
Graphic Tank-Tops & T-Shirts
After 40 years, graphic Tank-Tops & T-Shirts are still extremely popular souvenirs for tourists. Thai clothes are usually quite cheap, and the quality of the fabric is very high. I bought several T-shirts in Chiang Mai 15 years ago, and despite my belly changing shape mysteriously, they still look fabulous! U$5.
Thai Elephant Pants
Elephant-print baggy trousers are worn by travelers all over the Kingdom. This is a very comfortable outfit for backpackers and others who forsake style for comfort. They are simply the most comfortable harem pants imaginable and can easily be obtained at most clothing or night markets. U$2 – U$4.
Eleven Interesting Gifts to Consider
- Wooden Carvings
A wooden carving can be a heavy product to add to your bag while traveling in Thailand, but they might be worth the effort, and you will find some of the most beautiful examples in Bangkok. Simple pieces of wood pass through the hands of Thai artisans and morph into extremely unique and distinct works of art, deserving of some scrutiny.
- Paper Umbrellas
Paper umbrellas are handmade in many colors and adorned with beautiful Thai landscapes and make light souvenirs from Thailand if weight is a concern. These beautiful sun umbrellas are mostly used for decoration and will delight recipients – or yourself – back home.
- Thai Silk
Thailand is justifiably famous for its silk items. Though they can be quite expensive, anything made from authentic Thai silk is highly valued because of the intensive hand weaving process used in its production. The silkworms that produce the natural protein fiber are fed on a deliberately strict diet of 100% mulberry leaves.
The resultant thread is soft and delicate cloth made into a scarf, pillow/cushion cover, tie, bag, or wallet. Many brands of silk products are available, with the most famous being the Jim Thompson store, which is renowned for selling high-quality products.
Women love the exquisite gentleness and strength of silk, and no businessman can resist an elegant silk tie or scarf. These souvenirs take up very little space and can be easily carried in your hand luggage.
- Ceramics
You can find exquisite ceramic and porcelain products throughout Thailand, and two of Thailand’s most famous ceramic companies are Benjarong porcelain and Sangkhalok stoneware. Benjarong, whose name means ‘Five Colors ,’ specializes in traditional Thai porcelain manufacture and has showrooms in Bangkok and Phuket.
Chiang Mai is famous for producing quality ceramic tile factories and is an essential stopover for lovers of porcelain and stoneware. The term ‘celadon ware,’ also known as greenware, refers to a type of ceramic with a soft grey-green-colored glaze, for which the area is revered.
The effect is achieved by applying an iron-rich liquefied clay ‘slip’ to the ceramic before being fired in a kiln. The result is deeply beautiful without being ostentatious.
- Arm Amulets
Hill tribe women, in particular, tend to have many amulets on their arms. Some are there to ward off evil, and others are to encourage a good crop. Generally inexpensive, the amulets are extremely varied and run from a simple form to extravagantly designed artworks for the arm.
- Brocade Bags
Brocade bags are another souvenir from Thailand that you will remember. These bags take up almost no space in your luggage and are found in malls all over Thailand, but as with most items, markets are an excellent option also.
- Thai Silverware
If you are unsure what to buy as a gift in the jungle Kingdom, consider Thai silver jewelry. The quality in Thailand is very high, and the prices are reasonable. What’s even more impressive is the enormous variety that is offered to discerning buyers.
Silver jewelry is sold on the big streets in downtown Bangkok, but malls may be a better bet since you want to be sure you are getting what you are paying for.
To ensure that the silver items you are considering are genuine, check if they have .925 stamped into them. This indicates that the item is made of 92.5% silver, though I suggest you still purchase from a reputable shop for added security.
You can also opt for the higher quality silver items (99%) from the hill tribes. Tribal people in Northern Thailand painstakingly handcraft these unique bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, but be aware that some vendors sell replicas of hill tribe silver products.
- Gemstones
No visit to Thailand’s Malls is complete without viewing the beautiful and valuable gemstones on sale in specialized shops. Once polished and set, these gems become dazzling and stylish additions to your wardrobe. However, as with silver and gold, unscrupulous vendors love a naïve tourist, so I recommend that you buy from reputable shops in the bigger malls.
Unless, of course, you are knowledgeable on the subject and can hold your own.
- Muay Thai Shorts
Muay Thai shorts are a novel souvenir for many tourists. Very comfortable to wear, the shorts are intended purely as a keepsake for the true martial-arts fan. They can be purchased from sporting goods stores, major shopping centers, or outdoor markets. U$ 9 – U$ 40
- Buddha Statues
You will find legions of wooden, stone, and jade carvings of Buddha (or Buddha’s head) all over Thailand, produced chiefly to display in community temples and private homes.
Buddha is usually represented in the tall, slim style of Gautama Buddha – the Indian spiritual leader and founder of Buddhism. Still, you will also find the bald, portly style of Maitreya, the future reincarnation of Buddha, for sale. The Buddha also appears in items of jewelry, particularly smaller amulets, and pendants, and these are often blessed by temple monks and then worn for good health.
Buddha icons are very popular souvenirs, but be aware that most people believe it’s illegal to export any items in the form of Buddha from Thailand without a license issued by the Fine Arts Department. I’ve never heard of people being stopped or fined in practice, but it’s your choice whether or not you take the risk.
I’ve read scores of accounts of tourists trying to find out the real situation, but no one seems to know. My honest opinion is that it is officially illegal, but if you avoid images made from Ivory or precious metals and large images, you will be fine.
- Chalong Bay Rum
Thailand is the fourth-largest producer of sugar cane globally, and this sugar cane is used to produce rum by Chalong Bay Rum distillery in Phuket. Unlike most large brands, it is made with sugar and not molasses and has a unique taste, making it a perfect partner for tropical drinks like mojitos.
Happily, the distillery organizes tours every afternoon for you to learn about the production process and taste the rum. Some of their rums infused with traditional Thai ingredients like lemongrass, sweet basil, or lime make a tasty souvenir. Still, you will probably drink it rather than enjoy any lingering memories.
What Unique Souvenirs Might I Find?
- Sak Yant Tattoo
A Sak Yant tattoo is a method of receiving a blessing from a Thai monk. Unlike conventional tattoos, you simply arrive at the temple, and without any discussion or planning, the monk gives you the tattoo he feels you need – a true test of faith.
- Mother of Pearl Spoons
Classically, chefs use these spoons for the service of caviar because metals react with the roe. It can cost as much as $32 per spoon in the States, but you can unearth the spoons for far less at the Chatuchak Market in Bangkok.
I hear you saying that you don’t eat a lot of caviar, but these are unique items anyway and will certainly evoke special memories when viewed back home.
- Handmade Lute (Higher than our U$50 limit but worth a mention)
The Phin or Thai lute is another very unusual souvenir, and If you’re looking to buy one, the tourist version will set you back around U$75. If, however, you can track down a handmade one, expect a far better sound, and yes, a far higher price. You’ll get very little change from U$250.00, but then, only a handful of people know how to make a traditional Phin these days.
- Hanuman Neck Pillow
The Hanuman neck pillow from Holen is well-designed and very useful for travelers who want something stylish and practical. Modeled after the chief character in the Hindu Ramayana, it’s extremely versatile, makes a great cushion, and allows you to look cool on a plane. No more boring neck pillows evoking sympathetic looks from other passengers.
- SangSom Rum
SangSom is an inexpensive and delicious Thai rum that is lightly spiced and rather fruity. Usually served with Coke and lime and shared with friends under a tall coco-palm tree, SangSom has recently launched a top-shelf line called Phraya. Said to have a more sophisticated taste – whatever that is – Phraya is aged in a charred oak barrel, but as a non-rum drinker, I couldn’t differentiate between the two varieties.
- Wooden Pestle & Mortar
Most Thai foodies seem to consider a wooden Pestle & Mortar the only way to grind spices. Something about the wood drawing the flavor from the spice and rendering it aromatic before use. Worth considering as it is both attractive and functional.
- Thai khon Masks
Khon masks are vital in classical Thai dance, but as with many trades, Thai artisans are no longer producing these masks in the volumes they once did. Colorful features and intricate designs make authentic, handmade khon masks an exciting souvenir, but they don’t come cheap. There are also plastic versions, but very tacky when compared to an original.
Philip Cornwel-Smith’s book ‘Very Thai’ gives a fascinating insight into the colorful everyday life of Thailand’s residents and answers many questions on why things are done in the way that they are. What are the talismans in taxis all about? Why do cool drinks come in plastic bags, not bottles?
This book is essential for visitors who want to dive into contemporary Thai culture. Many points will never have occurred to you, but you will be really glad you learned the answer!
- Wooden Ribbed Frog
This frog will drive you and your family nuts – either with joy or anger, though probably the former! You stroke a stick along the ribbed spine, and the sound produced is incredibly realistic. I’ve had endless fun at garden parties, though I seem to be getting fewer and fewer invitations lately…
Different sizes are available for various notes. Once you become proficient, you can hold two different sizes in one hand and stroke both, making it sound like one frog is calling and another is answering!
Are Unique Souvenirs Expensive?
Provided you can afford it, nothing unique is expensive but rest assured, the souvenirs noted above are reasonably priced – particularly for the joy they will generate when you return home.
Nine Edible Souvenirs You Had Not Considered
- Dried Thai Fruits
Thailand is famous for many delicious, attractive – and sometimes smelly – fruit. (Yes, it’s the stinky durian I’m referring to!). Much of the fruit is dehydrated for local consumption as well as to be exported by tourists. Jackfruit, mango, and durian are just some Thai specialties, and you can find and buy dried fruit all over the Kingdom.
- Tao Kae Noi Seaweed
Tao Kae Noi crispy seaweed is highly favored in Thailand and comes in various flavors: Seafood spices, Tom Yum, Wasabi, crab, and more. Tao Kae Noi seaweed is Cheap, easy to find, and makes a fine gift at a ridiculously low price.
- Bento Squid
Bento Squid is one of the tastiest snacks in Thailand and starting to collect a following among travelers and tourists. It has the typical Thai leaning towards heat and has three levels of spiciness; red, orange, and green. Red and orange taste very hot to me, and the least spicy is the green Bento, which offers a slightly sweet taste.
- Thai Spices
Thai cuisine is justifiably famous for its spicy flavors and aromatic sauces, and if you have someone special in your life who loves to cook, Thai spices are a thoughtful gift. They sometimes come in attractive, vacuum-sealed packs to prevent the escape of strong aromas while traveling. Chili pastes and hot sauces are also bottled in air-tight containers.
- Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of the traditional Thai food dishes and a favorite among many expats living in Thailand. For those who have become addicted to the dish during their visit to Thailand, Pad Thai packages are produced and processed from the original ingredients, making recreating this popular dish at home a breeze.
- Koh Kae Peanuts
Koh Kae peanuts are extremely popular with locals. The smooth, crunchy-sweet taste is easily addictive for any snack fan. Accordingly, up to 14 different flavors, from classic coconut cream to Tom Yum, allow you a wide scope for an inexpensive souvenir.
- Thai Snacks
There is more than just durian for snacks that you must carry home and introduce to your friends. Dried squid, seaweed, crispy pork sticks, and Thai fish curry are all on offer. More of a gimmick than a valued souvenir, they’re still a great reminder of the market stall of Thailand. U$1 – U$3
- Edible Insects
You would be remiss if you didn’t buy a few packets of edible insect chips to carry home and terrify your nephews with (or is it just me?!) Jing Leed, Maeng Kee Noon, Non-Mai Non, Non-Pai, and Tak Ga Tan are a few names. Be daring. U$2 – U$4.
- Rice
“Rice from Asia? What a shock,” you say? Oh sure, they do have all of the normal long grain and sticky rice, but you can also find red, brown, and black rice (my favorite), and now there is purple rice called rice-berry.
Where to Shop
Thailand is a vast shopping extravaganza, with everything from carts on wheels beside a canal, to supremely sophisticated malls comparable to anything worldwide. While the carts and Mom & Pop stores are beyond number, here are a few malls and markets in Bangkok that will help you get shopping:
- Chatuchak – Weekend Market
Chatuchak Market, Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, in Chatuchak, Bangkok.
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
- Siam Paragon Mall
991 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok.
Opens daily 10 AM – 10 PM.
- CentralWorld Mall
999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330.
Closed Weds & Thurs.
- Sampeng Market
96 Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok.
Opens daily 8 AM – 5 PM.
- JJ Green – Nightmarket
61/16, Lak Si, Bangkok.
Opens Thursday to Sunday, 5 – 10 PM.
- Khlong Lat Mayom – Floating Market
30/1 Moo 15 Bang Ramat Rd, Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok.
Opens Saturday and Sunday 7 AM – 5 PM.
When Shopping, Consider this:
7% VAT is applied on products sold in Thailand. If you require a tax refund when you leave the country, shop at outlets carrying the sign ‘VAT Refund for Tourists.’ To qualify, you must make purchases valued at at least U$60.00 from a single shop on any one day and at least U$150.00 during your trip.
Just request a PP10 VAT Refund Form from the shop and add your invoices to this form. Tax refund applications should be made within 60 days of the shopping date, and you can apply for a refund with your forms at the airport at departure.
What Items Can I Not Bring Home from Thailand?
These items are not permitted to be removed from Thailand:
Animal products – Teeth, skin, bones, etc. (these include tiger, elephant, turtle, crocodile, butterfly, seahorse, and oyster)
Unprocessed coral
Potted plants and soil for planting
National works of art
Buddha statues higher than 15 cm (Consider earlier discussion)
Durian fruit when fresh. (If it’s fresh, why does it smell like a corpse? I always wondered…)
Conclusion
Thailand is a shopper’s dream, and regardless of your budget or lack of time, you are encouraged to embrace it and find that special gift that will make the sore feet and aching back worthwhile. A little extra effort now will long be appreciated – regardless of who the souvenir is for.
