Summary
- Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise, offering a wide variety of unique and authentic products that make great souvenirs or gifts.
- Be sure to buy the very unique Ya Dom (Inhaler) – an inexpensive way to get rid of congestion, made from locally harvested herbs.
- Dried fruits are also a great treat, and Bangkok’s many markets offer plenty of different types, perfect for bringing home and trying new flavors in your food.
Thailand has long been considered one of the best countries in East Asia to visit, and its capital city is a major highlight. Whether you’re visiting Bangkok for two days or less as part of a layover or for a fully-fledged two-week-or-more vacation, the city’s cultural landmarks and high-spirited street life attract millions of visitors yearly, with each yearning to take a souvenir or two back home.
Fortunately, being one of the world’s top vacation destinations, Thailand’s capital has numerous stalls, markets, and malls to cater to the needs of gift-hungry adventurers. While there are unique items to buy, ranging from self-care to household products, there are some that truly scream Bangkok.
One of the best places to go shopping in Bangkok is Chatuchak Market. Many of the items here (and elsewhere in the country, for that matter) are highly affordable as well, meaning people can easily go shopping even while exploring Thailand on a budget. Ready to shop? Check out this list to decide what to buy in Bangkok.
UPDATE: 2024/06/27 18:13 EST BY ERICA BLAIR
Discover More Cool Things Worth Buying In Bangkok
Tourists in Bangkok can purchase a variety of products, ranging from household goods to trinkets, clothes, and spices. This list has been expanded with even more cool things to buy in Bangkok, as well as new images and information on where travelers can purchase these items. This list has also been updated with even more great souvenirs from Siam, plus Google Maps that can direct you to the best shops and markets. Discover the ultimate guide to Bangkok’s shopping scene!
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18 Tiger Balm
A time-honored ointment with a variety of different applications
Close-up of a jar of Tiger Balm
Tiger Balm is one of the most popular exports from Thailand, and once you use it, you’ll certainly understand why. It has a host of different applications and uses, including muscle relief, helping with congestion, and headache relief.
It comes in a portable, potent little tub that’s available in plenty of different places. Pick up some for you and your friends back home.
17 Thai Tea
Bring some loose Thai tea home and make authentic Cha Yen
Three cups of Thai iced tea
Iced Thai tea, or cha yen, is one of the best treats you can find on the streets of Bangkok, but you can also buy loose or bagged Thai tea to make at home.
All you need is a splash of sweetened condensed milk, tea, and ice, and you can recreate your favorite Bangkok treat.
16 Siam Pure Oil
Treat yourself to pure oil from one of Bangkok’s most treasured institutions
Siam Botanicals makes a number of natural and organic products and is a well-known brand in Thailand for its collection of essential oils. Its pure oils, such as Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint, work wonders for common ailments.
They are widely used in Thailand for treating mosquito bites, dizziness, muscular aches, blocked noses, stomach aches, and many other ailments. Travelers can visit the Siam Botanicals store in the city to buy a bottle of pure oil, which is a must-buy in Bangkok.
15 Handmade Lanterns & Lamps
These gorgeous, handmade beauties are the ideal souvenir
Handmade lanterns
Wondering what to buy in Bangkok as a gift for a friend or loved one? While there are many handmade items available in Thailand that are unique and beautiful, handmade lanterns are among the many authentic things to buy in Bangkok that also support local artisans.
They are available in various sizes, materials, and designs, allowing travelers to pick the one that best suits their purpose. The best part is that they are not expensive at all, so travelers can purchase them without stressing out their budget.
14 Coconut Oil
This Thai export has a plethora of different uses
Organic Coconut Oil
Thailand ranks as one of the top 10 exporters of fresh coconuts. Buying pure coconut oil here is a must; this locally processed oil has many benefits for the skin as it can be used as a moisturizer for the entire body.
It’s also easily absorbed by the scalp, making it ideal for repairing and deep-conditioning dry hair. The oil is available in supermarkets, local stores, and malls and comes in attractive packaging.
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13 Ya Dom (Inhaler)
An inexpensive way to get rid of your congestion
Inhaler for nasal congestion
Made from locally harvested herbs, this medicinal inhaler is a cultural phenomenon that serves many purposes. From eliminating that annoying nasal congestion to relieving stress, the Ya Dom is a go-to remedy that should be on every adventurer’s shopping list.
There are two popular brands to choose from, Peppermint and Poy Sian, each with a distinct aroma. The inhalers come in small packages that are easy to carry around. It’s one product older people will appreciate as gifts, especially if they have underlying conditions.
- Best Places To Buy: Big pharmacies
- Cost: 50 cents to 3 USD per piece
12 Dried Fruits
Bangkok’s many markets offer plenty of tasty dried fruits
Mixed Dried Fruits: An Excellent Thai Souvenir
Dried fruits are some of Bangkok’s specialties that fascinate travelers. Their flavors are irresistible, so it’s easy to see why they make superb gifts for tourists to bring home. The ingredients used to preserve the fruits are carefully chosen to ensure they retain their nutrients and natural flavor.
Chatuchak Weekend Market and Sampeng Market are renowned spots that sell a vast range of dried fruits at affordable prices. From durians and mangoes to bananas, tourists will always find something that awakens their taste buds.
11 Carved Soaps
Beautiful and functional soaps are wonderful souvenirs
Carved Soaps, the specialty of Bangkok
Arguably, soap carvings are the most charming products travelers can buy in Bangkok. They come in intriguing flower shapes that add an eye-catching look to bathrooms. Their heavenly smells and appealing colors captivate thousands of adventurers. So it’s no surprise why most of them buy several packs.
While flower and fruit shapes are the most popular, some Bangkok artificers have tapped into the sensual world to cater to the needs of different tourists, creating soaps in various unique shapes and sizes.
10 Thai Spices
Bring a taste of Siam home with you with authentic spices
Of course, one of the best things to do when visiting Thailand is to eat your way through the country, sampling its outstanding cuisine. Thai spices are the key reason why Thailand’s food is so popular. While most are found in many parts of the country, there’s a magical taste that those in Bangkok add to different dishes.
However, vacationers should avoid buying random spices since some might be difficult to use and may actually have specific uses (some can be exceptionally spicy, too). It would be safer to ask a local person or market stall vendor what suits a particular meal to avoid unpleasant surprises. Holidaymakers who aren’t fans of spicy foods can buy some as a gift for friends or family members who enjoy cooking.
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9 Thai Silk Products
Luxurious silk products are around every corner in Bangkok
A woman wearing Thai Silk apparel
With eye-catching colors, unique patterns, and soft textures, there’s a lot to admire in items crafted from silk. Whether scarves, ties, or cushion covers, these products are sure to entice tourists with different tastes.
Travelers can also ask designers to craft customized home décor items to add a Thai touch to their homes. A notable outlet where vacationers are guaranteed to find high-quality Thai Silk is Jim Thompson’s house.
8 Handmade Bags
Unique and colorful totes, handbags, and more can be found in Siam
Beautiful quilted bag
NaRaYa handmade bags are classic items that are popular for their magnificent designs. They are available in exceptional patterns that pique the interest of both locals and vacationers.
Whether floral or elephant motifs, travelers can take home whatever suits their unique tastes. Handbags aren’t the only style to go for, since there are other options like sling, travel, and duffel bags.
7 Thai Handicrafts & Home Décor
Wander the streets of Chatuchak Market and find some fabulous home decor
&
A woman making beautiful pot
Bangkok is an excellent place to buy unique handicrafts and stunning home décor items. After all, who wants to leave this fascinating holiday spot without something to remind them of Thai culture?
If not in a hurry, it’s best to buy handcrafted items from night markets as they are cheaper than in airports and commercial centers. The price of different commodities depends on the uniqueness and material used.
6 Essential Oils
These lovely oils are perfect for scenting your home and relieving stress
Pure Essential Oil
With demanding work schedules and lifestyle commitments, it’s easy for many people to experience stress. For this reason, Bangkok residents have embraced aromatherapy, a part of massage art that involves inhaling and applying essential oils.
Their therapeutic scents help promote relaxation, thus potentially easing stress, tension, and insomnia for some people. Tourists can sample different fragrances extracted from the bark of a tree, flowers, or leaves. Popular spots to purchase oils include Chatuchak and Pratunam Market.
5 Jewelry & Colored Gemstones
Adorn yourself with some of Bangkok’s most beautiful jewels
Thai Jewelry stall in Bangkok
With many beauty hubs in Bangkok, adventurers have no reason to return to their homes without stylish and standout jewelry. And this includes the blue and black sapphires. However, untrained eyes may find it hard to differentiate authentic jewelry from fake ones, so tourists should have a list of reliable shops.
One includes the Jewelry Trade Center, a magnificent 59-story building that accommodates numerous vendors. Here, vacationers will have lots of beautiful accessories to choose from, including earrings, bracelets, anklets, and necklaces.
4 Takabb Anti-Cough Pill
The incredible pill with the interesting packaging
Thailand has a famous cough remedy – the Takabb pill. While it is known for its bad taste, this pill will surprisingly make coughs disappear immediately.
Moreover, the packaging of the Takabb anti-cough pill is not so attractive and has red centipedes spread all over the product. However, anyone visiting Bangkok must consider trying this unique medicine if they happen to find themselves with a sore throat and coughing issue.
- Best Places To Buy: Pharmacies
- Cost: Approx. 50 USD for 60 sachets
3 Crispy Seaweed
A fabulous treat from the sea available in several places in Bangkok
TaoKaeNoi Seaweed Chips
People living in Bangkok and all over Thailand eat crispy seaweed like potato chips. This food is known as the snack king of Thailand and is offered by Tao Kae Noi.
It comes in various flavors, such as grilled squid, curry crab, coconut, and many others. It’s quite an experience to try this delicious and unique snack when traveling in Bangkok.
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2 Thai Trinkets
These small and authentic trinkets are the ultimate souvenirs
Thai trinkets on sale
As always in many countries around the world, one of the best things to buy as a souvenir or as a gift for folks back at home is trinkets. In Bangkok, visitors are spoiled by the choice of excellent trinkets to buy. Think of traditional-themed Thai trinkets like keychains, coin pouches, accessories (like bracelets), and, of course, elephant-designed items.
Trinkets can be found for anyone, and they are typically cheap, and, helpfully, lightweight and easy to pack in one’s suitcase for the return trip.
1 Thai Silver
Handsome Thai silver is one of the best things to buy in Bangkok
Amazing Silver Jewelry
One of the best things to buy in Bangkok is Thai silverware. These can be purchased from shops all around Thailand and, fortunately, at reasonably affordable rates. Buyers beware though; look for a 0.925 stamp to check for the purity of the product.
The people in Northern Thailand are known to make silver that is 99% pure. There are plenty of silverware products, including bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and much more. Go shopping on Khao San Road, Charoen Krung Road, Silom Road, or at the Chatuchak Market to find silver items.
