Many travellers look forward to shopping in Thailand even before they arrive. The markets are lively, prices are fair, and the selection is unlike anywhere else in Asia. You can find silk, herbal balms, local snacks, and handmade crafts for any budget or gift list. This guide covers the best things to buy in Thailand, organised by category.
This guide will show you the most famous things to buy in Thailand, including food, fashion, wellness products, and home decor. You'll also find the best gift ideas, where to shop, helpful tips, and answers to common questions.
What Are the Most Famous Things to Buy in Thailand?
Thailand offers some of the most famous things to buy in Thailand, from food and fashion to wellness products, home decor, and gifts, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown by category to help you decide what to buy and where to find it.
Item | Price Range (THB) | Best Place to Buy |
Thai Silk Scarf | 800 - 3,000 | Jim Thompson Stores, Chatuchak |
Elephant Pants | 200 - 500 | Chatuchak, Khao San Road |
Ya Dom Inhaler | 30 - 80 | 7-Eleven, Watson’s |
Tiger Balm | 50 - 150 | Pharmacies, street markets |
Coconut Oil | 100 - 400 | Organic stores, markets |
Dried Mango / Snacks | 50 - 200 | Big C, 7-Eleven, airports |
Thai Curry Paste | 60 - 250 | Night markets, supermarkets |
Benjarong Porcelain | 300 - 2,000+ | Chatuchak, Chiang Mai shops |
Hill Tribe Silver | 500 - 5,000+ | Chiang Mai Night Bazaar |
Thai Skincare (Snail White etc.) | 150 - 800 | Watson’s, Boots |
Streetwear and Bags | 200 - 1,500 | Platinum Mall, Pratunam Market |
Thai Silk and Traditional Clothing
Thai silk and traditional clothing are some of the most famous things to buy in Thailand. The fabric is handwoven, has a natural shine, and reflects a long tradition of local craftsmanship.
What to pick up:
- Thai silk (scarves, fabric, garments): Jim Thompson is the gold standard for quality silk in Thailand. Look for the Royal Peacock Logo, Thailand's official certification mark for authentic Thai silk. The logo comes in four categories (Gold, Silver, Blue, and Green) based on silk quality and production methods.
- Elephant pants: Loose, printed cotton trousers in bright patterns. Lightweight and very easy to pack.
- Fisherman pants: Wrap-around cotton pants that are soft, breathable, and comfortable in warm weather.
- Cotton shirts and bohemian dresses: Casual, easy-to-wear options widely available at night markets.
Price Range: Silk scarves from 800 THB; tailored silk garments from 5,000+ THB; casual clothing from 200 THB.
Where to Buy: Jim Thompson stores (Bangkok), Chatuchak Weekend Market, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Tribe Travel Tip: Politely ask for a quick burn test if the seller allows. Genuine silk smells like burnt hair, not plastic.
Thai Herbal and Wellness Products
Thai herbal and wellness products are practical, locally made, and easy to pack. They are among the best gifts to buy in Thailand, especially for parents or family members who like natural remedies.
What to pick up:
- Ya Dom (Herbal Inhaler): A small tube made with peppermint oil, eucalyptus, and camphor. Used for headaches, congestion, and motion sickness. It’s one of the most recognised Thai products among tourists.
- Tiger Balm: A classic herbal balm available in red and white variants. Used for muscle pain, headaches, and insect bites.
- Herbal Compress Balls: Made with lemongrass, kaffir lime, and other herbs. A staple product in traditional Thai massage therapy.
- Coconut Oil: Cold-pressed and locally sourced. Used for skin, hair, and cooking. Fresher and cheaper than what is available internationally.
- Handmade Herbal Soaps: Often shaped like flowers, fruits, or elephants. Made with tamarind, lemongrass, and turmeric. Good for gifting.
Price Range: Ya Dom from 30-80 THB; Tiger Balm from 50-150 THB; coconut oil from 100-400 THB.
Where to Buy: 7-Eleven, Watson's, Boots, organic stores, and local street markets across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Tribe Travel Tip: Buy Ya Dom in bulk packs at Watson's or pharmacies. They are cheaper per unit and make great small gifts.
Thai Snacks and Food Items
Thai snacks and food items are easy to find, affordable, and among the most famous things to buy in Thailand, which almost every visitor stocks up on before heading home.
Popular food options:
- Dried mango: Sweet, chewy, and available in multiple varieties. One of the most popular buys among tourists.
- Durian chips: Crispy and flavourful. A good way to try durian without the strong smell.
- Tao Kae Noi seaweed snacks: A well-known Thai brand with multiple flavours. Compact and easy to pack.
- Tom Yum Lay's chips: A Thailand-exclusive flavour that is hard to find anywhere else.
- Thai curry pastes: Red, green, Massaman, and Panang options available in most markets. Pick vacuum-sealed or jarred versions for easy travel.
- Thai spices: Lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, and dried chillies available in bulk at local markets.
- Instant Thai tea and coffee: A simple way to recreate authentic Thai flavours at home.
Price Range: Snacks from 50-200 THB; curry pastes from 60-250 THB; instant tea and coffee from 80-300 THB.
Where to Buy: 7-Eleven, Big C supermarkets, night markets, and airport departure terminals.
Tribe Travel Tip: Always choose vacuum-sealed or airtight packaging for curry pastes and spices to avoid issues at customs.
Handicrafts, Ceramics, and Home Decor
Handicrafts and home decor items are popular choices for what to buy in Thailand for those who want something meaningful and locally made.
Traditional crafts to consider:
- Benjarong porcelain: Traditional Thai pottery with intricate multicolour patterns. Often used as decorative pieces or given as gifts on special occasions.
- Celadon pottery: Recognised by its jade-green glaze. A signature craft style from Northern Thailand.
- Wooden carvings: Made from teak, rosewood, or mango wood. Items include statues, bowls, wall hangings, and decorative trays.
- Lacquerware: Black-and-gold-painted wooden items such as boxes, trays, and vases.
- Wicker baskets and bamboo lamps: Lightweight, practical, and good for everyday home use.
Price Range: Benjarong porcelain from 300-2,000+ THB; wooden carvings from 200-3,000+ THB depending on size and detail.
Where to Buy: Chatuchak Weekend Market (Bangkok), Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Sunday Walking Street (Chiang Mai).
Tribe Travel Tip: Look for the OTOP (One Tambol One Product) label on crafts. It is a government-backed marker confirming the item is authentic and locally handmade in Thailand.
Jewellery and Silverwork
Thailand is famous for its fine silverwork and traditional amulets, especially from Chiang Mai and the hill tribes in the north. The designs are unique, the craftsmanship is detailed, and the prices are fair.
What to pick up:
- Hill tribe silver jewellery: Handcrafted by artisans from Northern Thailand. Most authentic hill tribe silver jewellery is made from 92.5% silver or higher and crafted using traditional hammering and engraving techniques. Each piece is slightly unique.
- Thai amulets: Small religious tokens believed to bring good luck and protection. Culturally significant and widely worn by locals.
Price Range: Hill tribe silver from 500-5,000+ THB, depending on the piece; amulets from 50 THB upwards.
Where to Buy: Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (silver jewellery); Wat Mahathat Amulet Market in Bangkok and Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai (amulets).
Tribe Travel Tip: Always ask for a certificate of authenticity at premium stores. Authenticity for hill tribe silver comes from handmade irregularities, oxidation, and buying from a reputable Chiang Mai seller, not a hallmark.
Thai Beauty and Skincare Products
Local beauty brands are a great value and much cheaper in Thailand than abroad. They’re a smart choice for yourself or as gifts.
Worth buying:
- Snail White: One of the most popular Thai skincare brands. Known for its moisturising and brightening products.
- Mistine: A widely used local cosmetics brand covering foundations, lip colours, and sunscreens.
- 4U2: A popular Thai makeup brand known for lip products, blushes and affordable cosmetics. It is widely sold in beauty stores across Thailand.
- Turmeric Face Masks and Tamarind Scrubs: Made with natural Thai ingredients. Good for brightening and exfoliating skin.
- Aloe Vera Gels: Affordable and effective, especially for sun-exposed skin. Available across most tourist areas.
Price Range: Skincare products from 150-800 THB, depending on brand and product type.
Where to Buy: Watson's, Boots, local pharmacies, and beauty counters across Bangkok and Phuket.
Tribe Travel Tip: Watson's and Boots frequently run buy-one-get-one offers on local skincare brands. Check in-store promotions before buying at full price.
Fashion, Accessories, and Streetwear
Thailand’s fashion market is big and diverse. If you love style and want the best things to buy in Thailand, you’ll find trendy clothes, bags, shoes, and accessories at prices that are hard to beat.
Trending finds:
- Trendy apparel: T-shirts, co-ord sets, casual dresses, and lightweight outerwear in the latest styles.
- Bags and footwear: A wide range of everyday totes, sandals, and sneakers at competitive prices.
- Accessories: Sunglasses, belts, hair accessories, and costume jewellery at very affordable rates.
Price Range: Apparel from 200-1,000 THB; bags from 300-1,500 THB; accessories from 50-500 THB.
Where to Buy: Platinum Fashion Mall (Bangkok) for multi-floor retail and wholesale; Pratunam Market (Bangkok) for street-level fashion at flexible prices.
Tribe Travel Tip: Both Platinum Mall and Pratunam Market offer wholesale pricing. If you are buying multiple items, always ask for a bulk deal.
Best Gifts to Buy in Thailand for Your Loved Ones
It’s easier to find the best gifts to buy in Thailand when you know who you’re shopping for. Here’s a quick guide based on the recipient:
Recipient | Gift Ideas |
Parents | Herbal balms, Tiger Balm, Thai spices, coconut oil |
Friends | Silk scarves, Thai snacks, elephant pants, skincare products |
Kids | Tuk-tuk models, keychains, fridge magnets, fun Thai-themed toys |
Colleagues | Instant Thai tea or coffee, Tao Kae Noi seaweed snacks, small ceramic pieces |
Buy snacks in sealed packaging, pick small items like magnets and keychains for bulk gifting, and go for herbal products like Ya Dom inhalers when you want something practical and easy to carry.
Where to Buy These Items in Thailand?
Knowing the right place makes all the difference when shopping for things to buy in Thailand. Each market has its own speciality, price range, and atmosphere. Some are best for bulk buys, others for handmade items, and some are perfect for snacks and daily essentials. Here’s a quick look at the top spots:
Market / Store | City | Best Items to Pick |
Chatuchak Weekend Market | Bangkok | Handicrafts, clothing, antiques, home decor |
Pratunam Market | Bangkok | Wholesale clothing, bags, accessories |
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar | Chiang Mai | Silver jewellery, textiles, local crafts |
Platinum Fashion Mall | Bangkok | Fashion, footwear, accessories |
7-Eleven / Big C | Citywide | Snacks, curry pastes, drinks, instant tea |
Tribe Travel Tip: Most sections of Chatuchak Weekend Market operate on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though some sections may open on additional days.
Shopping Tips to Keep in Mind
Shopping in Thailand is fun, but knowing a few basics will save you money and avoid unnecessary trouble. Here is what you should know before you start shopping.
Bargaining and Pricing
At street markets and night bazaars, bargaining is completely normal. Start at around 50% of the asking price and work your way up politely. Smiling and staying calm go a long way. Prices at malls and branded stores are fixed, so do not attempt to bargain there. For handmade goods, look for the OTOP label to confirm the item was locally made in Thailand.
VAT Refund
Tourists can claim a VAT refund at stores displaying the "VAT Refund for Tourists" sign. You need to spend at least 2,000 THB (including VAT) at the same store on the same day and request a PP10 form along with the original tax invoice at the time of purchase. Before check-in, present your goods, receipts, and PP10 forms for inspection. This is done at the VAT Refund for Tourists counter at the airport departure hall. The purchased goods must leave Thailand within 60 days of purchase. Keep all receipts with you.
What to Avoid Buying?
Item | Why to Avoid |
Counterfeit goods (bags, watches) | Illegal to import into many countries, including India |
Wildlife or animal products | Restricted for export under Thai and international law |
Low-quality or unbranded electronics | No warranty, high chance of malfunction |
Antiques without documentation | May be stopped at customs without proper permits |
5 Quick Shopping Tips for Thailand
- Carry cash (Thai Baht) to street markets, as most vendors do not accept cards.
- Buy snacks and drugstore items from 7-Eleven or Big C for consistent pricing.
- Shop at multiple stalls before buying; prices vary even within the same market.
- Avoid buying from the very first vendor you see; compare a few options first.
- Check your items carefully for defects before paying, especially at wholesale markets.
Key Takeaway
If you’re not sure what to buy in Thailand, you have plenty of options, from Thai silk and herbal balms to local snacks and handmade ceramics. Prices are usually reasonable. Go to markets for bargaining and malls for fixed-price brands. Check for the OTOP label on crafts and the Royal Peacock Logo on Thai silk. Remember to claim your VAT refund at the airport if you qualify, and avoid counterfeit or animal products to stay within customs rules.
Are you planning a holiday to Thailand? Take a look at Holiday Tribe’s Thailand tour packages to get the most out of every market and every baht you spend.
