Northern Thai coffee beans
USD 8–20 · From Chiang Mai Province
High-altitude shade-grown beans yield a smooth profile that rivals global premium specialty roasts.
CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Akha Ama Coffee
What to Buy in Thailand
Local goods and souvenirs worth bringing home — with photos, typical prices, and where to buy them.
Northern Thai Arabica Coffee Beans
USD 8–2000 · From Chiang Mai Province
Enjoy aromatic, medium-bodied Arabica coffee grown in the Doi Chang and Doi Inthanon regions, often sustainably sourced from local farmers.
MarkSweep (Public domain)
Where to buy: Akha Ama Coffee, Ristr8to Lab, specialty coffee shops, Kad Luang (Warorot Market).
Cashew Nut Snacks
USD 5–20 · From Phuket Province
Phuket produces exceptionally crunchy cashews often roasted with local honey or spicy tom yum seasoning.
Eric Gaba (Sting - fr:Sting) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Sri Burapha Orchid
Celadon Ceramics
USD 15–150 · From Bangkok
These pieces feature a signature crackled jade-green glaze born from wood-ash firing techniques.
Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D. (CC0)
Where to buy: Siam Celadon or Chatuchak Market
Gourmet Thai Curry Pastes & Spices
USD 3–30 · From Bangkok
Freshly made, aromatic curry pastes (like red, green, or Massaman) and single-origin Thai spices offer an authentic taste of Thai cuisine that is far superior to pre-packaged options found abroad.
Ryan Snyder (CC BY 2.0)
Where to buy: Or Tor Kor Market, Chatuchak Weekend Market (food section), or local fresh markets like Khlong Toei Market.
Dried Mango and Tropical Fruit
USD 5–12 · From Phang Nga
Pick up vacuum-sealed bags of local fruit that survive the journey home better than fresh items.
Asabengurtza (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Local convenience stores and market stalls in Ton Sai.
Dried Shrimp and Seafood Snacks
USD 3–15 · From Krabi
These local staples provide a pungent, savory taste of the Andaman sea that keeps for weeks.
Humanfeather / Michelle Jo (CC BY 3.0)
Where to buy: Maharat Fresh Food Market
Handcrafted Silver Jewelry
USD 20–500 · From Chiang Mai Province
Northern Thailand, particularly Chiang Mai, is known for its intricate silverwork, often featuring traditional Lanna or Hill Tribe designs crafted into unique necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
Sailko (CC BY 3.0)
Where to buy: Wualai Road (Chiang Mai Saturday Night Market), Night Bazaar, or dedicated silver shops in the Old City.
Thai Herbal Balms
USD 2–10 · From Bangkok
Locals use these potent lemongrass or menthol mixes for everything from insect bites to fatigue.
Steffen Buus Kristensen (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Wang Lang Market or Boots pharmacies
Thai herbal inhaler
USD 1–5 · From Bangkok
Locals swear by these menthol-infused herbal blends to clear heads in the heat.
BrendelSignature at en.wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Any local pharmacy or Seven Eleven.
Khon Mask Miniatures
USD 20–80 · From Bangkok
Detailed replicas of masks used in classical Thai masked dance dramas.
Saerin (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: River City Bangkok antiques district.
Southern Thai Chili Paste (Nam Prik)
USD 2–6 · From Krabi
Local spicy seasoning that captures the intense, fire-forward flavor of the Krabi region.
Takeaway (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Saladan market morning food section.
Northern Thai Handwoven Textiles
USD 15–20000 · From Chiang Mai Province
Support local weavers and take home beautifully intricate, naturally dyed fabrics that are a hallmark of Northern Thai artistry, distinct from mass-produced silk.
jonny.hunter (CC BY 2.0)
Where to buy: Warorot Market (Kad Luang), Wualai Walking Street (Saturday Market), artisan shops in Nimman.
Saa Paper Products
USD 5–5000 · From Chiang Mai Province
Purchase unique notebooks, lamps, or decorative items made from durable, eco-friendly mulberry paper, often embellished with natural elements.
Syced (CC0)
Where to buy: Wualai Walking Street, Sunday Walking Street (Thapae Gate), artisan workshops.
Bo Sang hand-painted paper umbrella
USD 8–40 · From Chiang Mai Province
These hand-painted bamboo and saa paper umbrellas have been crafted in Bo Sang for generations.
Richard from Vancouver, Canada (CC BY 2.0)
Where to buy: Bo Sang Umbrella Making Centre
Hill Tribe Silver Jewelry
USD 20–30000 · From Chiang Mai Province
Acquire unique, handcrafted silver pieces from local hill tribes, known for their distinctive designs and high silver content.
anonymous (CC0)
Where to buy: Wualai Walking Street (Saturday Night Market), Warorot Market, small boutiques around the Old City.
Bespoke Tailored Suits & Shirts
USD 200–2000 · From Bangkok
You can get high-quality, custom-fitted suits and shirts from a wide selection of fabrics completed in a few days for a fraction of Western prices, though careful selection of a reputable tailor is key.
Sven Krolczik (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Sukhumvit Road (e.g., Rajawongse Clothier, Raja's Fashions, Narry), various reputable tailors on Silom Road.
Thai Fisherman Pants
USD 5–15 · From Krabi
Wraparound cotton trousers that fit everyone perfectly; they are the uniform of island relaxation.
Eljaybe9 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Saladan Village night market stalls.
Thai Herbal Balms and Inhalers
USD 1–15 · From Bangkok
These traditional remedies like Tiger Balm, Siang Pure Oil, or refreshing nasal inhalers are genuinely effective for muscle aches, insect bites, or congestion, and are incredibly cheap and compact.
No machine-readable author provided. Mendel assumed (based on copyright claims). (Public domain)
Where to buy: Any pharmacy (e.g., Boots, Watsons), 7-Eleven, Big C Supercenter, or local markets.
Thai Herbal Balms & Essential Oils
USD 5–3000 · From Chiang Mai Province
Take home natural aromatherapy and massage products made from traditional Thai herbs and essential oils for relaxation and wellness.
Itineranttrader (Public domain)
Where to buy: Local pharmacies, health & beauty stores in Nimman, Saturday/Sunday Walking Street markets.
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under Creative Commons licenses. Individual credits shown on each photo where available.