Thailand

What to Buy in Thailand

Local goods and souvenirs worth bringing home — with photos, typical prices, and where to buy them.

Thai Herbal Balm

USD 2–6

These cooling medicated balms provide quick relief for muscle aches or mosquito bites.

Thai Herbal Balm
Steffen Buus Kristensen (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Local pharmacies in Tonsai

Thai silk textile

USD 30–200

Hand-woven silk from the Northeast is renowned for its unique luster and texture.

Thai silk textile
JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Jim Thompson House boutique or local weaver cooperatives

Benjarong porcelain

USD 40–500

These intricate, hand-painted enamel vessels are traditional centerpieces in Thai households.

Benjarong porcelain
Photo by AmirHadi Manavi Moghadam on Pexels
Where to buy: Narai Phand at President Tower Arcade.

Celadon pottery

USD 15–100

Look for the characteristic jade-green crackle glaze that feels smooth and cool.

Celadon pottery
Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D. (CC0)
Where to buy: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Section 19.

Coconut shell bowl

USD 5–12

Polished, sustainable bowls made from local coconut husks, often carved with intricate geometric designs.

Coconut shell bowl
Photo by Wok Stop London on Pexels
Where to buy: Ao Nang local markets

Hill tribe silver jewelry

USD 25–150

Each piece contains a high silver content and carries unique, hand-hammered tribal patterns.

Hill tribe silver jewelry
Photo by Vietnam Hidden Light on Pexels
Where to buy: Asiatique The Riverfront boutiques.

Celadon ceramic tableware

USD 15–120

This distinct crackled green glaze is the signature craft of the northern highlands.

Celadon ceramic tableware
Photo by 晓鸟 蓝 on Pexels
Where to buy: Siam Celadon factory showroom on the outskirts of the city.

Coconut shell handicrafts

USD 8–30

Artisans transform humble coconut husks into polished, lightweight bowls and lamps with delicate fretwork.

Coconut shell handicrafts
Photo by TIORHISTA R on Pexels
Where to buy: Asiatique The Riverfront.

Thai silk scarf

USD 30–80

The local silk has a distinctively crisp, firm hand that feels durable and elegant.

Thai silk scarf
JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Jim Thompson House store.

Cultured Pearls

USD 80–500

Southern Thailand produces high-quality pearls known for their deep luster and durability.

Cultured Pearls
MASAYUKI KATO (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Phi Phi Pearl Shop

Arabica coffee beans

USD 8–25

High-altitude beans grown in the northern mountains offer a clean, robust flavor.

Arabica coffee beans
Photo by Tallita Maynara on Pexels
Where to buy: Akha Ama Coffee or Ristr8to.

Batik Textiles

USD 10–60

South Thai batik features vibrant, ocean-inspired colors reflecting the island heritage.

Batik Textiles
Photo by motomoto sc on Pexels
Where to buy: Small family-run shops in the Old Town area.

Bespoke tailored suit

USD 250–800

Bangkok tailors offer high-quality Italian wool suits at a fraction of Western prices.

Bespoke tailored suit
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
Where to buy: Rajawongse Clothier or Raja's Fashions on Sukhumvit

Dried seafood

USD 5–20

Salt-cured and sun-dried local squid, a popular and shelf-stable snack across coastal southern Thailand.

Dried seafood
국립국어원 (CC BY-SA 2.0 kr)
Where to buy: Krabi Town morning market

Cold Pressed Coconut Oil

USD 5–15

Pure local coconut oil is excellent for skin hydration after long beach days.

Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
Photo by Dhanjit Sharma on Pexels
Where to buy: Tonsai Village pharmacies

Hmong batik cloth

USD 10–80

Natural indigo dye on hemp cloth creates bold geometric patterns by hand.

Hmong batik cloth
Photo by Daniel Lee on Pexels
Where to buy: Warorot Market textile stalls.

Northern Thai lacquerware

USD 10–100

Layers of natural resin applied to bamboo bases create durable and ornate vessels.

Northern Thai lacquerware
Hiart (CC0)
Where to buy: Wua Lai Road artisan workshops.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

USD 5–25

Locally distilled oils capture the sharp, citrus scent of Thai lemongrass at peak potency.

Lemongrass Essential Oil
Photo by doTERRA International, LLC on Pexels
Where to buy: Chatuchak Weekend Market

Thai Silk Cushion Covers

USD 15–40

Vibrant colors and durable weaves make these a practical way to bring Thai style home.

Thai Silk Cushion Covers
JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Textile shops near the Phangan pier.

Thai Silk Sarong

USD 40–200

Hand-loomed silk offers a sheen and weight impossible to find in synthetic factory replicas.

Thai Silk Sarong
JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Jim Thompson House Shop