Half the fun of traveling is shopping for gifts. And while it might not be everyone’s forte, Thailand makes gift buying an adventure. Known for its vibrant outdoor markets and iconic walking streets, Thailand offers a shopping experience like no other. The fastest way to immerse yourself in Thai culture is by going shopping! You will gain more than just gifts.
Pro Tip: Thailand’s legendary outdoor markets are a must for travelers seeking both treasures and atmosphere. In Bangkok, the iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market is a sprawling maze of fashion, antiques, and street food, while MBK Center offers an air-conditioned, centrally located one-stop shop with extended hours — the perfect one-stop shop before heading home
In Chiang Mai, discover markets that capture the city’s character:
- The Wua Lai Saturday Walking Street is renowned for its artisan crafts and rich silversmithing tradition.
- The Ta Pae Gate Sunday Walking Street is a larger and livelier market that’s open on Sundays, where handicrafts and street performances unfold against the backdrop of the old city walls.
- Jing Jai Market is an open-air morning market curated with sustainable, locally sourced goods and a community vibe.
Silk Scarves and Other Textiles
Hand-dyed with natural pigments, indigo textiles are seeing a revival in Thailand. The deep midnight blue looks good on everything from easygoing summer dresses and crisp linen office wear to bags, scarves, and small keepsakes like keychains.
If you want to buy directly from the artisans, visit Thanon Pha Kram in Sakon Nakhon. This weekend street market features a vibrant mix of handmade indigo goods. Or plan a trip to the annual Phrae Craft Festival, held from December 5 to 7, where you can also participate in tie-dye workshops. Keep an eye out for local brands like Natcharal, which take traditional textiles to the mainstream with modern designs and online shops.
Thai silk is another standout textile. Known for its vivid colors and distinctive patterns, it is unmistakably Thai. In Buriram, the silk weaving village of Na Pho—under the royal patronage of H.M. Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother—offers a firsthand look at the intricate production process. In Bangkok, the Ban Krua Nuea weaving community is a top choice for silk shopping. Located across the San Saeb Canal from the Jim Thompson Museum and Art Center, make it a day out of it and learn about the rich history and cultural importance of Thai silk.
Muay Thai Shorts
The perfect gift for someone who already has (almost) everything? Muay Thai shorts! Uniquely Thai, eye-catching, and just plain fun, they’re an excellent gift for any occasion. Whether the person you have in mind is already a practitioner or has never even heard of the sport, it won’t go unappreciated. While technically designed for training and competition, they look just as good at the beach.
Each pair is embroidered with lettering—often a fighter’s name, their gym, hometown, or an uplifting slogan for encouragement or luck. Thanks to Muay Thai’s recent surge in popularity, finding a pair is easier than ever. You can even make a whole experience of it: visit the world’s oldest Muay Thai Stadium, Rajadamnern Stadium, watch the fights live, and grab a pair as a keepsake on your way out. If that’s not in the cards, shops like BKK Muay Thai Store and Action Zone have plenty of options to choose from.
Want to make it truly one-of-a-kind? Go for a custom pair. Add a birthday, anniversary, or the name of a loved one. If you’re in Bangkok, Boon Sport on Sukhumvit is the go-to spot for quality customization.
Handicrafts and Wooden Souvenirs
Once reserved exclusively for royalty and the aristocracy, Benjarong porcelain is famed for its intricate, colorful, and perfectly symmetrical hand-painted designs. Thai artisans have been creating Benjarong for generations, passing the skill down like a treasured heirloom. Popular pieces include tea cups, vases, and lidded bowls—each one a true work of art.
Handwoven sticky rice baskets also make beautiful decorative pieces and can double as storage for jewelry or other small keepsakes. While still used across the country for storing steaming hot, ready-to-eat sticky rice, their rustic charm and unique aesthetic have been winning admirers far beyond the kitchen.
Wood carvings are another great gift option. Choose something small, like a hand-carved wooden elephant, or go bold with an ornate wall hanging. You can also opt for something uniquely Thai, like a traditional Khantoke tray from Northern Thailand.
If you’re after something a little smaller and travel-friendly, hand-carved soap flowers are a popular choice. So detailed you’ll swear they’re real, these fragrant creations are typically sold in beautifully decorated wooden boxes.
Thai Snacks
Get your fill of mango sticky rice before you fly out—those juicy, succulent mangoes aren’t making the trip home with you. Luckily, there are plenty of Thai snacks that travel well, and dried mango is always a crowd favorite. You can also pack in more tropical flavors with coconut chips, sun-dried bananas, and, for the more adventurous, tamarind with chili. Last but not least, don’t forget to grab some dangerously addictive durian toffee. Love it or hate it, you’re going to want to try it.
For a taste of everyday Thailand, instant noodles are always a hit. Generations of Thais have grown up on the iconic flavor and prevalence of Mama Noodles, a true household staple. With flavors like Thai Green Curry and Tom Yum Goong, you can’t go wrong with Mama Noodles.
Spa Products and Cosmetics
A beauty staple in Thailand for nearly 80 years, Srichand Translucent Powder is admired for its almost cult-like following. Cherished by a nation for its oil-control properties, it’s the go-to choice for setting makeup and giving skin a smooth, flawless finish. With its chic, compact design and versatile function, it makes for a thoughtful and practical gift. Makeup lovers might also want to explore other standout Thai brands, like Everpink Cosmetics.
Beauty goes hand in hand with wellness in Thailand. There are tons of practical, travel-friendly spa products for purchase, making it hard to know where to start. The local favorite and a go-to for sore, tired muscles is the herbal compress ball. Hand-tied and filled with Thai herbs like turmeric and kaffir lime, these packed bundles of goodness are used to soothe aches and pains. Steam to release the aromatic blend’s healing properties, and you’ll enjoy a mini Thai spa experience at home. You’ll also find plenty of aromatherapy products ideal for travel, from essential oil rollers to massage balms and traditional herbal inhalers.