Shopping in Thailand is a delight, especially if you love variety. The country is known for its long and crowded markets lined with options that can make you go crazy. But amidst all the chaos, here are 12 items to look out for if you want to take back a souvenir that’s authentically ‘Thai’.
1. Clothes
Love being up-to-date with fashion trends? Then shopping in the streets of Thailand will be a treat for you! The general dressing sense of Thailand is modest but oh-so-trendy. Garments on the rack consist of lot of linens. So, markets are filled with flowy, comfortable dresses tailored in the cool and fresh fabric. Note that it is easier to get smaller sized clothes in the island country as people in Thailand have a smaller frame.
2. Fruit Soaps
Personal care in Thailand revolves around have a glowing, healthy skin. So, the country has a wide range of special skin care products. And, that’s why the Thai love the natural, fruity punch of goodness on their skin too.
Thais dig fruit soaps. And, you should too! The current hot favourite is the Mango fruit soap. So, if you pass a shop or stall selling fruit soaps, buy them for your friends and family without a second thought. You won’t regret it.
3. NaRaYa Bags
The local brand NaRaYa is known for the fabric of its bags. Bags and pouches of NaRaYa are Thailand’s favourite from the high-end local chain. It’s a great pick-up if you are looking for a classy and exotic souvenir.
4. Everything Elephant
Elephants are always in trend in Thailand. You will find wooden carvings, dress patterns, bags and whatnots with elephant prints. What’s great is that all these are beautiful works of art and it is authentic to Thailand. So, if you want to bring home a piece of Thailand, pick up an item denoting an elephant.
5. Wooden Toad That Attracts Wealth
A toad carved out of the wood of Acacia tree is considered auspicious by the Thai. The instrument makes croaking sounds like that of a toad, and that – the Thais believe – attracts wealth and spectacular harvest during the monsoon. So, if want to use some luck to get rich, buy the toad!
6. Thai Alcohol
Another thing that you won’t find anywhere else but in Thailand is the local alcohol. There’s the Magic Alambic rum, Chalong Bay rum, and Sang Som whiskey that are local to Thailand. You will also find international brands here, but they are heavily taxed and expensive. As a wise shopper, stick with the national drinks and take home some to share a bit of Thailand high with your dear ones.
7. Multipurpose Thai Triangle Pillow
A unique item in Thailand is a pillow which looks like a triangle load that can unfurl to make a mattress. This is a great item of home décor. It’s thoughtful. And, you get it only in Thailand. So, don’t forget to pick up one of these multi-taskers during your shopping spree.
8. Inhaler
Not every day do you find an inhaler on a tourist’s shopping list. But there’s a reason why we recommend it if you are in Thailand. We’re not sure if it’s the climate or the temperature, but a blocked nose is a common ailment in Thailand. And, the demand has created an effective supply of inhalers. So, if you suffer from rhinitis, don’t forget to pick an inhaler from Thailand. You will be amazed by how useful it is!
9. Thai Silk
Buying silk from Thailand has one USP, you get them in the brightest shades suited for the tropics. Thailand produces commercial silk from domesticated eri silkworms and glossy, mulberry silk from Bombyx mori. The coveted variety in Thailand is the mulberry silk in bright colours that you won’t find anywhere else. So, if you’ve got a fixation for silk, make it a point to browse through the silks of Thailand.
10. Snail White
The popular brand of skincare essentials is said to be made of real snail secretions. This peculiar ingredient is believed to work wonders on the skin, especially in maintaining the youthful look. A word of caution, though, like any skincare product, this one too should be first tested on your skin. But for what’s it worth, and just because you are in Thailand, no harm in trying, right?
11. Coconut Products
In Thailand, one thing is common between oil, monkey statues, and even chimes — coconut! The country loves its coconut. So, apart from coconut oil (which is common), you will find many other products made of coconut. You will get high-end products like aromatic coco water. So, if you are in Thailand, do not return without having a piece of it in your bag.
12. Lip-Smacking Seaweed
Cannot fathom how seaweed can be delicious? Well, you ought to try the flavoured, crunchy ones that come in packets in Thailand. This delicacy, which sells like chips, won’t be found elsewhere. So, if you want to take back something for your foodie friends – seaweed (it tastes so close to bacon!) it should be.
Markets of Thailand are extensive. Don’t forget to wear comfortable footwear and clothes on your shopping day. And, when in the field, don’t forget to watch out for the above 12 items. Your trip is indeed incomplete without at least one of these!
