10 Must-buy items in Thailand
10 Must-buy items in Thailand
It is not easy to shop for souvenirs to bring back a piece of memory from your trip, either for your loved ones or for yourself, especially in a country with so many options. Elephant Go Go has put together 10 must-have souvenirs to buy when you are in the Kingdom of Thailand.
1. Thai Silk
Thai silk is a cultural touchstone of Thailand that has been around since ancient time. Thai silk is produced from the cocoons of Thai silk worms. The threads are woven in various designs, which are regionally diverse and unique.
Thai Silk is often used to make female dresses and gowns but it has also become popular with other items such as bags and ties. The good thing about buying silk products is you can put them in your luggage easily and they don’t take up much space.
The best place to shop for Thai Silk products is at Jim Thompson (Surawong) on Elephant Go Go Red Route, Wat Hualamphong stop.
Jim Thompson (Surawong)
Hours: Daily 9.00 – 19.00
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go on the Red Route, Wat Hualamphong stop
2. Thai spices
For Thai food lovers, bring back Thai spices such as Thai chilli or Tom yam spices for some Thai cooking at home.
You can shop for Thai spices at Spice Story, located on Floor G at Siam Paragon. The store carries a complete selection of Thai spices.
Spice Story
Hours: Daily 10.00 – 22.00
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go on the Red Route, Siam Paragon stop.
3. Thai Spa products
Thailand is known for its world class massages and spas, offering visitors the ultimate pampering and relaxation. Spa products are great souvenirs to bring back home to help you wind down after a long and busy day.
Elephant Go Go’s favorite spa product store is Everyday Karmakamet, Siam Center branch. Here, you can find a full range of aromatherapy products including essential oils, candles and perfumes, all extracted from local and imported flowers.
Everyday Karmakamet : Siam Center branch
Hours: Daily 10.00 – 22.00
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go on the Red Route, Siam Paragon stop.
4. Traditional Thai medicine
Traditional Thai medicine uses Thai herbs to take care of health in daily life. Majority of the usage is for prevention and for promoting good health in general. Bamrungchat Satsana Yathai or Baan Mowaan is an expert in traditional Thai medicine, having been in operation for more than 151 years.
Baan Mowan is housed in a Colonial building in the Sao Ching Cha (Giant Swing) area. Aside from the traditional Thai herbs and medicines, you can also find many interesting historical objects from earlier generations.
Bamrungchat Satsana Yathai Baan Mowaan
Hours: Daily 9.00 – 17.00
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go on the Red Route, Giant Swing stop
5. Muay Thai shorts
Muay Thai or Thai Boxing has recently gained worldwide popularity as a form of martial arts. Hence, products related to Muay Thai has become a popular souvenir in Thailand, especially Muay Thai shorts. They have unique designs, are affordable and above all, very comfortable to wear.
You can shop for Muay Thai shorts at King Power Rangnam, accessible on Elephant Go Go Red and Green Routes
King Power Rangnam
Hours: Daily 10.00 – 21.30
Accessibility: King Power Rangnam is the first stop on Elephant Go Go Red and Green Routes
6. Pinto, the blue and white ceramics
Porcelain was brought into Thailand from China by the silk road trade since ancient time. The most popular style is the “blue and white” ceramics, where bright blue designs are intricately painted onto white ceramics.
Lively Ware sells ceramics made by young artists that have brought back the ancient techniques of making ceramics by hand. The best selling product here is the Pinto or the old style tiered food carrier, made in modern style motif.
You can browse for Lively Ware ceramic products and other hand made crafts at ICONCRAFT zone at ICONSIAM shopping center.
ICONSIAM
Hours: Daily 10.00 – 22.00
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go on the Blue Route, ICONSIAM stop.
7. Chalong Bay Thai Rum
If you are a fan of Thai cocktails, pick up a bottle of Chalong Bay, made from 100% sugar cane and distilled using French technique. Chalong Bay is one of the best Thai liquor to be used for cocktails.
Chalong Bay can be found at Central World, accessible via Elephant Go Go, Siam Paragon stop.
Central Food Hall @ centralwOrld
Hours: Daily 10.00 – 22.00
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go on the Red Route, Siam Paragon stop.
8. Khon masks
Khon is a performing art that combines musical, vocal, literacy and dance as well as handicraft elements and costumes. Khon has been performed since Ayutthaya period and the Khon mask miniature is a popular collector’s item.
Khon masks can be found at Narai Phand, which is a cooperative between the government and the private sector. Apart from the Khon masks, you can also find Khon figurines and other household handicrafts.
Narai Phand
Hours: Daily 10.00 – 18.00
Accessibility: Narai Phand is located at President Tower, accessible via Elephant Go Go on the Red Route, Siam Paragon stop.
9. Bamboo Fan
Before the invention of electric fans and air conditioning, Thais combatted the heat with hand woven fans made from bamboo. Thai bamboo fans have unique designs and colours, perfect as a lightweight souvenir that will not take up much space.
Thai woven fans can be found in markets throughout the country or at Sampeng market in China town.
Sampeng Market
Hours: Daily, from morning til evening
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go on the Red Route, Yaowarat stop
10. Instant noodles
Instant noodles are many households’ staple items and the flavours are distinctive to each country. In Thailand, you can find a number of interesting flavours such as Tom Yum Goong, Boat Noodle and Green Curry. Instant noodles are convenient souvenirs to bring a taste of Thailand back home with you.
You can shop for all flavours and brands for Instant Noodles at Gourmet Market in Siam Paragon mall, easily reached via Elephant Go Go at Siam Paragon stop.
Gourmet Market @ Siam Paragon
Hours: Daily 10.00 – 22.00
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go on the Red Route, Siam Paragon stop.
