Any journey will be memorable if you don’t return home empty-handed. A keepsake or exotic souvenir will serve as a bright reminder of your adventures. But what should you bring back from Thailand as a memorable souvenir? Seasoned travelers who have visited these sunny lands multiple times do not limit themselves to buying items from souvenir shops on every corner. They show ingenuity and bring back more worthwhile items — a piece of the unique Asian flair.
Fruits
Upon arriving in the country, every tourist wants to taste as many exotic fruits as possible. There is a wide variety here, and there are practically no restrictions on their export. The only exception is fresh durian, which has a strong specific smell and is therefore banned on airplanes.
This fruit is brought home dried or in the form of chips and candies. Delicious practical gifts include yellow mango, pineapples, and tiny bananas. Unlike rambutan, longan, and “dragon fruit,” they have more or less familiar tastes and shapes for Russians. The fruit assortment varies between the winter and summer seasons.
Out of season, prices are 2-3 times higher. The fruits travel well in suitcases or plastic baskets. They must be wrapped in polyethylene; otherwise, strongly smelling products will not be allowed on the plane. Sellers usually ask why you need the fruits. They will pack firmer fruits for travel and wrap them carefully in paper. Slightly green or yellow, they will ripen in a week and taste even better.
Nuts
Thai nuts are very different from those found on European shelves. They are roasted in pure palm oil, giving them a pleasant crunch. Even ordinary peanuts are unusually appetizing here, making them a great take-home item. Especially beneficial are cashews — low in calories and not too fatty. They are much cheaper than in Russia.
Here, they are roasted, sprinkled with pepper, coated in coffee, chocolate, coconut, honey, and even wasabi. These colorful nuts, covered in shells, are packaged in small transparent bags and sold in all shops, including airports. Topping the list of healthy nuts is macadamia — the most expensive nut. It has a hard shell and very appetizing kernels. It grows on Doi Tung mountain.
Thailand is one of only seven countries worldwide that can afford to grow this rarity. For comparison, macadamia contains 10% more monounsaturated fatty acids than the best olive oil. Thanks to its powerful mix of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants, macadamia is extremely beneficial for maintaining skin beauty.
Spices
An excellent gift for yourself and friends would be spices and seasonings from any manufacturer. They have a long shelf life and can remind you of sunny Thailand and its special cuisine for a long time. The only downside is the presence of monosodium glutamate in the packaging. They are sold in packets or by weight at street markets or special gardens where they are grown.
Seasonings for making Thai soups are sold in almost all supermarkets, and they can even be added to regular borscht. Specific spices and various sauces have always been the foundation of Asian cuisine. Thanks to them, local dishes acquire a spicy-sweet flavor. In this country, a lot of ginger is used for soups and curry sauce.
Ginger is eaten fresh and pickled to improve digestion. The leguminous plant tamarind has long been part of many sauces, as well as the famous tom yum and pad thai. The fragrant leaves of kaffir lime are also used in food. They are torn into pieces or cut into strips and added to various salads, soups, and curries.
Tea
An original souvenir product is blue tea. It is made from dried butterfly pea flowers and is drunk with lemon or lime. If brewed green tea usually becomes light green, blue tea takes on a true cornflower blue color. It is beneficial for the eyes, skin, and memory.
The most original teas include Rose Buddha, made from tiny rosebuds, and tea from the fruit of the matoom tree. The cheapest herbal and fruit teas can be found in markets and large supermarkets. They come in very colorful packages with Thai inscriptions that will surely surprise friends and acquaintances. Popular is the energizing pu-erh tea, though its earthy taste isn’t for everyone.
This hot Asian drink lowers cholesterol levels and helps with hangovers. Another exotic tea is Milk Oolong, which is sweet with a faint creamy aroma. It is sold with fruit additives like mango, pineapple, and coconut. It is packaged as a beautiful souvenir and sold in street shops and pharmacies. The Thai people don’t favor it and offer it only to tourists.
Coconut Oil
It is no coincidence that natural coconut oil is one of the most sought-after souvenirs. It indeed has unique properties and is not always used for cooking. When choosing this coveted product, preference is given to “Virgin Coconut Oil” cold-pressed. For food, “Extra Virgin” is used, but it can also be used for entirely different purposes.
Oil from the grocery section is much cheaper and comes in decent volumes — 250 ml or 500 ml. High-quality oil becomes completely transparent in the heat but turns white and thick when the temperature drops below +25°C. A small bottle of this cosmetic product is not cheap. It can be bought at any retail outlet, but it’s better to purchase it in cosmetic departments.
Market vendors have long since learned to make it right in front of the buyer, but the factory product is of better quality and free from debris. Locals sell it not for profit from tourists; they widely use it themselves. It is applied to hair as a mask, softens and nourishes the skin of the face and body, and is used for even and safe tanning.
Elixirs
Various elixirs for vigor and health are in high demand. For example, the wood tincture called Bang Rung Rang Khai consists of 70 herbs and cures 100 diseases. It is an entirely natural product without any chemicals or additives, made from medicinal herbs grown on an organic farm.
The tincture rejuvenates the body and prolongs life by improving blood composition. This magical remedy is used to boost immunity, relieve pain, enhance potency, and detoxify the body. Another Thai medicinal tincture, Tau Chu Chang, translates as “the old man will raise an elephant.”
The main ingredient of this miraculous cure-all is vodka or whiskey infused with rare herbs and wood bark. The medicinal balm is drunk with honey, often sold together in one package. The recommended dose is 50 grams before meals or bedtime. Taken at night, the remedy will relieve fatigue, relax, and normalize sleep.
Natural Toothpaste
Many tourists have heard of unusual round boxes with brown toothpaste. It is also sold in tubes and is highly praised for its quality. Like regular toothpaste, Thai natural toothpastes are made from herbs. There are whitening, children’s, and other types.
As an alternative, you can buy tooth powder, but it will also be different from Russian products. These jars last a long time. The product foams a lot, and only a small drop is needed for brushing. The pastes have a wonderful aroma and perfectly clean and whiten tooth enamel. They are easy to find — just enter any store. In street markets, this product is slightly more expensive, and buying it at the airport is not economical.
In simple tubes, you can buy “Darlie” — a relatively inexpensive and popular brand. The chocolate-brown paste in round boxes is sold right on city streets. Some users note that it foams a lot and is not always convenient to use.
Vitamins and Supplements
It’s worth noting that Asian products have a 100% natural composition of exotic fruits, plants, and minerals. You cannot take two suitcases of dietary supplements out of the country, but buying some for yourself is allowed. When buying vitamin complexes and supplements, read the ingredients carefully.
The effectiveness and impact on the body depend on the components. When choosing vitamin supplements for yourself or your loved ones, consider their needs, remembering that men and women differ physiologically and chemically. Thai vitamins, created by nature for women, help preserve youth, health, and beauty for many years.
Vitamins for men can provide physical strength, potency, and a good fighting spirit. They can come in various forms, such as capsules, juices, or dried goji berries. Natural products are also environmentally friendly.
Noni Juice
The fruit of the shrub Morinda citrifolia is called noni. It resembles a cactus fruit. The tree bears fruit year-round and is a staple food on some Pacific islands. Thais offer this juice to tourists as a cure-all for many ailments.
Its composition is so rich in vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants, and amino acids that it is recommended for treating and preventing cancer. However, it cannot be called a medicinal product. Fresh “noni juice” or “nam luk yo” is dark and smells like moldy cheese. Sometimes other juices are added to improve taste and smell.
After processing, the taste is less pungent and does not cause nausea. In any case, it is a natural 100% drink. It is sold in glass or plastic bottles in small pharmacies or private cosmetic shops. The fruits themselves are not sold. They are grown on private plantations solely for juice production.
Natural Soap
A beautiful and practical souvenir can easily be fruit soap. It is made in the form of miniature fragrant flowers, fruits, and animals. It is inexpensive, but craftsmen have learned to make carved soap in the shape of flowers in wooden cases. These sets are more expensive than regular packaging. The larger the fragrant souvenir, the higher the price.
Choosing colorful, fragrant gifts ensures they will be used as intended. You don’t have to search for it; it will catch your eye. It is made from olive, coconut, and palm oils with various additives and essential oils.
Additives include honey, silk, apricot kernels, plant extracts, and dry milk. The cosmetic product is entirely natural, not reprocessed from industrial soap.
Cosmetics
Experienced tourists recommend buying skincare cosmetics made from natural ingredients. Popular items include salt body scrubs from the “Boots” brand, various shower gels, and lip balms. The deodorant “Crystal” has received excellent reviews, effectively dealing with unwanted odors, killing harmful microorganisms, not clogging pores, and not staining clothes.
This hygiene product is known for its unusual application method — it must be moistened with water before use. Natural shampoos containing herbal extracts are also great purchases. Entire series of shampoos and masks for hair growth are available.
They are considered the best in the world and can be gifted even to men. Besides other cosmetic products, snail cosmetics stand out. Thailand is not behind South Korea in this regard and produces high-quality products. The distinguishing mark of this product is a snail drawing, and the largest selection is found in Phuket, Pattaya, and Bangkok.
Aloe Vera Gel
No foreign remedy for sunburn compares to local aloe vera gel. The transparent moisturizing product is sold in bright green tubes in pharmacies and other stores. The gel, like aloe itself, can restore UV-damaged skin and heal wounds. In Asian countries, the sun is very intense, so sellers bring the gel and freshly cut aloe leaves directly to the beach.
Aloe Vera gel soothes irritation, moisturizes, and pleasantly cools the skin. It heals minor cuts and scratches. It is even used for massage and wraps. If applying it to the inner side of the arm causes no discomfort or redness, it is safe to use. It is not used for rosacea.
Medicines
The most popular medicines worth buying before flying home are Thai balms. They are sold in small jars and resemble the classic “star,” but their lids are much easier to open. The packages vary in color and treat various ailments.
Some have powerful warming, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects, while others help with strains, insect bites, chondrosis, and muscle spasms. They are made from snake venom, natural oils, and extracts of healing herbs and plants. Mini-inhalers are also brought home as useful souvenirs.
These colorful “sniffers” resemble lip balm tubes and are used by Thais for alertness and clearing the nose. They are very convenient and cost pennies. Essential oils are also in high demand, although they are heavily diluted and can be bought in any other country for the same price.
Paintings
The word “Thai” means “free” in the local language. The country embodies a special, relaxed spirit, with the sea breeze mixed with notes of Thai rum and countless beaches. Thanks to the magical combination of natural beauty, paintings by Thai artists are vibrant and full of energy. They depict pristine beaches, blue water, boats, and modern cities.
The vivid colors of the canvases can immerse you in the aroma of the tropics, warmth, and sunshine. Many travelers who have vacationed in this wonderful country want to preserve their holiday memories in a painting. Author’s works are created using unique techniques with a palette knife and oil paints. The mountainous Phuket, lush with green trees, is depicted in vibrant colors.
The color palette is not typical of European artists’ works. The colors capture only rich tones, conveying a zest for life to the viewer.
Clothing and Footwear
Buying lots of clothing and footwear at affordable prices and good quality is a major advantage of traveling to this warm region. It’s worth noting that prices on Thailand’s islands are much higher than on the mainland, and the most cost-effective shopping is in malls. Most locally made items are made from natural materials.
There is no point in bringing branded clothing, as prices are the same as in Russian boutiques. The local population is short, so there will be no problems finding small sizes for young travelers. You can buy colorful cotton clothing made by local artisans. These affordable street and beachwear items come in a variety of colors.
A great purchase would be items made from natural silk. These can be finished products, scarves, or fabric pieces. They are quite expensive but very beautiful. As for leather shoes, they can be bought slightly cheaper than in Russia or from European manufacturers.
Latex Products
Latex products have long been an original health souvenir. These items are often intended for Russian consumers and are exported more frequently than medicinal ointments and remedies. The only issue with these items is their size, but latex pillows, blankets, and mattresses rival orthopedic products.
There are many fakes on the market, so it’s essential to know the differences to avoid being deceived. Natural latex has a matte or grayish hue. It repels water, not absorbs it. Fakes are usually yellowish or pure white. Over time, they dry out and start to break.
Authentic latex products come with quality certificates and are sold in rubber factories, supermarkets, and specialty stores. Prices at factories are sky-high, while those in large shopping centers are more reasonable. Not every region has a good selection, and some cities don’t carry these products at all.
Pearls
Thailand is known for producing and selling high-quality pearls. White, pink, and black pearls captivate with their beauty and perfect shape, so their cost depends on their appeal. Pearls can be bought anywhere, and they are rarely counterfeited, although many defective beads are found on beaches and markets.
Defective beads are not considered jewelry but rather costume jewelry. The largest pearl farms are located in Phuket. Jewelry salons and stores provide certificates of authenticity for their products.
Distinguishing a fake is easy. Natural pearls bounce well off the floor, while imitations roll. Real pearls are unique and don’t chip when drilled. Natural pearls have an inner luster, while fakes have a glassy shine.
Leather Goods
During shopping, attention is often drawn to belts, bags, smartphone and tablet cases, and wallets. These items are made from high-quality exotic leather and can last for years. For making small original items and shoes, Thais use alligator, stingray, python, and sea snake skin.
The most expensive items are made from crocodile leather. Each piece has a unique pattern that never repeats. The manufacturing process is complex, so don’t expect low prices. To avoid bringing home a fake, many tourists request a quality certificate from the seller.
Such documents are provided in specialty stores, where buying leather goods is safe. To avoid being deceived, it’s good to know how to distinguish fake material from real. Genuine leather warms to the touch, isn’t smooth, and has various irregularities, scales, and wrinkles.
Electronics
Photography equipment and electronics are significantly cheaper here than in the Russian market, so many manage to bring them back for resale. The vast assortment always includes the latest gadgets, which may not yet be available in Russia. At stores with the sign “VAT Refund for Tourists,” you can get up to 7% of the cost back. The best selection is traditionally found in Bangkok, while the islands lack this opportunity.
Original products from well-known global brands are the most popular, though quality replicas are also favored by visitors. These imitations come from China, but that’s not necessarily bad. Good buys include laptops, cameras, iPads, iPhones, and computer components, but check for defects right away.
Natural Silk
Savvy manufacturers have long realized that natural silk is highly valued abroad and have started mixing it with synthetic threads. But even this drawback doesn’t deter buyers, as the item still looks good but is much cheaper. Distinguishing fabrics is easy if you know their characteristics.
Genuine silk should shimmer in several colors, while artificial silk has only a white sheen. It burns well and smells pungent, like burnt hair. Fake material is too smooth, without any knots or pilling. Along with clothing, Thai silk is also used to make bed linen. Natural fibers provide comfortable rest.
For genuine quality, it’s best to visit specialty stores found in large shopping malls in the country’s major cities. Unique souvenirs worth special attention include silk paintings. These are real works of art, created by hand over decades.