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Souvenir shopping in Bangkok is an enchanting journey for Indian travellers. It always merges the excitement of discovery with a deep sense of cultural connection. Buying souvenirs, carrying them back to the homeland and gifting them to loved ones is a moment of emotional resonance.
There are many things to buy in Bangkok for Indian travellers. Traditional Thai silk, with its rich history and skilful craftsmanship, mirrors the luxury of Thai textiles, highlighting an artistic heritage. Exotic spices and gourmet snacks from local markets bring back familiar Indian flavours while offering exciting new tastes.
Each handmade souvenir isn’t just a memento but a link between cultures, capturing the essence of both Bangkok and Indian heritage. In Bangkok, the best things to buy are more than just souvenirs—they are emotional connections that link you to the city’s spirit and your own cultural roots. So, visit these 15 Top Markets To Explore In Bangkok For Shopping and carry a token of love for your special ones.
Thai Silk
Do you know the history of Thai silk?
The origin of Thai silk can be traced back to the Sukhothai period (13th century).
The Thai royal family made Silk weaving more refined and luxurious during the Ayutthaya period.
Thai silk entered the international market in the 19th and 20th centuries because of Jim Thompson, who revived the Thai silk industry.
Thai silk has always been an essential part of Thailand’s cultural heritage. It is renowned for its high-quality fabric, which is incredibly soft and firm and comes in bright, beautiful colours. Traditional Thai clothing, such as the Pha Nung for women and the Chong Kraben for men, is often crafted from this luxurious fabric.
Thai silk comes in different styles, each with its unique look and feel. Here are the main types:
- Matmee Silk: This silk is famous for its detailed, geometric patterns. It’s made by hand using a tie-dye technique, which means tying parts of the fabric before dyeing to create beautiful designs.
- Tie-Dye Silk: This silk is known for its bright colours and striking patterns. It’s made by binding sections of the fabric before dyeing, which creates unique and lively patterns.
- Brocade Silk: This silk often has shiny metallic threads and designs inspired by nature and myths, making it look exquisite and detailed.
Thai silk is the attire of royalty and nobility. Of course, it is a famous thing to buy in Bangkok, which Indians shouldn’t miss on their visit to Thailand.
Thai Spices
The flavours of our favourite dishes stay with us long after the meal is over, and returning to the country to try it again isn’t always practical. In that case, taking Thai spices home as souvenirs is a great way to recreate authentic Thai dishes and share those flavours with others.
Food lies at the core of every culture, and Thai spices are among the best things to buy in Bangkok for Indians to bring a bit of that experience back home. These spices are not only great for satisfying your cravings but also for sharing the flavours of Thai cuisine with your loved ones.
Mentioned-below are the Thai spices you can take back to your homeland.
- Dried Thai Bird Chilies
- Thai Curry Pastes
- Fish Sauce
- Palm Sugar
- Tamarind Paste
- Lemongrass Tea or Powder
- Dried Galangal
- Dried Kaffir Lime Leaves
- Thai Spice Blends
These dried and preserved spices are durable and easy to pack. They offer unique flavours that can be hard to find outside of Thailand. So, be sure to pick them up when you visit Bangkok!
Thai Handicrafts
Did you know?
Thai handicraft history spans from ancient Buddhist and Hindu influences to the flourishing Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods, during which traditional techniques in pottery, silk, and woodwork developed.
In the Bangkok era (1782-present), these crafts were revived and modernised, blending traditional skills with contemporary styles.
The history of Thai Art and Craft is categorised into 3 eras.
- Copper Era popularly creates utensils and household wares from copper, including jewellery, bracelets, and rings, which in today’s world is one of the best things to buy in Bangkok.
- Alloy Era products included Large Bronze drums.
- The Iron Era led to the creation of weapons, Buddha statues, and earthenware.
Thai handicrafts are renowned globally and are often exported from Chiang Mai, the heart of the country’s artisanal tradition. Chiang Mai is celebrated for its diverse range of traditional crafts and exceptional quality.
Although you can easily find these Thai handicrafts in Bangkok, Chiang Mai is particularly famous for its exquisite wood carvings, lacquerware, silverware, and rattan and bamboo products. If you have a love for handicrafts, then don’t forget to buy the below-mentioned souvenirs from Bangkok or else, if you wish, you can visit the best Chiang Mai markets to buy these authentic handicrafts-
- Celadon Pottery
- Handmade Silver Jewelry
- Thai Masks
- Elephant Figurines
- Thai Embroidery
- Traditional Thai Masks
- Wood Carvings
- Thai Textiles
- Antique Buddha Statues
- Thai Silverware
- Lacquerware
- Thai Ceramics
- Antique Thai Furniture
These Thai handicrafts will undoubtedly serve as memorable keepsakes of your journey.
Thai Spa Products
Do you know the secret behind Thai ladies’ glowing skin? They use products made from high-quality traditional ingredients, featuring natural elements like lemongrass, ginger, and pandan. Thai Spa products, including essential oils, herbal compresses, and scrubs, offer numerous therapeutic benefits.
Incorporating local herbs, flowers, and traditional recipes makes Thai products unique and not readily available outside the country. This is why Thai spa products are among the best things to buy in Bangkok for ladies.
- Herbal Compress Balls
- Essential Oils
- Body Scrubs
- Massage Oils
- Handmade Soaps
- Body Lotions
- Bath Salts
- Thai Herbal Teas
- Fragrant Candles
- Spa Gift Sets
Thai Jewellery
Thai jewellery makes a unique and meaningful souvenir. It symbolises Thailand’s rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Tourists can buy diverse Thai jewellery, from traditional to contemporary designs.
Thailand’s skilled artisans often employ techniques such as engraving, enamel work, and gemstone settings to create detailed and aesthetically pleasing pieces. Common types of Thai jewellery include rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and amulets, which are considered the best things to buy for Indian ladies in Bangkok.
If you love antique jewellery, you can look for pieces incorporating traditional Thai designs, such as intricate filigree work, floral patterns, and mythical creatures like the Garuda or Naga. Here are some popular types of Thai jewellery to buy in Bangkok for ladies:
- Silver Jewellery
- Thai Gold Jewellery
- Hill Tribe Jewellery
- Gemstone Jewellery
- Enamel Jewellery
Thai Snacks and Sweets
Bring back and gift Thai snacks and sweets, as it is a delightful way to make your loved ones experience the country’s diverse flavours and culinary creativity. There are many categories of Thai snacks: savoury snacks, sweet snacks, rice-based snacks, and fruit-based snacks.
Thai Snacks
- Banana chips
- Thai Dried Fruits
- Pandan egg rolls
- Sweet potato chips
- Puffed rice crackers
- The dried mango snack
- Tao Kae Noi (Seaweed Snacks)
- Thai Chips Khao Tan (Thai Crispy Rice Cakes)
Thai Sweets
- Thong Muan
- Thai Coconut Candy
- Dee Dee Thai Sweets
- Mung Bean Cake (Kanom Krok)
Thai snacks and sweets are readily available in shops, markets, and every tourist spots. While exploring shopping malls in Bangkok, you can also get the best snacks to buy, which are appropriately wrapped for gifting.
Benjarong Porcelain Ware
The word “Benjarong” means ‘five colours’—the five primary colours: black, red, green, yellow, and white. Benjarong porcelain ware uses these five colours in its design.
Originating in Thailand, Benjarong porcelain is a traditional ceramic craft known for its detailed, colourful designs influenced by both Thai and Chinese artistic traditions. Developed through centuries of cultural exchange and adaptation, this porcelain features elaborate patterns and vibrant hues, reflecting a blend of historical techniques and local artistry.
Its meticulous craftsmanship and distinctive style have made Benjarong ware a cherished symbol of Thai heritage, celebrated for its functional and decorative value.
Dinnerware Includes:
- Plates
- Bowls
- Teapots
- Duck soup bowls
- Wine glass
Home Decor:
- Vases
- Figurines
- Decorative plates
- Bell
- Candlesticks
- Covered bowls
- Covered jars
- Jewellery box
- Lamp
- Spa oil burner
- Religious Artefacts
The detailed designs require skilled artisans who are trained in traditional techniques. The process can be time-consuming and involves a high level of artistic precision. Handmade: Each piece of Benjarong porcelain is handmade, ensuring that no two pieces are identical. This craftsmanship adds to the value and uniqueness of each item.
Wooden Carvings
Have you seen the masterpiece ‘The Sanctuary of Truth’? It is one of Thailand’s largest wooden carvings and has many wooden statues reflecting the philosophy of life. Looking at it, you must know about Thailand’s wood carvings, and visiting this land requires getting one wooden souvenir.
Thai wooden carvings are influenced by early Indian and Khmer art and significantly developed during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods. They are focused on religious and mythological themes and were used to adorn temples, palaces, and sacred objects. They are revered for their spiritual symbolism and admired for their decorative beauty and craftsmanship. The best wooden carved things to buy from Bangkok are-
- Religious Figures
- Animal Figures
- Furniture and Household Items
Buddhas or various deities, decorative panels, lintels, and columns adorned with intricate designs are common. Elephants, lions, and mythical creatures like the Naga (serpent) are the famous things to buy in Bangkok to add aesthetic value to your home.
Thai Carved Soaps
Imagine opening a beautiful circular wooden box, finding a scented flower inside it, and later discovering that it is a carved soap. Isn’t it surprising? Your loved ones will feel the same when you gift Thai-carved soap souvenirs.
Thai carved soaps often feature beautiful floral patterns and traditional Thai motifs, showcasing the skill of local artisans. They come in various scents and colours, allowing you to choose one that suits your preferences or those you’re gifting them to.
Thai carved soaps are used both functionally as soaps and as decorative items. Buying Thai carved soaps can be a meaningful reminder of your visit and an appreciation for Thai artistry.
Muay Thai Shorts
Muay Thai is a traditional Thai martial art known for its striking techniques. Shorts are distinctive for their unique design and essential for comfort and performance in training and competition.
Usually made from satin or a lightweight, durable material designed with a wide, loose fit design that allows for ease of movement. The colour of Muay Thai shorts often reflects cultural elements and respect for the Muay Thai tradition.
Muay Thai shorts represent an essential element of martial arts tradition and Thai culture. If anyone in your family or friends is interested in martial arts, this is the perfect souvenir they can use during their training sessions. Many shops in Thailand offer customisation options, and you can add a personal touch by adding a name.
Conclusion
If you are enjoying your vacation in Thailand but worrying about what to buy in Bangkok to gift as souvenirs, there are many famous things from Bangkok, Thailand. Choose to stay in the best areas of Bangkok and buy souvenirs as you can get many famous things to buy in each area of Bangkok, Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions on Things to Buy in Bangkok for Indians
1. What are some famous things to buy in Bangkok?
Famous things to buy in Bangkok include Thai silk, handmade jewellery, Thai spices and sauces, traditional Thai crafts.
2. What are the best things to buy in Bangkok?
The best things to buy in Bangkok include street food, snacks, Handmade leather goods, local art, and antiques.
3. What is cheap to buy in Bangkok?
Bangkok offers a range of affordable shopping options, are clothing and accessories, souvenirs and trinkets, street food, and local crafts
4. What should I buy in Bangkok if I’m Indian?
Indian visitors should buy Thai spices and ingredients, local Jewellery and accessories, traditional Thai fabrics, and handmade crafts
5. What are some things to buy in Bangkok for ladies?
For ladies shopping in Bangkok, consider buying Thai silk scarves and shawls, handmade jewellery and accessories, Thai spa and beauty products, and stylish handbags and Shoes.