Ah, the beautiful, bustling Kingdom of Thailand. A land of enchanting culture, delicious cuisine, and warm, inviting people. There’s no question about it – a trip to Thailand is an experience that can leave lasting impressions on any traveler’s mind.

We fell in love with Thailand the first time we first visited and ended up staying for five months rather than the single month we had planned. We covered every major area of the country and shipped home two big boxes of souvenirs we picked up during our travels.

From Thai silk pillows to enchanting wood carvings, to an album of beautiful elephant paper and huge painted fans, we still have those same Thai souvenirs scattered throughout our house years later and have zero regrets buying any of them.

For those wanting to take a little piece of this vibrant country home, you’re in luck!

Thailand is a shopping paradise, with an abundance of exquisite souvenirs waiting to be discovered.

Let me guide you through some of the best Thailand souvenirs and Thai keepsakes you can bring back from your own Thai adventure.

1. Thai Silk

First on the list is the famous Thai silk, renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality and unique production process.

Jim Thompson, an American architect turned silk merchant, popularized Thai silk during the mid-20th century and lead to it’s worldwide popularity. If you’re in Bangkok, you can visit the Jim Thompson House for a fascinating insight into the silk-making process.

Thai silk is perfect for scarves, clothing, pillowcases, or even wall hangings. It comes in vibrant colors and diverse patterns, making each piece a unique work of art.

2. Celadon Ceramics

A walk into any local market in Thailand and you’ll find a range of beautiful celadon ceramics. Characterized by their lovely jade-green glaze, these handcrafted items have a rich history, dating back to the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai.

You can get Thai celadon ceramics in plates, vases, bowls, and figurines. The choices are nearly endless and due to the process of making them, every piece is guaranteed to be a topic of conversation every time someone sees it.

3. Spa and Wellness Products

Thailand is known for its soothing spa treatments. What better souvenir than the gift of relaxation?

Thai wellness products, including herbal balms, essential oils, massage oils, coconut products and aromatic incense, are made with locally sourced ingredients and are an ideal way to recreate the Thai spa experience at home.

World class beaches are only a couple hours from the bustling streets of Bangkok and make for an easy Thai spa day. If you’re looking to make Thailand a regular getaway, buy villa in Jomtien Beach or check out the lovely spas in the area.

4. Handicrafts

Thailand’s artistry shines through its wide variety of handicrafts. Thai wooden carvings, particularly teak and sandalwood items, are particularly sought after as souvenirs and works of art. Woven items like baskets, mats, and wall hangings from local markets also make wonderful Thai souvenirs.

For something truly unique, look out for products from the ‘One Tambon One Product’ (OTOP) program. This initiative promotes the unique products of each Thai subdistrict or ‘tambon’, ensuring you’ll have a truly unique memento.

5. Thai Snacks

As we always say, there’s no better way to remember a place than through its flavors! Thai snacks like durian chips, coconut candy, and a variety of rice crackers are not to be missed.

Look out for unique treats like Khanom Thai that are traditional Thai sweets made from coconut milk, sugar, and rice flour. Remember to check your country’s regulations on bringing food items back home though as there are some food restrictions as noted at the bottom of this article.

6. Muay Thai Shorts

For those with an interest in martial arts, or those simply seeking a unique keepsake, Muay Thai shorts are a must-have. Available in a rainbow of colors and designs, these shorts not only serve as a functional item for workouts, but also as a fun and sporty memento of your Thai adventure.

Even if you’re not into most combat sports, catching a Muay Thai match, whether in Bangkok or elsewhere in the country is a thrilling thing with a long tradition dating back to before the 16th century. Even if you don’t watch the matches themselves, the crowd behaviour and the spectacle alone are often worth the entry cost.

7. Thai Silver Jewelry

Thailand is known for its exquisite silver jewelry, especially from the northern city of Chiang Mai and the northern regions tribes. Crafted with exceptional skill and precision, the silver pieces often feature intricate designs inspired by nature or Thai mythology.

Whether you’re looking for rings, bracelets, necklaces, or earrings, Thai silver jewelry makes for an elegant souvenir. Look for 99% pure silver when possible (more popular in the north) however the ones marked with a 0.925 stamp, which indicates that it’s 92.5 per cent silver, is cheaper on the wallet, found throughout the country and often looks just as nice.

8. Thai Spices

No Thai culinary experience is complete without the punch of aromatic spices. Thailand’s colorful markets offer a wide range of locally-grown spices such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, Thai basil, and various types of chillies.

Since our first visit, the food in Thailand is our high water mark for some of the best food on the planet. The problem is we’re constantly disappointed that the best flavors don’t make it back to our local Thai restaurants. While the majority of the ingredients are the same, it’s the spices that make Thai food renowned.

So, why not pack some and recreate the flavors of Thailand in your own kitchen?

There are even some great Thai cooking classes you can take when you’re in Thailand to make you a guaranteed hit with any friends and relatives back home and with the proper seasonings, it will be like they’ve visited Thailand too.

9. Coconut Oil

Thai coconut oil is widely recognized for its high quality, due to the country’s optimal coconut-growing conditions. It is used for cooking, skin care, or even as a hair treatment. You’ll find bottles of various sizes, in liquid or semi solid state, perfect for your luggage limitations whether you’re traveling with a carry-on or an oversized checked bag.

10. Flower Soap Carvings

Thai flower soap carvings are an exquisite display of Thai craftsmanship. These beautifully carved soaps mimic the shapes and colors of various flowers, from orchids to lotus flowers. Often presented in elegant boxes, they make for fragrant and eye-catching souvenirs.

11. Elephant Paper Products

Elephant paper products, or elephant dung paper, are made from – you guessed it – elephant dung! Don’t worry, it’s thoroughly cleaned and processed into pulp to create eco-friendly, unique, and colorful stationery products. This is not just a fun souvenir, but also a way to support elephant conservation in Thailand.

When we first heard of elephant paper, we had to take a tour to see how it’s processed and it’s quite an interesting endeavor. Thankfully the paper doesn’t smell but it does make for some gorgeous, unique paper that would make any scrapbooking friend a fan of it for life.

12. Thai Harem Pants/Thai Fisherman Pants

If comfort and style are what you seek, look no further than Thai Harem Pants.

Known as “fisherman pants”, these are a common sight in Thailand’s streets and markets and if worn anywhere else in the world, a classic sign that someone has recently visited Thailand.

With their loose fit and lightweight fabric, they’re ideal for the tropical weather and are often the preferred choice for those attending yoga classes or simply exploring the city. Harem pants come in a variety of colors and patterns, from traditional Thai designs to elephant prints and tie-dye.

Often made of cotton or rayon, what makes these pants an excellent souvenir is their comfort. They can be worn as casual loungewear, beachwear, nightwear or just hanging on the couch on a chill day. Plus, they’re unisex and one-size-fits-all, making them a fantastic gift for friends and family back home.

13. Edible Insects

For the daring foodies, why not bring back some edible insects? A common snack in Thailand, fried insects like crickets, silkworms, and even scorpions are seasoned and packaged for you to share this unique experience with your friends back home.

I can clearly remember trying my first fried cricket in Thailand and would have loved if these packaged treats were a thing back then as every friend asked me about the experience (tastier than I expected for the record). Remember though, to check the import rules of your country before packing these crunchy treats, as some countries don’t allow certain foods in.

14. Thai Liquor

Thai liquor, such as the ever popular SangSom and Mekhong, is a must-try for those interested in local spirits. SangSom, a popular rum, and Mekhong, often referred to as Thai whisky, are widely consumed by locals and visitors alike and taste great with a Coke or Pepsi.

In addition to these, there’s also Lao Khao or white spirit, traditionally enjoyed in rural areas. These spirits often pack a punch and make for interesting gifts for the liquor enthusiasts back home. Just remember to pack these carefully and adhere to the liquid and alcohol restrictions on your flight home.

15. Flavored Fruit Drinks and Malt Teas

Thailand’s tropical climate makes it a haven for a diverse range of fruits.

Local markets often offer a plethora of flavored fruit drinks, from classics like coconut and mango to exotic choices like dragon fruit and rambutan. Bringing home packaged versions of these beverages can be a refreshing way to remember the tropical vibe of Thailand.

In addition, Thailand’s malt teas, both hot and iced, are also immensely popular. These include drinks like Cha Yen (Thai iced tea), a unique blend of strong brewed tea, sugar, and condensed milk, and O-liang, a strong black iced coffee usually served sweet. Look out for take-home mixes of these popular beverages as a way to savor the taste of Thailand once you’re back home.

The best Thailand souvenirs are the memories you made

Shopping in Thailand can be an adventure in itself, as thrilling as exploring an ancient temple or tasting a new street food delight. The Thai bahts you spend won’t just buy you beautiful keepsakes, they also support local artisans and their families, helping preserve traditional Thai crafts for future generations.

If you’re looking to make Thailand your base, there are plenty of great areas to call home. Thailand real estate is cheaper than most western countries and Bangkok is one of the most popular airport hubs in the world with flights from nearly every nation.

Whether you decide to pick up a place there or just decide to visit, as you navigate the bustling markets, remember to bargain politely – it’s part of the shopping culture in Thailand. And most importantly, remember that the best souvenir you can bring back is the experience, the stories, and the joy of your journey.

Happy shopping, travelers!

A note on restricted Items for Export from Thailand

As with any country, Thailand has specific restrictions on what can be taken out of the country. Some of the most significant ones include:

1. Buddha Images and Buddhist Artifacts: Exporting images of Buddha, Buddhist artifacts, and antiques is restricted and often requires special permission. It’s illegal to take out of the country any Buddha image larger than 12 inches without a license from the Department of Fine Arts.
2. Antiques and Artifacts: Just like Buddhist artifacts, any item that could be considered a national treasure, including antiques and historical artifacts, is subject to strict export regulations. If you’re unsure about an item, it’s best to check before purchasing.
3. Animal Products: Products made from certain types of wildlife are illegal to export under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This includes items made from ivory, certain types of wood, and products derived from protected animal species.
4. Drugs and Certain Medicines: As in all countries, exporting illegal drugs is a severe offense. Additionally, certain types of medication, particularly those containing narcotic substances, may be illegal to export without proper documentation.

When shopping in Thailand, if you have any doubts about whether an item can be legally exported, it’s always a good idea to ask the seller or check with the local customs authority. By adhering to these regulations, you’ll ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

Happy travels!

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We packed everything we thought we’d need in two backpacks and set out for a year across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Before we left, I thought that we’d bring back lifelong memories of bustling cities, beautiful beaches and ancient temples.

And we did. However the memories that have lasted the longest, and had the deepest impact, are those where we connected most deeply with the local people, food and culture.

What are some of the things I remember most from our first trip?

I remember watching, literally for hours, as local women in Chiang Mai, Thailand painstakingly made beautiful paper umbrellas, and chatting with them about their work and their lives as we sat. So many of our good memories are about the hidden gems we found by asking locals where to shop, swim and play. Like the quiet, hidden beach in busy Phuket, Thailand, where we snorkeled in the shallow waters as local kids played beside us.

A lot of my best memories are based around food as well, like wandering local street markets in Krabi, Thailand and being served homemade coffee from a grandma in her home in rural Sumatra, or snacking on traditional baby finger cookies at a wedding in the Philippines.

To be honest, though, it can be difficult to connect with locals on your own. Often, there’s a language barrier to overcome, and many travelers just don’t have the time needed to make a real connection. That can occur almost anywhere in the world from treks in Nepal, to time spent in New York City, to exploring a Caribbean island.

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley

Travel Withlocals.com

I was intrigued when the folks at a new travel startup called Withlocals reached out to us.

What Withlocals does is a very a simple concept, and one that I think offers some wonderful experiences for travelers. Simply put, Withlocals connects travelers with local people and cultures through food as well as activities and tours with locals.

It’s a website that helps you experience the real local traditions and culture of the country you’re visiting, and gives locals a chance to earn a little money.

Withlocals offers experiences in Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Sri Lanka.

I spent a while browsing the site and found some fantastic choices for eating with locals, as well as some really interesting tours and activities.

Here’s a peek at some of the activities that caught my eye offered by Withlocals in Thailand and in Vietnam.

Secret Beaches Tour of Phuket

“Discover the untouched and hidden beaches of Phuket. Avoid throngs of tourists and dirty overrun areas. See the places only the locals know, not on any tourist maps. Small intimate beaches, or miles of sandy coastline, its up to you. 

Where there is food, drink or service available, you will be treated like a VIP as a guest of mine. I can speak Thai and have a long history of friendship and business relationships across the island.”

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market Food Tour

“The Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is also called foodie paradise for local people. If you love food, then you should not miss this market.

Even though this market is quite small and more riverside eating areas than floating market however it offers more relaxed and local atmosphere compared to other floating markets.”

Tangy Thai Home Cooking

“Just one of our many main Thai home cooking dishes is a chicken specialty known as kai betong (named after the town of Betong on the Thai-Malaysian border) that consists of steamed chicken seasoned with soy sauce and then stir-fried with green vegetables. Milder flavor we offer a creamy coconut milk soup made with chicken called Tom kha kai.”

Cook Like a Local!

“Instead of simply sitting down and munching your food away, you are offered the opportunity of cooking your own real Thai dishes! All ingredients will be prepared in a professional manner – healthy and clean. You can learn by watching me cook, or you can help and get to know the basics of local food styles and ingredients.

Ps. This is not a cooking class, we will just simply cook a couple dishes together. Other dishes will be prepared in advance.”

Eat with Hanoian family

“Eating dinner with us and you’ll not only enjoy the Vietnamese fresh & Healthy foods but also explore more about history, lifestyle, economy, social issues… in Vietnam. I cook Veg and Non-veg.”

Have you ever spent time with locals when traveling abroad? Would you love to try some of the Withlocals experiences?

This post was written in collaboration with the great folks at Withlocals, but they didn’t tell us what to write, and definitely didn’t ask me to sit for half an hour drooling over the gorgeous photos of Thai food on their site.

Thailand: Ao Nang, Krabi to Ko Samui

After a great few months hopping around southern Thailand, monsoon season was quickly approaching. Micki and I decided that it was time to leave the Andaman Sea and check out the warm and sunny eastern islands in Thailand. The three major islands on the east are the touristy Ko Samui, full moon rave party Ko Pha Ngan and the divers mecca of Ko Tao.

We decided to forego the early bus and a quick ferry and opted to try a night ferry to the island of Ko Samui instead. On the whole, the night ferry was going to take longer, but since we would be traveling at night we thought we’d get an extra day and a free night’s accommodation out of the deal. Well, we definitely got both of those and a few other surprises as well. Hint: one of those surprises involves a goat.

Travel tip! Here’s how to Book van+ferry from Krabi to Koh Samui on Bookaway.

From what we read, the night ferry went a little slower than the other so that’s where we thought all our time would be wasted. As you can probably guess, I could probably fill a few pages talking about how that journey went but for the sake of brevity, I’ll just give you some of the highlights.

It all started the moment we left our hostel…

As was the norm, our journey in South-East Asia started with us getting picked up at our hostel and brought to the bus station. Luckily, we were leaving from Ao Nang, saving us some time as compared to the bus from Bangkok to Koh Samui.

Usually, there is a short wait at the station before taking off. We knew the moment that we reached that first station that this was going to be a memorable trip. After our ten minute ride to the local bus station they announced that we were over an hour and a half early and needed to wait. Next came a very dusty, hot and decrepit three hour bus ride followed by, you guessed it, an hour and a half of more waiting.

As it pushed closer to midnight, we realized we were the only people left at the station.

Everyone else from our group was on their way north to Bangkok or south down to Malaysia. Since it was so late and there was just the two of us, they didn’t even bother starting up a bus.

It turns out we were driven the last leg of the trip in the box of a beat up old truck with a bunch of plastic chairs that they felt needed to be dropped off first. This was all explained to us with wild gestures and lots of nodding since we had no idea what the driver was saying and he obviously didn’t speak a word of English.

I will say that blindly driving down the back streets of a dark, small town close to midnight in a foreign country and pulling into an even darker yard wasn’t exactly the best feeling in the world.

Once we realized they only wanted to drop off the chairs, the truck pulled out and we finally arrived at the ferry. As was our luck that day, we discovered that we had to wait another few hours yet again before the ferry left from Suratthani for the island of Ko Samui.

As bad as all that waiting was, it paled in comparison to realizing that the two goats that were tied to the boat were waiting their turn to board.

Yes, it was definitely a memorable journey. Anyway, after seeing the cargo that was being loaded, we were thrilled when we realized that everyone on board had a 2×6 foot-sleeping mat and an old pillow to call their own. As sad as that sounds, you can probably imagine our discontent when, after playing cards for over two hours, we realized that we hadn’t even left the shore yet.

I would like to end the story on that note but since I tend to always share the more positive and unusual aspects of our trip today I feel the need to describe the less pleasant and more mundane side as well. With that in mind, I could tell you all about the long night aboard suffocating on diesel fuel fumes or maybe the big cockroaches and wacked out moths that lunged at us continuously.

Of course, I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t also mention our backpacker neighbors who looked as grubby as they smelled and who continually invaded our 2×6 space. On the whole, interesting wouldn’t even begin to describe it but, as I always say, any story worth mentioning is an adventure worth living.

Looking back now, the funniest part of the whole incident is that we actually arrived in Ko Samui earlier than we had anticipated. Though that may sound great, in retrospect, unexpectedly arriving in a small foreign town at 5:00 in the morning and trying to find transportation is not a big bonus.

So, was Ko Samui worth all the hassle? In a word, no but it did have a few things going for it but that’s another post entirely…

Chiang Mai’s Buddhist temples are some of the oldest in Thailand. Open to the public, they’re great examples of Thai architecture, and a wonderful way to see true Thai culture and history.

Doi Suthep can be seen from almost anywhere in Chiang Mai, clinging to the mountainside close to the summit of Doi Suthep hill. Doi Suthep temple was built under King Geu Na in the late 14th century.

It’s believed that striking the bells will bring good luck.

Legend holds that the temple’s site was chosen by a sacred white elephant charging through the forest. King Geu Na ordered the temple built where the elephant trumpeted its last breath, and fell to the ground near the summit of Doi Suthep hill.

The walk to the top of the temple is about 306 steps up a steep serpent (Naga) staircase, or by cable car for about $1. The outside plaza holds several buildings and a great lookout point over Chiang Mai. The temple is a 15 km drive from Chiang Mai.

Thai Temple Etiquette: While not required at most Thai temples, it’s considered respectful to cover your arms and legs. Pointing is considered rude, and it’s polite to remove your shoes and hat. Sit with your feet underneath your body, facing the door, don’t point them to the front of the temple. Remember, you’re in a place that Thais consider sacred and holy, so be respectful.

Travel Tip: To get to Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, take the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. We took a private sleeper car for about $20/person, with a private toilet. Just don’t drop anything down the loo by accident. Ours had no bottom, and opened directly onto the tracks rushing below.

Koh Mook, a small island paradise in the South West of Thailand in the Andaman Sea is a place of quiet tranquility. Due to it’s small size and lack of almost anything, this is the perfect place to get away from it all. There are a few small resorts on the island however the place remains fairly low key even in the high season.

Besides for spending your days lounging in the 28°C ocean and stretching out on the glistening white sand, you’ll probably find yourself enjoying a beer or two as your days slowly blend into each other. The biggest excitement of the day is watching the few longtail boats drop off and escort away the guests of the island since that’s the only way to get there. Occasionally you’ll see a sailboat tied up off the tip of the bay and the occasional diving boat might drive by in the distance.

In the morning there are usually a few longtails taking visitors out to the beautiful Emerald Caves and providing both snorkelling and fishing opportunities. There are actually a few good snorkelling spots right off Farang Beach in the bay.

Here’s a travel tip: If you’re planning on heading down here, then Trang is the place to leave from. Make sure you stock up on a few extra goodies while you’re in the province capital. There isn’t a real grocery store on the island and you’ll end up paying inflated island prices for all your snacks. If you’re planning on taking a tour out to Emerald Cave or one of the other local sights as we did, then see if you can share a longtail ride with someone. The captains generally charge by the boat rather than by the person so make sure you get a sizeable group together first.