What to bring back from Bangkok: souvenirs, where to buy them and what to pay

The best souvenirs from Bangkok are Thai silk, crafts from the north of the country, food products (spices, curry pastes, tea, dried coconut) and designer goods. You find them in a few well-known places: Chatuchak Market at the weekend, the Siam shopping malls, the night markets and museum shops. This guide says what to buy, where, how to haggle without offence and what the law forbids you to take. We give no exact prices, which depend on the shop and the season: always compare two or three stalls.

What to bring back

A Thai silk weaving demonstration

Thai silk: scarves, cushions and lengths of cloth. Shops linked to Jim Thompson, who revived Thai silk after the war, have a good reputation; a visit to the Jim Thompson House gives a good idea of quality.
Crafts: ceramics, baskets, carved wood, silverware, lacquerware. Stalls from the north (Chiang Mai) are well represented at Chatuchak.
Food products: curry pastes, spices, dried fruit, tea and coffee from northern Thailand, dried coconut. Vacuum-packed, they travel well.
Designer goods: clothes, jewellery and décor by Thai artists, which you see at Chang Chui or in the malls.
Flowers and offerings: lovely to look at but not to take home; the Pak Khlong Talat market is for photos.

Where to buy

A silk loom at the Jim Thompson House

Chatuchak Market, at the weekend: the widest choice, from budget to high end. Our Chatuchak Market page details days and layout.
The Siam malls: fixed prices, air conditioning, tax refund possible; see Siam shopping malls and ICONSIAM.
Night markets: Jodd Fairs and Asiatique for a stroll, with prices often higher than at Chatuchak.
Khao San Road and the old town: mostly cheap clothes and gadgets; compare before you buy.
Museum shops: dearer but authentic, for example at the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.

Haggling without offence

At markets and stalls with no price shown, you haggle; in malls, prices are fixed. A few rules: ask the price, offer a little under half, then go up; smile, stay calm and walk away if the price does not suit you, you will often be called back. Never start a negotiation if you do not intend to buy. For payment rules and exchange, see money, payment and tipping in Bangkok.

What you cannot take

Buddha statues: exporting Buddha images and antiques is regulated in Thailand and generally needs permission from the Fine Arts Department. Small amulets and decorative Buddhas also raise questions; find out before you buy.
Counterfeits: fake bags and watches are sold at some markets, but they can be seized when you return home.
Animal and plant products: ivory, protected shells, some plants; check the rules of your arrival country.
Liquids in cabin baggage: oils and sauces go in the hold.

Pitfalls

Street or tuk-tuk touts who offer to take you to "discounted silk shops" earn a commission and often sell too dear. Trust only shops you chose yourself. Other common scams are described in scams to avoid in Bangkok. Also think about the tax refund in shops: ask for the form at the till and keep your purchases in your hand luggage until the check; exact conditions should be confirmed with the shop.