What to Buy
Palm Leaf Fish
Plaited palm leaf fish is a symbol of wealth and it is believed that when the fish is ready, it is time for the rice to be harvested. The traditional belief is that the fish would help make babies grow healthy and strong. Sold in most department stores in the Thai handicrafts section.
Sa Paper
Sa paper is a kind of thick, durable paper which has been used in handicrafts for centuries. It is also the main material for making Thai traditional puppets. The Sa umbrella is one of the most popular souvenirs available in local markets and shops in Chiang Mai.
Wickerwork
Whereas wickerwork is generally expensive in the west, it can be available at quite reasonable prices in Thailand. Bamboo and rattan are commonly used to produce furniture such as tables, chairs, baskets and other decorative items, Other materials used in wickerwork include sedge, bulrush and vine to produce handbags, cigarette cases, hats and even earrings.
Thai craftspeople are well known for their artistic and versatile style in woodcarvings, handicrafts and furniture. Common wood craft items for sale are dancing figures, animals and statues. Other favorites include mythical devas and miniature reproductions of ancient palaces and temples. A recommended item to buy is the wooden elephant, by far the most popular of wood craft items.
Thai Silk
Thai silk is one of those popular Thai products which has become world- renowned. The art of weaving Thai silk has been passed from generation to generation. The different textures and the patterns reflect the variety of cultures in Thailand from North to South. It is not only silk itself that has gained popularity but also the many other products that are made of silk and are always in demand, bags, hats, curtains etc. By far the most popular silk fabric and artifacts sold in Thailand and overseas are under the brand name of Jim Thompson.
Clothing and Accessories
Thailand is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of clothing with export- quality garments ranging from mass to up-market.
Custom Tailoring
For people who have a problem with the sizes, tailoring is another option. Custom tailors are visible lust about everywhere and are quite inexpensive.
Ready-to-wear
People who have no problem with sizes can find the perfect item just about everywhere in Thailand. Prices are not expensive at the local market or from street vendors.
Gems & Jewellery
Sapphire, ruby, onyx, jade, zircon, opal and diamond are found in both East and West Thailand. Bangkok abounds with gems & jewellery shops.
Gold has long been a symbol of status and wealth, as well as good luck in some cultures. Gold jewellery is a popular buy in Thailand.
Gemopolis
Gemopolis is Thailand’s largest diamonds, gems and jewelry center. It is a fully integrated one - stop service and the only free trade zone in the country for manufacturing and exporting of diamond, gems and jewelry. This beautiful gems city located at Km 12, Bangna - Trade highway (off King Kaew Road), some 30km east of Bangkok. It can be reached by car by taking the first state of Bangna - Daokanong express way.
Yaowarat / Chinatown
All that glitters is real gold at Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, which accommodates the largest concentration of gold shops in Thailand. Traditional stores in the area will also excite the imagination of intrepid browsers. A few blocks away, you’ll find the equally sparkling strip of Ban Mor, where quality jewelry stores teem on the footpaths.
Khao San Road
This notorious epicenter of Bangkok’s backpacker scene has some of the biggest and more affordable silver jewelry shops. So if you are looking for silver bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc, be adventurous and head right there!