When shopping for pasalubong in Thailand, any Filipino tourist will soon realize that the lack of choices isn’t an issue. In fact, there are so many options to buy, it can get tricky to choose which ones to bring home with a limited luggage weight allowance!
If you are faced with the same dilemma or just want to pre-plan your shopping list, don’t fret—we’ve got you covered!
Here, we will list down ten of our favorite pasalubong from Thailand and where to get them! (Read: They’re super affordable, too!)
Elephant Pants
When it comes to souvenirs, nothing quite screams “Thailand” like Elephant pants. These comfy rayon bottoms are perfect for lounging at home, for hitting the beach, or even for running quick errands downtown! Usually sold at just 100 Baht* per pair, you can buy several for the entire crew without breaking your budget!
Where to buy elephant pants: Believe it or not—you’ll find elephant pants everywhere, especially in Bangkok! They’re sold mainly at markets like the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, Jodd Fairs, and Pratunam Market. But, you can also get them at malls and right at the entrance of temples.
Poy-Sian Inhalers
From nasal congestion to headaches, Poy-Sian inhalers provide much-needed relief from common discomforts. Because of its soothing and cooling blend of essential oils that can kick the worst rhinitis to sleep, it has earned a cult following not just in Thailand, but around the world, too! You can get a pack of six Poy-Sian inhalers for 149 Baht*.
Where to buy Poy-Sian inhalers: You can get authentic Poy-Sian inhalers at local pharmacies. Many souvenir shops at markets would sell Poy-Sian inhalers for cheap, but some might actually be counterfeit products. Since this is your health we’re talking about, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Tiger Balm Ointments
Ah, Tiger Balm… this menthol and camphor medication can come in small glass jars, in tubes, or even in stick-on patches! There’s a wide range of products from this household brand that many Asians swear by for muscle pain, insect bites, and arthritis—among others.
Where to buy Tiger Balm ointments: Just like with Poy-Sian inhalers, to ensure that you are buying authentic products, purchase your Tiger Balm ointments and patches at pharmacies.
Durian Flakes
This highly addictive snack is a definite must-buy when in Thailand! It doesn’t have the strong odor that the durian fruit is notorious for. Instead, it’s got a mild fragrance and a delightful crunch that will get your fam and friends asking for more.
Where to buy durian flakes: Durian flakes are one of the quintessential Thai food souvenirs, so they can be easily found at markets, supermarkets, souvenir shops, convenience stores, and Duty Free shops at the airport.
Dried Fruit
Dried mangoes, dried papaya, dried durian, dried tamarind…name the tropical fruit, Thailand probably has it—in its dehydrated form. These sweets are sold by the kilo or packed in vacuum-sealed bags for easy transport.
Where to buy dried fruit: You can buy dried fruit in Thai groceries and open markets. Some souvenir shops even sell packs of these treats—just be on the lookout!
Tao Kae Noi Seaweed Snacks
If your folks back at home are not fond of sweets, Tao Kae Noi seaweed snacks might just be what you’re looking for! These crunchy snacks come in different flavors, with the hot and spicy variant being the best-seller.
Where to buy seaweed snacks: Seaweed snacks are fairly easy to find in Thailand. You can get them at convenience stores like 7-Eleven or local grocery stores. Large bundle packs are also available at Duty Free shops in the airport.
>Big Sky Tip: Another savory Thai snack that you can get aside from seaweed snacks are dried fish snacks! They are long thin strips of processed fish meat made for easy (and fun) snacking. The popular brand TARO also offers various flavors like spicy, barbecue, and original. Thai dried fish snacks are available at supermarkets and convenience stores.
ChaTraMue Tea
If you’ve got fans of Thai milk tea waiting for you back home, then make sure to add ChaTraMue tea to your shopping cart! Its original tea mix is sold in packs or tin cans that look perfect for gifting! You can also get the instant type, which is a fraction cheaper than the loose tea mix.
Where to buy ChaTraMue tea: ChaTraMue tea mixes are available at ChaTraMue stores and local supermarkets like Big C and Tops.
Seasonings
Thailand is renowned for its rich culinary scene, and if you think its delicious flavors aren’t to be missed, why not bring a taste of Thailand with you when you return home? Seasonings will help you recreate some of the country’s most famous dishes like pad Thai, tom yum, and Thai curry for your family and friends to try.
Where to buy Thai seasonings: Seasonings are available at supermarkets like Big C and Tops. You can also get them at convenience stores or Duty Free stores at the airport.
Mango Sticky Rice
Good news for mango sticky rice fans (and to those who got mango sticky rice “bilins”): The well-loved delicacy is readily available at Thailand’s international airports! You can go get some just before you board your plane.
Where to buy mango sticky rice: Duty Free shops and at Thai restaurants just after going through security and immigration.
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*Prices indicated in this article are as of the time of writing.
***Featured image by the author.
