17 Must-Buy Things in Bangkok You Won’t Regret Hunting Down

Bangkok is so much more than just cheap clothes – here are 17 Must-Buy things you absolutely cannot leave Bangkok without!

January 26, 2016, 11:30 am April 19, 2018, 3:00 pm

E-lyn Tham Having a strong conviction that getting lost is just another adventure in itself, E-lyn takes particular delight in wandering stranger lands, inhibitions and fears thrown asunder. There’s so much left in the world to see, and there’s nothing she would like better than to spend her days dreaming whimsical, thinking adventure, and laughing curious.

Ah, Bangkok.

Many people venture to this renowned land of cheap shopping, yummy eats and plentiful booze, excited to see what’s in store. How often have you listened to your fellow friends wax lyrical about their loots from Platinum Shopping Centre, or their bag of bargains from Chatuchak Market? However, cheap tops and dresses aside, here are 17 things you should never leave Bangkok without!

Food

“The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Indeed, be sure to check out these yummy foods that are bound to please both men and women alike!

1. Instant Phad Thai

Phad Thai is one of Thailand’s local delicacies (yum!), and is immensely popular among tourists and locals. It’s commonly found in many restaurants across Bangkok, or even at the countless street stalls everywhere you go. Now you can bring a taste of Thailand home with you – just add hot water and voila! Steaming hot delicious Phad Thai, ready in seconds. Dig in!

2. Mama Tom Yum Noodles

Similar to the Instant Phad Thai, the MAMA brand of Instant Noodles has taken Bangkok by storm. Best liked for its Tom Yum Flavour, MAMA instant noodles come in small plastic packets that are easy to pack into your suitcase! The Tom Yum flavored noodles are super shiok, add a fried egg on top for extra oomph!

3. Fried Shallots

Fried shallots are unfortunately often overlooked, but they make a great sweet and savory condiment for various dishes! It can be bought at extremely cheap prices in Bangkok’s markets or supermarkets, adding to its recent popularity among tourists.

4. Bento Squid

Bento Squid is one of Thailand’s most popular snacks, known for being “Super Shiok Spicy!” It has a really strong squid taste, so if you’re not a fan of squid, this snack isn’t for you! But if you are a fan of squid, EAT THIS AND GO TO HEAVEN.

5. Koh-Kae Peanuts

These peanuts have somewhat become an iconic Thai snack, with its distinctive packaging coming in a variety of colours. The peanuts come in an assortment of flavours, from coconut cream to tom yum to barbeque – there’s something for everyone!

6. Royal Chitralada Milk Candy

These milk biscuits are immensely popular among the locals, and it’s often said that you’re not a Thai if you don’t know and love the yummy snack! The biscuits come in two flavours: the original milk flavor, and chocolate. Take it from the Thais – this is one snack that you’re guaranteed to love!

7. Instant Thai Milk Tea

Who doesn’t love the ultimate Thai drink, Thai Iced Milk Tea? It’s the perfect refreshing drink for a hot humid day in Bangkok, and even more so in Singapore! With Nestea’s instant sachets, you can have Thai iced tea instantly all day, evvvveryday!

8. Oishi Black Tea

This drink can be found in Singapore, but the Black Tea (Lemon Flavor) can only be found in Thailand. Energize your day with a delectable blend of black tea and lemon, and enjoy the refreshing contrast of sweet and sour!

Also read: 8 Must-Buy Treats From Bangkok’s Big C Supercenter

Clothes & Fabrics

Thailand is fervently known for its mega shopping malls, countless markets, and its penchant for cheap, cheap, cheap clothes! Never leave Bangkok without your suitcases full of clothes – to do otherwise would be a crime!

9. Tailor-Made Clothes

Bangkok is the self-proclaimed mecca of tailor-made clothes, and rightly so! Tailor-make a piece of clothing at bargain prices, and receive the end product within a matter of days. Be the envy of all your peers when you bring home an immaculate suit or dress at a steal!

10. Thai Silks & Fabrics

Besides clothes, do check out the plethora of ornate Thai silks and fabrics available in Bangkok! Bring home a beautiful table runner, or silky silks as souvenirs for family and friends!

Also read: Where to Get Your Clothes Tailored in Asia

Household Decorations

Spice up your house with some beautiful decorations from Thailand, promised to make any surface or wall instantly look better!

11. Fairy Lights

Add a little magic and sparkle to your walls with these fairy lights shaped like cotton balls! The lights come in a variety of colours and shapes  – flowers, footballs, angry birds heads and so on!

12. Thai Soap Ornaments

Feast your eyes on a wide range of beautiful soap ornaments, each intricately carved and elegantly shaped. It’s hard to believe that the ornaments are in fact made of soap; it’s so lovely, we’re sure you will not bear to wash your hands with it! Instead, many locals and tourists choose to enjoy the fragrances, and display these ornaments for decorative purposes.

Medicinal Products

Buy medicinal products in Thailand for a fraction of the price, or enjoy products that locals swear by – guaranteed to stop your coughs, colds, or general ailments!

13. Tiger Balm

Tiger Balm, the solution to all your aches and pains! True to the company’s motto, it indeed “works where it hurts”. It provides pain relief for all forms of ailments, promising expedited – if not instant – relief! Suitable for both the young and old, Tiger Balm serves as a great (and cheap) buy from Thailand.

14. Takabb Anti-Cough Pill

The Takabb Anti-Cough Pill is a local remedy that is known to work wonders. It’s rumoured that once you put the pill into your mouth, your cough would immediately stop! Truth or Hyperbole? We’ll leave it to you to decide!

15. Siang Pure Oil

Siang Pure Oil is known to be a miracle worker for five common ailments: mosquito bites, muscular aches, dizziness, blocked nose, and stomach ache. It’s especially famous for being a fast-acting agent, and promises near to instantaneous relief!

16. Pim Saen Nam – Balm Oil Roll-on

Calling those who suffer from motion sickness; this balm oil roll-on is a godsend! It’s especially useful for long-haul travel, or simply for jerky car rides that get the stomach churning. Simply dab a little of this on your temples and voila! As good as new.

17. Bath and Bloom Products

Be soothed by Bath and Bloom’s Thai Jasmine scent, guaranteed to loosen all your knots and calm all your nerves. Bath and Bloom products are a local beauty maintenance product, and are extremely popular in Bangkok! Buy some back for your friends and family, they can thank you later!

So there you have it, 17 things you absolutely cannot leave Bangkok without. So the next time you traipse over to Bangkok for a well-needed break, be sure to pack all these into your suitcase to bring home!

Also read: 6 Places in Bangkok to Go Crazy Shopping

For a chance to win a trip to Bangkok or other parts of Thailand, take part in the “Thousand Ways to Smile” contest! Share a picture that makes you smile, and stand a chance to win attractive prizes sponsored by Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways. Upload your picture to Facebook or Instagram, and don’t forget to use the hashtag: #1000smilesthailand. The winners for January and February haven’t been chosen yet, so what are you waiting for? Check out this website for more information and details!