Bring home authentic memories from Phuket. From handcrafted Thai silk to locally-made pearls, aromatic spices to traditional handicrafts, the island offers unique souvenirs that capture the essence of your tropical adventure. Shop at markets, malls, or specialty stores in Old Phuket Town.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Phuket
Thai Silk
Thailand's most famous textile export. Beautiful silk scarves, ties, clothing, and fabric by the meter. Look for genuine Thai silk with the Royal Peacock symbol for authenticity. Available in stunning colors and patterns. Makes elegant gifts.
- Jim Thompson stores (Central and Jungceylon malls) - Premium quality, higher prices
- Old Phuket Town silk shops - Good selection, reasonable prices
- Weekend markets - Cheapest but verify quality
Phuket Pearls
South Sea pearls from local pearl farms. Both natural and cultured pearls available in necklaces, earrings, and loose pearls. Phuket is a major pearl center with farms producing high-quality pearls. Range from affordable to investment pieces.
- Phuket Pearl Factory (Chalong) - Factory direct, fair prices, educational tour
- Naka Pearl Farm - Farm tours and shop
- Authorized dealers in shopping malls - Certified quality
Thai Spa Products
Locally-made natural spa and beauty products. Coconut oil, lemongrass soap, herbal balms, aromatherapy oils, and traditional Thai massage oils. Many handmade with natural ingredients. Lightweight and practical gifts.
- Thann - Premium Thai spa brand
- Harnn - Natural heritage products
- Erb - Organic herbal cosmetics
- Karmakamet - Artisan aromatherapy
- Panpuri - Luxury wellness brand
Handmade Handicrafts
Traditional Thai craftsmanship. Wood carvings, ceramic pottery, decorative items, woven baskets, carved elephants, Buddha statues, and traditional masks. Look for quality handmade pieces rather than mass-produced items.
- Old Phuket Town artisan shops
- Phuket Indy Market - Quality handmade goods
- Weekend markets - Wide selection
- Specialty handicraft stores
Thai Spices & Food
Bring Thai flavors home. Red, green, yellow curry pastes, Tom Yum paste, lemongrass, galangal, dried chilies, and pre-mixed spice sets. Dried tropical fruits, cashew nuts, and Thai snacks. Great for foodies and cooking enthusiasts.
- Supermarkets (Central, Big C, Tesco Lotus) - Wide selection, good prices
- Fresh markets - Authentic local products
- Airport duty-free - Convenient but pricier
Batik & Cotton Clothing
Colorful batik-print clothing and cotton garments. Thai fisherman pants, sarongs, beach cover-ups, summer dresses, and casual shirts. Comfortable, lightweight, and perfect for tropical climates. Distinctively Thai patterns and styles.
- Weekend and night markets - Best selection and prices
- Beach shops near Patong and Kata
- Old Town boutiques - Higher quality
Thai Tea & Coffee
Premium Thai tea and coffee products. Thai milk tea mix, herbal teas, jasmine tea, and locally-roasted coffee beans. Some of Thailand's best coffee grows in the northern regions. Vacuum-packed for travel.
- ChaTraMue - Famous Thai tea brand
- Doi Chaang - Premium Thai coffee
- Specialty coffee shops in Old Town
- Supermarket Thai tea sections
Cashew Nuts
Phuket is famous for cashew nuts. Available in various flavors: original, honey-roasted, spicy, garlic, and more. Fresh, high-quality, and cheaper than abroad. Cashew factory tours available with free samples and shop.
- Cashew nut factories (free tours, best prices)
- Supermarkets - Good selection
- Airport - Convenient but expensive
Unique & Special Souvenirs
Thai Musical Instruments
Small traditional instruments like wooden flutes, bells, or rain sticks. Cultural and decorative. Found at handicraft markets.
Coconut Products
Coconut oil, coconut sugar, dried coconut snacks, coconut soap. All locally produced from Phuket's coconut plantations.
Thai Ceramics
Celadon pottery, decorative plates, bowls, vases. Beautiful green-glazed ceramics from northern Thailand. Fragile but beautiful.
Benjarong Porcelain
Traditional five-color Thai porcelain. Intricate hand-painted designs. Expensive but truly special. Collectors' items.
Thai Incense
Aromatic incense sticks and cones. Sandalwood, jasmine, lotus, and traditional Thai blends. Lightweight and fragrant gifts.
Tamarind Candies
Sweet, sour, and spicy tamarind snacks. Unique Thai flavor. Kids and adults love them. Very Thai souvenir.
Shopping Tips for Souvenirs
🛍️ Best Places to Shop
Markets for handicrafts and textiles. Shopping malls for branded items. Old Phuket Town for quality souvenirs. Specialty stores for pearls and silk.
💰 Bargaining
Expected at markets and street shops. Not at malls or fixed-price stores. Start at 50% of asking price. Be polite and smile. Walk away if price isn't right.
✈️ Packing & Shipping
Wrap fragile items carefully. Most hotels provide boxes. Some shops offer shipping services. Check airline luggage limits. Consider duty-free at airport for last-minute gifts.
🛂 Customs Regulations
Check your country's customs limits. Buddha statues may require permits in some countries. Food products: check if allowed. Keep receipts for expensive items.
🔍 Quality Check
Inspect items before buying. Check for damage, authentic materials. Real silk vs synthetic. Genuine pearls vs fake. No returns at most markets.
🎁 Gift Ideas by Budget
Under 200 THB: Incense, keychains, magnets, small handicrafts
200-1,000 THB: Silk scarves, spa products, clothing
1,000+ THB: Pearls, tailored silk, quality art
What NOT to Buy
- Ivory or Coral: Illegal and unethical. Avoid animal products.
- Ancient Artifacts: Cannot legally export Buddha images over 100 years old.
- Counterfeit Goods: Fake designer items illegal to import to many countries.
- Live Plants/Seeds: Most countries prohibit importing plants without permits.
- Protected Wildlife: No turtle shells, certain seashells, or endangered species products.
- DVDs/Software: Often pirated and illegal.
Best Shopping Areas
For authentic souvenirs, explore Old Phuket Town shops and galleries. Visit weekend and night markets for best variety and prices. Central Phuket and Jungceylon offer air-conditioned shopping with branded souvenirs. See our complete shopping guide and transportation tips.