Bangkok must-buy shopping guide! Snacks, souvenirs, specialties... More than 20 souvenirs and prices
What are the must-buys in Bangkok? What is cheap to buy in Thailand? When talking about Bangkok, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the good food and shopping, mainly because the prices are lower than in Taiwan, so it is easy to go crazy. Today I want to share with you a list of must-buys in Thailand. Whether it is snacks, souvenirs, local products, specialties, or gifts, these can all be found in local convenience stores, supermarkets, night markets, or shopping malls. What are you waiting for? Hurry up and pick up your pen and paper, and follow me to make a shopping list!Bangkok Prices: What is Cheap to Buy in Thailand?
The exchange rate between Thai baht and Taiwan dollar is almost 1:1, but prices in Bangkok are still lower than in Taiwan. For example, a set meal in Taiwan costs about 250-400 Taiwan dollars, but in Thailand it only costs 150-200 Thai baht; and in Taipei, a bowl of plain noodles at a roadside stall now starts at at least 40-50 yuan. But a bowl of rice noodle soup in Bangkok might only cost 30 baht.
As for what is cheaper to buy in Thailand, I think the prices of beauty products, medical cosmetics, instant noodles, clothes and pants, and designer products are much more affordable than in Taiwan.
Bangkok's must-see and must-buy places
Basically, Bangkok is full of places where you can shop. It can be said to be a shopping paradise. From a tourist's perspective, Bangkok has the following places where you can go shopping:
convenience store
I probably don’t need to say much, convenience stores in Bangkok are just like those in Taiwan, and are generally quite convenient. Usually, you can find some must-buy snacks or instant noodles in Bangkok convenience stores, such as Little Boss Seaweed, Big Brother Peanuts, Squid Slices, Mama Noodles, Royal Milk Slices, etc. Although the price may not be cheaper than buying in supermarkets, If you really forget to buy something, you can find it at a convenience store.
Shopping mall/hypermarket
The shopping malls in Bangkok recommended by the editor include Big C and TESCO Lotus. Among them, Big C Supercenter opposite Central World in the city center is the most popular among tourists. After all, more than 90% of local products and souvenirs can be bought here. However, the editor recommends visiting during the day, because most tourists choose to visit after the afternoon, and it is often crowded with people and things are almost sold out. If you care about the shopping experience, please come early.
Market/Night Market
Bangkok night markets and bazaars can be said to be synonymous with good shopping. The feature is that you have the opportunity to buy souvenirs at a better price than Big C, not too much but still a little expensive. In addition, it is recommended to look for designer goods in the market or night market. Thailand really has many great designers. The clothes, bags, shoes, mobile phone cases, watches, etc. they design are all very textured. The key is the price. Cheap. If you see something you like, you might as well try to bargain. You might be able to get it at a better price.
Shopping mall/department store
There are so many shopping malls in Bangkok that it’s dizzying. Central World alone might take you two days to visit, not to mention Siam Discovery, Terminal 21, Icon Siam, etc. Of course, the things sold in these shopping malls may be similar and the prices are definitely not cheap, but there are still some Made in Bangkok products that are worth a look!
Must-buys in Bangkok: snacks and souvenirs
Bangkok snacks are a must-buy for many travelers. I believe everyone knows that the most famous Thai souvenirs include Pocky, seaweed, squid slices, peanuts, milk flakes and mom noodles. In fact, there are many more things you can buy. Let me introduce them to you one by one.
Pocky Thailand Limited Edition – Banana Chocolate, Mango Flavor
People who visit Thailand for the first time may be confused to see that Pocky is a must-buy. In fact, the must-buy here is of course not the common chocolate or strawberry flavors, but the banana chocolate and mango flavors that are limited to Thailand, and a box is only 15 baht. You can buy about 10 boxes at a time to give to colleagues, relatives and friends. It doesn’t hurt your wallet and is unique.
Although these two types of Pocky are must-buy snacks in Bangkok, some people think that the taste is too chemical and too sweet, so it depends on personal acceptance. If you are curious, you can still buy a box to try it. After all, you can't buy it in Taiwan.
PRETZ Cookies
If you think the two Pockys above are too sweet, or if you want to buy some as souvenirs for your elders, then I recommend the saltier PRETZ. They also have Thai Tom Yum Goong and Ta Pao Pork flavors, which are quite authentic. It is quite high, and the price is a little bit more expensive, about 20-25 baht.
Little Boss Seaweed/Raccoon Seaweed Sheets
Nori is not just the patent of Japan and South Korea. Thai nori is also very famous, especially the small boss nori. Xiao Lao Ban seaweed has been developed from the original flavor (green packaging) and spicy flavor (red packaging) to barbecue flavor, Tom Yum Goong flavor, tomato flavor, etc., with various flavors such as rolls and sheets. , it tastes very delicious.
In addition to the boss, I also like the raccoon seaweed sheets. Although they are relatively large sheets of seaweed, the roasted seaweed with a slightly caramelized taste is really hard to resist and I can’t help but want to eat one piece after another!
In addition to being available in supermarkets such as Big C, there is also a store in the basement of Terminal 21 that specializes in selling Little Boss Nori. The variety of products is very rich, so if you go to Terminal 21, you must put it on your shopping list!
Bento Squid Fillet
The most common squid slices in Thailand are the Bento brand, which has increased from the classic three flavors to six, namely blue (garlic), red (spicy), orange (spicy), yellow (sour and spicy) and yellow (hot and sour). ), green (spicy and sour seafood) and purple (spicy and grilled seafood). In fact, it is already quite spicy from the blue level, so be careful if you are afraid of spicy food.
Big Brother Peanuts
Big Brother Peanuts are one of the must-buy snacks in Bangkok and can be found in convenience stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and night markets. This kind of peanuts is quite special. They are coated with a layer of flour and then fried, so you will eat the shell on the outside first, and then the peanuts inside. At present, Big Brother Peanuts has launched many flavors. The editor personally likes the mustard flavor the most. If you like to eat peanuts and love to try new things, you may want to give it a try.
Royal Milk Slices
There is a meaningful story behind Royal Milk Slices. In the past, Thai people were relatively poor and many people could not supplement calcium. Therefore, King Rama IX of Thailand ordered to help these poor people supplement calcium by using excess milk as a supplement. The milk content of the whole milk tablets is as high as 70%. In addition to the original flavor, there is also chocolate flavor, but I still prefer the original flavor.
In fact, this milk slice only costs 10 baht at the beginning, and it can be bought at 7-11. But it later became so popular that the price has risen to 20 baht and it is also very difficult to buy. If you see it, you must buy it up!
Hand-labeled tea series
Hand-labeled tea not only offers hand-shaken drinks, but also brewing jars for sale, with a wide variety of flavors. The reason why the hand-labeled tea series has become a must-buy in Bangkok is that they are made from real tea leaves and are all sugar-free and milk-free. You can adjust them according to your personal preferences.
Thai cooking pack
Do you like Thai food? If you are attracted by Thai cuisine during your few days in Bangkok and are worried that you will never be able to eat it again when you return home, you can go to Big C to buy seasoning packs, including the common Tom Yum Goong, green curry, coconut milk chicken, etc. Almost everything is available here, and the price is very cheap, about 10-20 baht for a seasoning packet. If you want to eat some more famous high-end food, you can also consider the cooking packs launched by Blue Elephant Restaurant, but the unit price is much more expensive than ordinary seasoning packs, ranging from 65-125 baht.
Dried mango/dried durian
Southeast Asia is rich in mangoes, durians and coconuts, so there are many related products. Products such as dried mangoes and dried durians have become one of the must-buy local products in Thailand.
Mom's Noodles
Mama noodles are affordable Thai instant noodles that come in many flavors. Most importantly, they are very cheap, only around 10 baht per pack. This instant noodle is also very easy to buy and can be found in almost all convenience stores, supermarkets, department stores, night markets, etc.
Must-buys in Bangkok: cosmetics/skin care products/medicines
Bangkok's cosmetics, skin care products and medicines are also very famous and incredibly cheap. Even so, the quality is not bad and you can safely apply them on your body or face.
Mistine cosmetics
Mistine series cosmetics are very popular and must-buy items in Bangkok. Many people recommend their eyeliners and eyebrow pencils, mainly because the pen tips are smooth, easy to apply and waterproof. The most important thing is that the price of one is only around 200 baht, which is a very high CP value.
ele night mask
If you are used to applying a facial mask before going to bed, but always fall asleep accidentally and forget to take it off; or if the mask makes your pillow and quilt sticky after applying it, then you must try the ele Goodnight Mask , which is also a hot-selling product in Thailand.
Royal Foot Patches
Royal Foot Patch is also a product made by the royal family. It is said to be one of the ways Thai people maintain their bodies. It can absorb moisture from the body and can be used 2-3 times a week. If you want to choose some healthy souvenirs that can be given to elders, I believe it must be the first choice.
Tiger Balm
I believe many people are familiar with Tiger Balm because it can be bought in Taiwan, but it is cheaper in Thailand. Because it can relieve various discomforts caused by headaches, insect bites, and body aches, it is called "panacea" (wrong), and it is indeed quite versatile.
Thai green ointment
If you travel in Thailand, you must have seen this green ointment. It is said that the ingredients are very natural, made of eucalyptus essential oil, camphor, resin, etc. The specific usage is not clear, but the editor uses it to apply mosquito bites, Allergies, etc., the effect is quite good.
Counterpain Pain Ointment
I still remember that Counterpain pain relief ointment was my grandmother’s favorite. When I was a child, I would buy several packs of it when I went abroad with my parents and brought them back as a gift for my grandmother. In fact, it is also one of the best-selling must-buy cosmetics in Thailand. It comes in a variety of colors. The blue one feels cooler when applied, while the red one has a hot and spicy feeling. It is indeed very effective in treating aches and pains.
Double-ended mint nasal inhaler
If you need to wake up after a long drive, or need to refresh yourself after drowsiness while studying or working, you must know this double-ended mint nasal aspirator. One side is for nasal aspiration, and the other side is liquid, which is convenient for rubbing on the head or neck. . When buying souvenirs in Thailand, people usually buy one at a time. On average, one costs about 20 Thai baht, which is quite cheap.
Must-buys in Bangkok: daily necessities
In addition to snacks and cosmetics, Bangkok also has some good and practical daily necessities. Just looking at the prices, you can't help but want to buy a lot and take them home.
Snake brand talcum powder
Snake brand talcum powder is the best cooling product for those who are afraid of heat in summer. The editor has two friends who are afraid of heat. After applying Snake brand talcum powder, they both said that it was very comfortable and they felt refreshed even without turning on the air conditioner. The point is, it’s super cheap, a small can costs about 35 baht, and there are a variety of flavors for you to choose from. People who are afraid of heat must buy it!
Madame Heng Xing Taipo Soap
Mrs. Xing's soap is also a classic must-buy item in Bangkok. It is said to be made from natural herbs. After taking a bath with it, your whole body will feel cool and refreshed. This soap can be found at Big C, and one piece costs about 30 baht. Every time my friend goes to Bangkok, he or she must buy a dozen pieces to stock up.
Various shape soaps
In addition to Grandma's soap, these fruit and vegetable-shaped soaps can be found everywhere in Bangkok, and the scent depends on the shape. I've smelled mangosteen before and thought it tasted pretty good. The mango is also very realistic, but I don't know if it will be moved away by ants at night after taking a shower.
Soffell Mosquito Repellent
In countries like Taiwan or Thailand where the temperature exceeds 30 degrees in summer, mosquito repellent is a necessity. Soffell is the number one brand of mosquito repellent in Thailand. It comes in citrus and rose flavors, and in large and small cans. The editor has tested it and it is quite effective. Even when I spray it before going to bed in Taiwan, I won’t be bitten by mosquitoes at night.
Must-buys in Bangkok: bags and clothing
The part about bags and clothing may be more subjective, because everyone may like different styles. But generally speaking, the must-buy special bags or clothes in Bangkok are as follows:
NaRaYa Bags
I believe everyone is familiar with this brand. Even if you have never been to Thailand, you must know that there is such a brand in Thailand. In fact, NaRaYa not only makes bags of various styles, but also offers coin purses, handkerchief bags, tissue paper cases, bed sheets, etc., and there are so many styles that it is easy to suffer from choice disorder when you walk into the store.
BKK Bag
The BKK bag is a simple bag, originally just a handbag and a chain. It is very cheap, about 150-200 baht, and has a wide variety of styles. In addition to BKK Original, the most famous brand, the later popular CC bag (Chang Chang) is also very popular among female friends. If you also like this simple outing bag, buy one and carry it with you, and you won’t have to worry about having to carry the same bag as others!
Batik pants
In major shopping malls or famous tourist attractions in Thailand, you will definitely see various types of batik pants. They are very popular among tourists because, in addition to being loose and breathable, they are only 100 baht a pair. Once you buy one, you will instantly be transformed into a Thai style!
Muay Thai Pants
If you want to give a gift to a male friend, you can consider Muay Thai pants. After all, Muay Thai is also one of the most famous sports in Thailand. Even if you don't wear it, it will look impressive when hung on the wall, just like boys like to hang an NBA jersey in their room. They will definitely like such a souvenir!
FAQs on Must-Buy Shopping in Bangkok
Q1. What are the opening hours of shopping centers and malls in Bangkok?
The business hours of most shopping malls or shopping centers in Bangkok are between 10 am and 10 pm. A few, such as night markets or 24-hour convenience stores, are open until midnight.
Q2. Common payment methods for shopping in Bangkok
Basically the same as in Taiwan, cash, credit cards, mobile payments, etc. are all accepted. It should be noted that there will be a handling fee of about 2%-5% when swiping a credit card abroad. However, if the credit card has overseas consumption rewards, it can be deducted. If not, this should be included in the cost.
Q3. Can I get a tax refund for shopping in Thailand?
If you hold a Thai tourist visa or a visa on arrival, you can get a tax refund in major shopping malls or duty-free shops, but the refund is conditional:
[*]Goods for which tax refund is requested must be taken out of Thailand within 60 days from the date of purchase.
[*]The total amount of goods for which tax refund is applied cannot be less than 5,000 baht (including tax refund and cannot be less than 5,000 baht)
[*]The single transaction amount cannot be less than 2,000 baht
As long as you meet the above conditions, you can apply for a tax refund with your invoice, tax refund form and passport. Please note that when you go to the airport to return home, the documents will be declared again. If the customs has any doubts, they can ask you to show all the documents and purchased goods, so you must not throw away the relevant items after the tax refund!
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