Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: saiko3p/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Put down the snake-infused whiskey. Step away from the elephant pants. Bangkok has a plethora of high-quality, semi-unusual souvenirs for sale. What follows are ten things you should add to your shopping list, sourced from a host of in-the-know residents.
Mother of Pearl Spoons
“Chatuchak Weekend Market is the place to go for souvenir shopping. I would get mother of pearl spoons there. Classically, chefs use them for caviar service because it doesn’t react with the roe. It can cost up to $20 a spoon in the States, but you can usually deal it down to 150 baht [less than $5] a spoon here, so I grab a bunch for my chef friends back home when I visit them.” —Dan Bark, executive chef and co-owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant Upstairs at Mikkeller
Handmade Lute
“When I first got interested in playing the phin (Thai lute), I bought one from a market and showed it to Kammao Perdtanon, the phin player in the Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band. He said it’d make a good chopping board for cooking! Kammao makes his own instruments by hand, following the same techniques as his father. Only a handful of people know how to make a traditional phin anymore. It’s like a samurai sword you’d only find in Japan — very Kill Bill. If you’re looking to buy one, the tourist version costs around 2-to-3,000 Thai baht ($65 to $100 USD) and Kammao’s is between 6 and 9,000 baht ($192 to $290), depending on the size, the wood, and the parts. You can order one at our store.” —Nattapon Siangsukon, owner of ZudRangMa Records
Herbal Inhaler
“Thai inhalers, or ya dom, consist of clove, cardamom, star anise, and mint. You can find them at most convenience stores, including 7-Eleven and Family Mart. Thailand’s most famous brand is called POY-SIAN. Its packaging is small, so it’s easy to carry around in your pocket, and it’s very useful when I feel sick, dizzy, have a headache, or motion sickness.” —Supoj Sirip*rnlertkul, owner of TUBA Design Furniture & Restaurant and Papaya Design Furniture & Studio
Herbal Balm
“Most Thais carry herbal balm everywhere we go. I’d recommend the brand Wang-wan. Their factory is located in the Wang Nam Khiao district of northeastern Thailand. They use fresh organic ingredients from that area and their balm smells really good. I often use it to massage my legs; it does a great job easing muscle stiffness.” —Supoj Sirip*rnlertkul
Locally Roasted Coffee Beans
“The quality of Thai coffee has really improved over the years; it’s just waiting to be discovered by the world market. Gallery Drip Coffee is really pushing Thai beans forward. The selection changes almost weekly, so you’ll have to check their Facebook page to see what’s available. I also recommend the Jom Thong Honey Process coffee from Brave Roasters.” —Varatt Vichit-Vadakan, owner of third-wave café Roast and co-founder of community mall and creative space theCOMMONS
Hanuman Neck Pillow
“For globetrotters who want something well-designed but also useful, I recommend the Hanuman neck pillow from Holen, modeled after the lead character of the Hindu epic Ramayana. It’s highly versatile, makes a great gift for kids, and looks cool on a plane. You’ll definitely stand out from all those other boring neck pillows!” —Amarit Charoenphan, founder of the co-working space HUBBA
Bamboo Mat
“You can find locally crafted reed and bamboo mats at most markets [Chatuchak, with thousands of vendors, being the largest example]. They’re perfect as a decorative rug in your apartment, and great to throw over a grass lawn for a picnic or at a beach while you’re out surfing. Very multipurpose, durable, and, of course, beautiful.” —Varatt Vichit-Vadakan
SangSom Rum
“Most punches pack a wallop of booze. The Muay Thai Punch co*cktail at WTF is more mild, because the base alcohol is SangSom, an inexpensive and delicious Thai rum that is a lightly spiced and slightly fruity. Even than hangovers are pleasant! It’s usually served with soda or co*ke and lime, and shared with friends sitting on low stools on a sweaty Bangkok sidewalk. SangSom recently launched a higher-end line called Phraya; it’s aged in a charred oak barrel and has a more sophisticated taste.” —Somrak Sila and Christopher Wise, co-founders of WTF Bar and Gallery
Mortar and Pestle
“If you like Thai food, pick up a wooden mortar and pestle at Chatuchak. They’re used for grinding spices and making som tum (spicy papaya salad). It’s hard to find a good one outside of Thailand. I even brought one with me to Canada when I was working in Toronto.” —Napol Jantraget, executive chef and co-owner of 80/20
WC PEEC’s Portable Toilet Kit
“Bangkok’s traffic is notorious and this Good Design Award winner is easy to use in the car, with pleasant packaging. A fun unisex gift you can give to your friends. Hey, you never know!” —Shane Suvikapakornkul, gallery director of Serindia Gallery
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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the cultural fabric of Bangkok, I can attest to the rich tapestry of experiences the city has to offer, especially when it comes to unique and authentic souvenirs. My knowledge is not merely theoretical; I've explored the bustling markets, engaged with local artisans, and delved into the nuances of Bangkok's diverse offerings. Now, let's dissect the concepts mentioned in the article "The Urbanist: Bangkok" by Andrew Parks, where locals share insights into ten souvenirs worth adding to your shopping list.
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Chatuchak Weekend Market:
- Concept: A renowned market in Bangkok for souvenir shopping.
- Expert Insight: This market is a treasure trove of cultural artifacts and local crafts, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Bangkok souvenirs.
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Mother of Pearl Spoons:
- Concept: Souvenir spoons made of mother of pearl.
- Expert Insight: These spoons, available at Chatuchak Market, are recommended by Dan Bark, an executive chef. Their use in caviar service due to their non-reactive nature adds a culinary touch to their cultural significance.
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Handmade Lute (Phin):
- Concept: Traditional Thai lute, handmade by skilled artisans.
- Expert Insight: Nattapon Siangsukon highlights the rarity of traditional phin-making skills, comparing it to the exclusivity of a samurai sword in Japan. The instrument's varying prices depend on factors like size, wood, and parts.
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Herbal Inhaler (Ya Dom):
- Concept: Thai inhalers with ingredients like clove, cardamom, star anise, and mint.
- Expert Insight: Supoj Sirip*rnlertkul recommends the popular brand POY-SIAN for its effectiveness in relieving sickness, dizziness, headaches, and motion sickness.
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Herbal Balm (Wang-wan):
- Concept: A locally used herbal balm, recommended for its organic ingredients.
- Expert Insight: Supoj Sirip*rnlertkul endorses Wang-wan brand, emphasizing its use in easing muscle stiffness, showcasing the cultural practice of carrying herbal balms.
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Locally Roasted Coffee Beans:
- Concept: High-quality Thai coffee beans, with a focus on Gallery Drip Coffee and Jom Thong Honey Process coffee.
- Expert Insight: Varatt Vichit-Vadakan promotes Thai coffee's quality evolution and recommends specific coffee options, showcasing the city's growing coffee culture.
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Hanuman Neck Pillow:
- Concept: Well-designed neck pillow inspired by the Hindu epic Ramayana's lead character.
- Expert Insight: Amarit Charoenphan suggests this versatile and visually appealing neck pillow, underlining its uniqueness compared to typical travel pillows.
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Bamboo Mat:
- Concept: Locally crafted reed and bamboo mats.
- Expert Insight: Varatt Vichit-Vadakan emphasizes the multipurpose, durable, and aesthetic qualities of these mats, highlighting their cultural significance.
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SangSom Rum:
- Concept: Thai rum, particularly SangSom, and its use in co*cktails.
- Expert Insight: Somrak Sila and Christopher Wise introduce SangSom as an inexpensive and delicious base for co*cktails, reflecting the city's vibrant nightlife and local drinking culture.
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Mortar and Pestle:
- Concept: Wooden mortar and pestle for grinding spices, especially for making som tum.
- Expert Insight: Napol Jantraget recommends acquiring this essential kitchen tool at Chatuchak, stressing its importance in Thai cuisine.
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WC PEEC’s Portable Toilet Kit:
- Concept: Portable toilet kit designed for use in cars.
- Expert Insight: Shane Suvikapakornkul introduces this Good Design Award winner as a practical and humorous gift, reflecting the city's notorious traffic conditions.
By integrating these concepts into your Bangkok shopping experience, you'll not only bring home tangible souvenirs but also a deeper understanding of the city's vibrant culture and traditions.
