From the casuarina-fringed beaches and neon-lit night bars to quaint old towns and wildlife sanctuaries, Phuket has a lot to offer to visitors. This pearl of Andaman is a famous tourist destination as it has something in store for everyone, and there is so much you can do in Phuket.
While you enjoy island hopping, wildlife spotting, scuba diving, and sightseeing, you may want to pick up a souvenir from Phuket. These special gifts will remind you of a vacation well spent and act as conversation-starter as you enjoy telling stories about your adventures.
The 5 Most Popular Souvenir Items From Phuket
One of the great things about buying souvenirs from Phuket is the fact that you can get them in many places where tourists go shopping. There’s also a diverse range of products ranging from the whimsical to the practical. Just remember to bring home souvenirs that are culturally appropriate and made by local businesses to support the economy in a sustainable way.
1. Soap Flowers
Tropical flowers of different colors and shapes treat your senses wherever you go. The soap flowers are an amazing example of Thailand’s amazing craftsmanship and horticulture. These items are carefully carved out from a slab of fragrant soap and fascinatingly look real. They are available at a reasonable price, often at night markets and smaller shops, so that you can take a few souvenirs for family and friends.
2. Exquisite Thai Silk
Thailand is a famous exporter of silk worldwide, and Thai silk is visibly superior to other types. You can find beautiful silk items ranging from scarves and clothing to tablecloths and cushion covers. These items are not only exquisite to behold, but they are also often well-crafted by local artisans.
Apart from silk, Thai cotton is also rising in popularity, and you can find some beautiful batik items at the local stores. Some of these cotton items reflect the Peranakan heritage of Phuket, which is often featured prominently in Phuket Old Town and shared with similar communities in Malaysia and Singapore.
Related article: Thailand’s Treasures of Intangible Cultural Heritage
3. Soul-Pampering Spa Products
If you ask anyone about their dearest memories of Phuket, a Thai massage will probably be one of them. Performed by well-trained masseurs in a traditional setting, Thai massage and spa treatments are one of the most relaxing activities tourists love to enjoy during their trip.
Pick up some of the finest spa products that include massage oils, creams, and bath foam. Take them as souvenirs to relive that relaxing sensation. While some spas produce their products in-house, similar but less expensive products can also be found in the popular walking street markets.
4. Artisan-Crafted Elephants
5. Thai Cuisine Cookbooks
If you’re curious about authentic Thai cuisine and would like to learn more, pick up a few Thai cookbooks from the local bookstores. You can attend the cooking classes offered in Phuket and ask for recommendations for a good cookbook in the language of your choice. These make wonderful gifts for those who love Thai food.
Related article: Soothing and Flavorful: The Best of Thai Comfort Food
Take A Piece of Phuket With You
A holiday in Phuket engulfed by breathtaking landscapes, amazing experiences, and the warmth of local people will stay etched in your heart forever. Souvenirs can make those memories come alive and remind you of the thrills or the sense of calmness. Each souvenir reflects the beautiful culture of the country and the amazing things that you get to see only in this part of the world. By buying a souvenir from Phuket, you not only preserve your memories but also promote Thai culture and traditions.
For the best shopping experiences, consult with your Guest Experience Services staff to ask for recommendations on where to buy these beautiful souvenirs. They can also help arrange transport to and from markets and shopping centers, and you can come back to your beautiful private villa in Phuket with an armful of conversation-starting souvenirs for your loved ones.
Looking to cross a few items from your Thailand bucket list? Start with suggestions from our Phuket Travel Guide.
The Luxury Signature represents and manages reservations of the finest villa rentals in Southeast Asia, specializing in some of the most stunning destinations including the islands of Phuket and Samui in Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia.
