Where to buy souvenirs in Phuket
Where to buy souvenirs in Phuket
Want to leave in your memory a wonderful vacation in Phuket for a long time? 100% understanding. To make memories warm your soul as long as possible, you can bring something with you. What to bring from Thailand we have already written, but where exactly can you buy souvenirs in Phuket? We tell you about the most popular places.
Night markets
You can find unusual souvenirs at almost every night market in Phuket:
- Thai silk: elegant scarves, clothes and pillows.
- Handicrafts: painted masks, figurines, utensils and other things made of wood.
- Jewelry: silver and gold ornaments, Thai gemstones.
- Local products: spices, aromatic oils, cosmetics based on natural ingredients.
Chillva Market, Phuket Indy Night Market и Lard Yai Sunday Night Market are especially full of souvenirs. For a full list, see the Night Markets selection.
Specialized souvenir stores
Here you can find a really good range of souvenirs, and prices will be more affordable than in touristy places. Often they will also be able to help you with your choices. For example at Bina souvenir & spa shop in Patong, Gift Shop Porntip in Kathu or MEMAMAE in Karon. For a full list of souvenir stores in Phuket, see here.
UNG Pearl Farm
The UNG Pearl Farm is located on Ao Yan Beach. Here you can also buy an exclusive souvenir and see for yourself how pearls are grown in the sea waters, learn about the stages of the process – from planting mollusks to harvesting pearls. Master-classes are often held here and they explain how to distinguish quality pearls from less valuable ones and how to determine their authenticity.
Shopping malls
Those who want to have a global shopping spree can buy souvenirs in shopping centers. For example, in Jungceylon or Central Phuket. And in general, you can find souvenirs in almost every mall, see the full list here. You can also buy small souvenirs (magnets, figurines, postcards) in supermarkets (even in small ones like 7/11) – pay attention to the counters, especially near the cash registers.
Tips for buying souvenirs
- Bargain! Bargaining is common in Thailand, especially in the markets. You can often reduce the price by 20-30%.
- Check the quality: Make sure that the goods, especially jewelry and clothing, are of good quality. Some items may look beautiful but quickly lose their marketability.
- Buy only certified items: for example, when buying gemstones and other jewelry, ask for certificates of authenticity.
- Plan your shopping in advance: if you want to bring a lot of souvenirs, it is better to start shopping a few days before departure to avoid rushing.
Wondering where do Thai people themselves buy gifts? First and foremost, at OTOP (One Tambon One Product) markets and fairs – these are projects that support local producers. They sell unique items here: textiles, ceramics, jewelry, spices, cosmetics. Thais often choose such products for corporate and personal gifts.
On the island, there are several locations, but the most famous ones are in Phuket Town: Central OTOP Market and OTOP Old Town.
What souvenirs are commonly given?
- Food and drinks: Thai tea, coffee, spices, honey, sweets. Local delicacies from specific regions are especially valued.
- Traditional crafts: silk and batik, ceramics, tinware – a symbol of respect for craftsmanship.
- Decorative and cultural items: small Buddha statues, elephant figurines, amulets, charms. Such souvenirs are given both to friends and business partners.
Important things to remember
- Packaging matters: a beautifully wrapped gift is perceived much better.
- Avoid sharp objects: knives, scissors, sharp figurines – these are considered bad form.
- Never give gifts in sets of 4: the number 4 is considered unlucky because it sounds similar to the word “death.”
- Elephant symbolism: small figurines or jewelry with elephants symbolize respect, good luck, and prosperity.
And don’t forget that you can get a tax refund on some purchases. Read more about it in our article How to get a tax-free refund in Phuket. And if you’d like to bring back not only souvenirs but also stories about Thai history and culture, check out our piece Legends of Phuket, as well as the Excursions and Attractions on the island.
