35 Cheap things to buy in Bangkok (2025)

These cheap things to buy in Bangkok cover the best local items, souvenirs and deals, so you can enjoy shopping in Bangkok with ease.

Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise where your money stretches further than you’d ever imagine. From bustling Bangkok street markets to air-conditioned Bangkok malls, the city overflows with vibrant souvenirs, handmade crafts, and delicious local goodies that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re after unique gifts for friends, authentic Thai treats, or just a few keepsakes to remember your trip, Bangkok offers endless bargains waiting to be discovered.

In this guide, we share 35 of the best cheap things to buy in Bangkok — from silk scarves and herbal balms to local snacks and quirky souvenirs — so you can shop smart, pack light, and make the most of every baht.

Cheap things to buy in Bangkok

Thai silk scarves and fabric — Lightweight, colorful Thai silk (and silk-blend scarves) make brilliant inexpensive gifts: small, packable, and instantly “Thai.” At markets like Chatuchak and stalls in MBK you’ll find short lengths and finished scarves for bargain prices if you’re willing to shop around and haggle a little. They’re perfect as a neck scarf, table runner, or gift wrap. Standout tip: small, off-cut pieces are the cheapest and still gorgeous.

Sarongs and wraps — A classic inexpensive purchase in Bangkok, sarongs (multipurpose wraps) come in endless patterns — floral, batik, elephant prints, and more. They’re cheap, light, and versatile: wear as a skirt, beach cover-up, picnic blanket, or scarf. Buy them from night markets or the lower floors of MBK and Pratunam for the best prices and bulk discounts.

Thai silk or cotton cushion covers — If you want something that’s more decorative than a scarf, look for cushion covers made from silk blends or hand-dyed cotton. They’re inexpensive at markets and give your home a quick, inexpensive Thai twist without the weight of large textiles. Chatuchak has tons of stalls selling mixed-fabric homeware at very low prices.

Handmade soaps and spa products — Thailand’s spa culture exports lovely, cheap aromatherapy goods — handmade soaps, scented candles, salt scrubs, and essential oil blends. These are everywhere in small jars and decorative packages that make excellent gifts. Look for local brands made with lemongrass, kaffir lime, coconut or tamarind for authentic Thai scents. Perfume shopping is also a popular choice for many in Bangkok too.

Herbal balms and oils (small jars) — Tiny jars of herbal muscle balm and inhalers are super cheap and easy to carry. They’re a practical souvenir — great for headaches, mosquito bites, and tired travelers — and most shops sell travel-size jars for a tiny price. Buy from local pharmacies, market stalls or MBK’s souvenir zone for these cute cheap things to buy in Bangkok.

Thai tea and instant coffee mixes — Packets of Thai iced tea mix and local instant coffees make excellent edible gifts that travel well. They’re ridiculously cheap in supermarkets and markets; bring a few tins home to recreate Bangkok café flavors. Look for condensed milk/mix combos and nicely packed blends for gifts.

Dried fruit and snack packs — Thailand produces delicious dried mango, banana chips, and specialty snacks (e.g., tamarind candy) that are cheap at street markets and small grocery stalls. Small resealable packs travel well and are great to hand out as “taste of Thailand” presents. Sampeng Market and Chinatown have wholesale-style pricing if you want several packs.

Thai spices and curry pastes — Our next cheap things to buy in Bangkok is something you can enjoy even after your trip. Small jars or vacuum-sealed pouches of curry paste, dried galangal, lemongrass powder, and spice blends are cheap, compact, and highly useful souvenirs for home cooks. Supermarkets and specialty spice stalls around markets sell single-serve packets that are easy to pack in checked luggage.

Local sauces and condiments (small bottles) — Mini bottles of fish sauce, sweet chili, or homemade dipping sauces (well-packaged ones) are inexpensive and bring authentic Thai flavor home. Choose sealed bottles from reputable stalls or supermarkets to avoid leaks; they make nice gifts for foodie friends.

Elephant-themed trinkets — Small elephant statues, keyrings, magnets, and printed goods are everywhere and fabulously cheap. You can pick up painted driftwood elephants, carved soapstone versions, or little fabric elephants from souvenir stalls. They’re touristy but charming and budget-friendly.

Thai-style jewelry (costume silver and semi-precious) — Bangkok markets have huge selections of affordable jewelry: silver-plated necklaces, cute bead bracelets, and semi-precious stone pieces. They look more expensive than they are and make lovely impulse buys. For better quality without a big price tag hunt in Sampeng and the jewelry rows of Chatuchak.

Beaded bracelets and friendship bracelets — Cute, colorful bracelet stalls sell handmade bead and cord bracelets for next to nothing for our next cheap things to buy in Bangkok. They’re great as small gifts or to buy in sets (usually cheaper in bulk) and are common at night markets and stalls near tourist areas.

Handmade baskets and woven goods — Lightweight woven baskets, placemats, and small rattan accessories are inexpensive and great for home décor. You’ll find a good variety in weekend markets and stalls that specialise in homewares. They’re cheap and pack flat or nest to save space.

Ceramic mugs and small pottery — Pottery and small ceramic bowls or mugs with Thai motifs are affordable, especially at Chatuchak or small craft markets. If you want something with a slightly artisanal feel but not a hefty price tag, seek out stalls that sell mismatched or factory seconds — still charming, much cheaper.

Hand-painted postcards, prints, and posters — Lightweight paper souvenirs like illustrated postcards, small art prints, and vintage-style posters are nearly free and easy to post home. Look for local artists selling prints at JJ Mall or indie stalls; they’re inexpensive, unique, and pack flat.

Fridge magnets and stickers — The cheap things to buy in Bangkok is the ultimate cheap souvenir, magnets and sticker packs are everywhere and cost pennies. They’re perfect for kids and great impulse buys at tourist traps as well as authentic markets — pick up several different designs really cheaply.

T-shirts and graphic tees — Bangkok churns out tons of inexpensive tees — tourist prints, Thai brand shirts, and quirky designs. Pratunam and MBK have vast stalls selling plain tees and novelty designs for rock-bottom prices, especially if you buy several or bargain.

Thai-style hats and sun visors — Cheap fabric hats, straw-style visors and caps can be had for very little in markets, making for a great cheap things to buy in Bangkok. They’re practical while you’re in Thailand and cheap enough to buy as gifts or extras to leave behind.

Sunglasses and inexpensive eyewear — Sunglasses stalls sell trendy but very cheap eyewear. They’re not prescription-grade, of course, but perfect as a fashion add-on. MBK and Pratunam have entire sections for accessories where you can score multipacks at low cost.

Phone cases and small electronics accessories — Bangkok’s malls (MBK especially) and market stalls are full of cheap phone cases, screen protectors, chargers, and novelty tech accessories. They’re a great way to replace a worn case or buy inexpensive gifts for friends with popular phone models.

Power banks and travel chargers (budget) — Low-cost, compact power banks and multi-plug travel chargers are sold in electronics corners of MBK and smaller stalls. Choose well-known stalls with return policies if possible, but for basic emergency charging these bargain options work fine — just test before leaving the shop.

Scented candles and incense — This is one of my favorite cheap things to buy in Bangkok. Local aromatic candles and incense sets (lemongrass, jasmine, sandalwood) make lovely, cheap presents. Packaged sets are available in tourist markets and in boutique soap/spa shops; they’re cheap to buy and easy to wrap into a small gift.

Handmade notebooks and stationery — Bangkok has cute paper goods — handbound notebooks, illustrated notecards, and stationery sets — sold at independent stalls and creative markets. Look in JJ Green-type markets or artisan corners for especially charming, inexpensive pieces.

Thai handicrafts (small wood carvings, lacquerware) — Small wood carvings or lacquered trinket boxes are affordable if you choose smaller pieces. Artisans sell inexpensive items for tourists in certain stalls and night markets; pick the tiny pieces if you want to keep costs down.

Traditional Thai clothing for kids (and baby items) — Tiny traditional-style outfits for babies and toddlers are adorably cheap and make popular gifts. Markets like Chatuchak and Pratunam carry these items and you can find bright, inexpensive garments that travel easily.

Cheap flip-flops and sandals — Practical, inexpensive rubber flip-flops and market sandals are commonly sold in Bangkok for pocket change. They’re handy to replace worn footwear during your trip and are so cheap you can buy multiple pairs to leave behind.

Nail art decals and beauty tools — If you like beauty bargains, look for nail decals, small makeup brushes, and inexpensive beauty gadgets in MBK and Pratunam. These items are often sold in multi-packs that make them especially cheap per piece.

Local fashion accessories (scarves, belts, hair clips) — Cheap accessories like woven belts, hair clips, and scarves are everywhere — ideal for sprucing up a plain outfit without spending much. Look for bulk deals if you want to stock up and split purchases as gifts.

Novelty kitchen gadgets and utensils — Quirky, inexpensive kitchenware — Thai-shaped cookie cutters, small spoons and quirky gadgets — are sold at markets and discount stalls. They’re cheap, fun, and useful as small presents for home cooks.

Vintage-style posters and retro souvenirs — Reproductions of vintage Thai posters or retro advertising prints are sold at market stalls and independent shops. They’re cheap if you buy smaller sizes and look great framed when you get home.

Local stationery brand makeup and face masks — Affordable Korean-style sheet masks and local beauty-brand sachets are very popular and cheap. Pharmacies, markets, and MBK sell multi-packs that are great value and make irresistible little treat-yourself presents.

Handmade jewelry boxes and small keepsake boxes — Small, hand-painted wooden boxes for jewelry and keepsakes are inexpensive and widely available. They’re charming gift boxes for small items and don’t take up much suitcase space.

Thai-style kitchen linens (tea towels, aprons) — Tea towels, aprons and small kitchen linens with Thai prints are cheap, practical, and easy to roll up in luggage. Markets focused on homewares and Chatuchak are the best places to find a wide selection.

Local candies and chocolate bars with Thai flavors — Small packs of chocolate bars infused with local flavors (coconut, mango, chili chocolate) are inexpensive and make fun edible gifts. You’ll find them in boutique stores, supermarkets, and market stalls in attractive, small sizes.

Small souvenirs packaged for gifting (boxed sets) — Finally, many stall owners sell pre-packaged small gift sets (a soap, balm, postcard combo; or a spice and tea duo) at very budget-friendly prices. These ready-made sets are great if you want a present-ready option that still screams “Bangkok” without the effort of assembling a pack yourself.

Bargaining in Thailand

In markets, expect to haggle. Start lower than the first price and be friendly. Buy multiples for bulk discounts, check small electronics in-store before paying, and put fragile pottery or glass in soft clothing inside your suitcase to protect it. For food and liquids, choose sealed, well-wrapped items or buy them at supermarkets to reduce the chance of leaks. If you plan to shop a lot, bring a lightweight foldable tote — it saves on plastic bag costs and doubles as a carry-all for flights.

Things to Know Before you go to Bangkok

Cheap things to buy in Bangkok FAQ

• What are the best cheap things to do in Bangkok?
  You can explore Bangkok’s floating markets, visit stunning temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho, take a stroll around Chatuchak Weekend Market, enjoy street food at Yaowarat (Chinatown), and relax at Lumpini Park — all for just a few baht or even free.
• Are Bangkok’s temples free to visit?
  Some temples, such as Wat Saket (Golden Mount), charge a small entrance fee (usually under 100 THB), while others like Wat Ratchanatdaram and Wat Prayoon are completely free to visit.
• Where can I enjoy free or cheap views of the Bangkok skyline?
  Head to rooftop bars during happy hour for discounted drinks, climb the Golden Mount for a cheap panoramic view, or visit IconSiam’s riverside terrace for free skyline views along the Chao Phraya River.
• What’s the cheapest way to get around Bangkok?
  The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are affordable and efficient. Tuk-tuks are fun but can be pricier — always agree on a fare first. For short distances, Grab or local buses are also cheap options.
• Is street food really safe and cheap in Bangkok?
  Yes, Bangkok’s street food is both safe and budget-friendly when bought from busy stalls with a high turnover of customers. Popular dishes like pad thai, mango sticky rice, and grilled satay often cost under 50 THB per plate.
• Can I enjoy a river cruise on a budget?
  Absolutely! Instead of expensive tourist cruises, take the Chao Phraya Express Boat — it’s used by locals and costs as little as 15–30 THB per ride, offering the same scenic views for a fraction of the price.
• What are some cheap or free cultural experiences in Bangkok?
  Visit local temples, wander through Chinatown, explore the flower market at Pak Khlong Talad, or watch free traditional dance shows at malls like Terminal 21 or IconSiam.
• Are museums in Bangkok expensive?
  Many museums are free or very cheap. The Bangkokian Museum and the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall charge minimal fees, while small community museums are often free.
• Where can I shop cheaply in Bangkok?
  Head to Chatuchak Weekend Market, Pratunam Market, MBK Center, and Sampeng Lane Market in Chinatown for affordable fashion, souvenirs, and local goods.
• Is it worth visiting floating markets on a budget?
  Yes! Markets like Taling Chan or Khlong Lat Mayom are close to the city and inexpensive to visit. You can sample cheap food, take short boat rides, and enjoy a genuine local atmosphere.
• Can I see Thai dancing or Muay Thai for free or cheap?
  You can catch free Thai cultural shows at malls or temples during festivals. For Muay Thai, the Channel 7 Stadium offers free entry for locals and tourists during match days (arrive early to get a seat).
• What’s a cheap area to stay in Bangkok for budget travelers?
  Khao San Road, Sukhumvit Soi 11, and Ari have lots of affordable hostels and guesthouses. You can find private rooms for under 600 THB ($15–20 USD) per night.
• Are massages in Bangkok affordable?
  Yes — traditional Thai massages at local parlors start at around 200–300 THB per hour, making them a relaxing and budget-friendly treat.
• Can I explore Bangkok’s markets at night for free?
  Definitely! Asiatique, Talad Neon, and JJ Green Night Market are free to enter — just pay for what you eat or buy. They’re great places to soak up the lively evening atmosphere.
• What’s the cheapest way to see the Grand Palace?
  The Grand Palace itself has a fixed ticket price (500 THB), but you can admire the beautiful exterior and surrounding temples for free if you’re short on budget.
• Are there free walking tours in Bangkok?
  Yes, some local groups and students offer free walking tours (with tips appreciated) around old Bangkok or Chinatown. You can also explore independently using free online maps and guides.
• Where can I enjoy cheap local nightlife?
  Visit backpacker bars along Khao San Road or local watering holes in Ari and Ekkamai for affordable drinks. Many rooftop bars offer happy-hour deals before sunset.
• What are some cheap day trips from Bangkok?
  Consider visiting Ayutthaya by train (only around 20–40 THB), the Maeklong Railway Market, or Amphawa Floating Market for low-cost, full-day adventures.
• How much should I budget for cheap travel days in Bangkok?
  Budget travelers can comfortably spend around 800–1,200 THB ($20–35 USD) per day, including food, attractions, local transport, and accommodation.
• When is the best time to find budget deals in Bangkok?
  Visit during the shoulder seasons — May to October — when hotels and tours offer discounts. Markets are also less crowded, and prices are easier to negotiate.