Each country, each city has its own special flavor, which is made up of lifestyle, climate, natural infrastructure, centuries-old traditions, and the main occupations of the population. This color is reflected in the objects of applied art, folk crafts, the works of which are usually called souvenirs. Thailand, which is distinguished by its unusual exoticism, the painstaking zeal of the population, who knows how to literally make some intricate thing out of everything, offers a huge number of all kinds of souvenirs.
Decorations
Jewelry โ another type of traditional Thai souvenirs โ are made from materials of natural origin: wood, stones, shells, bones, coconut, pearls, leather, fruit stones and grains. From the motley kaleidoscope of exotic jewelry, eyes run wide.
All of them are divided into groups: classic jewelry, with an ethnic accent and religious meaning.
Natural stone jewelry
Jewelry made of natural stone, made in different versions, is extraordinarily beautiful, they can satisfy the most demanding taste and are inexpensive. Beads made of agate, carnelian, โcat's eyeโ, moonstone, turquoise. Here you can choose a stone, according to the sign of the Zodiac, corresponding to the type of character and even the date of birth. Sellers will show a kind of astrological instruction, to whom which stone suits; which of them are healing, have magical powers.
Ethnic and religious jewelry
Ethnic jewelry includes bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces, charms and amulets made of wood, coconut, bone, metal, shells. An example of such jewelry is a necklace made of cobra vertebrae, which, according to the Thais, has a powerful protective force that positively affects the state of health and protects from evil forces.
A beautiful pendant made of Turitella shells and the โeye of Shivaโ, which serves as a talisman against the effects of evil influence, damage, is highly valued. The shell symbolizes the Third Eye โ a sign of wisdom, knowledge and is a protective amulet for the Thais.
The same amulet is considered a necklace with a shark tooth pendant, which gives its owner courage, strength, dexterity and subtle flair. There is a huge selection of various items made of shells and pearls: beads, necklaces, hand and foot bracelets of outlandish types and colors.
Spices
Thai spices and seasonings can also be classified as souvenirs, as they are distinguished by their specific composition and uniqueness, which gives dishes a unique taste and aroma. The most popular seasoning for many dishes are yellow and white turmeric. Yellow gives a pleasant, exquisitely bitter taste, a beautiful golden color.
White turmeric resembles the taste of ginger; it is added fresh to salads and sauces. Turmeric is considered a reliable tool for the prevention of cancer, it is included in the composition of the curry spice, which is widely used in oriental cuisine. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to purchase natural Thai turmeric in the form of powder or dried rhizomes.
Teas
Thai teas are sold in a large assortment, despite the fact that Thais have only recently become involved in tea culture. Black, green, aromatic, herbal teas are grown here in the highlands. Thais' favorite drink is oolong tea, which is made from the leaves and flower petals of camellia sinensis.
The quality of oolong depends on the place of growth and cultivation technology, but in general, it is very useful, has a number of advantages: it reduces weight, cholesterol levels, has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, heart, and strengthens bones. Serves as a cancer prevention due to the high content of antioxidants in it. Such tea will be a good gift for yourself, family and friends.
Hammock
Lovers of comfortable outdoor recreation, it is very useful. Lie down in the shade on a hot sultry day in a quality Thai hammock โ what could be better? Its cost is about 100 baht.
wooden souvenir
Products can be bought literally on every corner. It all depends on how much you plan to spend. You can buy an inexpensive souvenir in the form of a wooden elephant. If the budget allows, then you can take a chair made of natural handmade wood. Only such a gift will take up a lot of space. It is inconvenient for transportation. This must be taken into account.
Ceramic souvenirs
Buying a ceramic teapot in Thailand is not difficult. Drinking tea from such a teapot is a real pleasure. The products are very beautiful. The color of the teapot depends on which part of the country it was made in. In Northern Thailand they produce turquoise, in the Northeast โ red, rather even brick, in Chiang Mai โ emerald. Teapots made of white ceramic with a blue pattern can be bought anywhere in the country.
Lacquer box
These boxes look a little old-fashioned, but they are quite functional. You can store jewelry, buttons, threads in the box. They will not get lost in a huge closet among other things.
masks
In Thailand, they can often be found on the shelves. However, masks must be chosen carefully. It is better to buy with the image of a kind grimace. There is an opinion that masks are able to carry a certain energy. So that there are no quarrels, strife and negative emotions in the house, one should not give preference to masks depicting an evil face.
Thai candy
They are not like the ones everyone is used to. Candies made in Thailand can be spicy, sour, and salty in taste. It may not be to everyone's taste, but it's worth a try.
Alcoholic drinks
A bottle of Thai rum or fruit wine will not take up much space and will be inexpensive. But at home it will be possible to uncork it in the evening for dinner and remember beautiful Thailand.
Fruit
Thailand has a huge variety of exotic fruits, the names of which are not even familiar to many. To surprise friends and relatives, you can take with you, for example, lychee, guava and rambutan.
Planning a trip to Thailand on your own? Our article will help you understand the intricacies.