When traveling to Thailand, tourists are most likely not to miss shopping for souvenirs like Thai Tea, Thai snacks, or items adorned with the iconic Thai elephant motif. But have you ever thought about hunting for mystical amulets, numinous trinkets, or Buddhist charms as mementos?
Whether you’re invested in collecting superstitious items or just casually seeking for an outlandish shopping experience, Thailand Amulet Market has almost any kind of unique souvenir you can think of—or maybe never even think of before. Let’s delve deeper into what this unique market has in store.
Where can I find the Thailand Amulet Market?
According to Holidify and Hotels.com, The Thai Amulet Market can be found in two locations: Bangkok and Phuket. Here are more details about the two amulet markets you can visit:
1. Amulet Market Bangkok
Operational hours: 9.00 AM—5.00 PM
If you happen to stay in Bangkok, there is an amulet market located near the west part of Mahathat between Chao Phraya River and Maha Rat Road. As a large century-old market, the Amulet Market in Bangkok offers all sorts of superstitious stuff in different sizes and shapes, including talismans, traditional medicines, Buddha figures and of course—Kreaung Rang or amulets. These sacred objects are believed to grant protection, good fortune, health, prosperity, or other worldly things that its buyer desires.
Amulet Market in Bangkok is mainly popular for selling Phra Kreaung (an amulet with the face of a Buddha or Buddhist monk), Palad Khik (penis shaped amulet), Kuman Thong (statue of a boy traditional Thai costume) and Muntjac Antlers or animal parts. For a more extensive choice of vendors, it is best to visit on the weekends when all of the stalls are open.
2. Thai Amulets Market, Phuket Town
Operational hours: 8.00 AM—7.00 PM
The Thai Amulets Market in Phuket Town is located in a tiny alley off Rassada Road, adjacent to the Fountain Circle. Once you’ve reached the market, you’ll be greeted with a long row of stalls lining up, selling amulets here and there. Besides amulets, in this market you can also find stores that sell pictures of the Buddha and famous Thai monks.
Even though most vendors in the market keep their bargaining activity under the radar, its reputation precedes niche communities as well as local and overseas Buddhists. If you’re truly interested in getting an amulet as a souvenir, you might want to take your time to carefully choose an item that suits you best.
Amulets and their deep-rooted bond with Thailand’s culture
In Thailand, amulets are not merely a souvenir or accessory. For centuries, this sacred object has become an inseparable part of the nation’s culture and local belief. According to Buddhism, which is the most commonly adopted belief in Thailand, amulets are regarded as strong symbols of luck, protection, and spiritual connection, that can bring blessings and safeguard against harm to its bearers.
As explained in Oldthaiamulets.com, historically, amulets were associated with prominent figures, such as kings, soldiers and monks. Which also makes the amulets considered as a symbol of religious allegiance and rank in Thai society. Today, amulets continue to symbolize rich beliefs and superstitions, with many Thais believing in their potential to bring abundance, safety, and personal well-being. Nowadays, amulets are even worn by tuk-tuk drivers and Thai police officers.
Guide to buying Thai amulets: Price range, material type, and how to get one
The price of a single amulet depends on its design and material, with the lowest starting from 5 baht, according to Want to See Bangkok. Amulets with a more aesthetic appealing look usually cost between 20 and 100 baht. Nonetheless, customers are free to haggle over prices within their budget, since prices are not always displayed.
These talismans are made of an array of materials, like clay, metals, silver, gold, and gypsum. Shopkeepers usually let visitors take their time in looking for the type of amulet they want to buy. But if you’re confused on where to start, they’ll openly help and give suggestions in finding your preferred item.
Tips for visiting amulet markets in Thailand
Before going shopping to Thailand’s amulet market, here are a few pro tips compiled from hotels.com and Travel The World Pages for a more convenient shopping experience
- Bring enough cash (since most shops don’t accept cashless payment methods)
- Purchase from reputable sellers or consult with knowledgeable locals to ensure the authenticity of the amulet.
- The majority of sellers do not speak English. So, it is recommended to use a guided tour service when visiting the market.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear fit for wandering around the streets.
- Make sure to obey the rules and do not export Buddhist paraphernalia in the country.
As a dynamic place where belief, tradition, and commerce blend together, Thailand Amulet Market is a living landmark to the nation’s rich spiritual heritage and cultural identity, immersing tourists in a rare spiritual bargaining experience. Are you interested in visiting this unique marketplace?
Also read: Top 10 Most Popular Thai Amulets Among Locals and Internationals
