Do not leave Thailand without this — the Thai bag brand everyone is obsessed with.
Thailand is widely known for its craftsmanship, and it is something you really start to notice as you explore the country. It is also one of the most valuable parts of Thailand’s cultural heritage. Techniques have been passed down for generations, and that sense of tradition really comes through in the details. It is also why handcrafted pieces have become a must-buy when visiting Thailand. Over time, I have realised they are not just items you pick up during a trip—they carry the feeling of the place with you long after you have left.
One brand I came across that really stood out is FUNDAO. It is a Thai leather bag brand whose founder and designer completed her degree in bag pattern design in Milan, Italy, one of the world’s fashion capitals. She combines the influence of high fashion and bag pattern making from Italy with Thailand’s delicate handcrafted techniques, creating timeless, elegant, and unique pieces. This makes the brand feel modern rather than overly “local” or traditional—instead, it is something you can easily see yourself using anywhere in the world. With its beautiful design, premium genuine leather, and lasting durability, the price feels more than reasonable and definitely worth bringing back home.
What I like most about FUNDAO is how thoughtful the details are. Each bag is carefully crafted from premium genuine leather, designed for everyday use while still feeling elegant and refined. The colours are mostly natural tones, making them easy to style with different outfits, whether casual or more polished. With these elements, the brand has become one of the most popular bag brands in Thailand, gaining attention from many celebrities and women of all ages, and has also gained recognition across Asia, Europe, and especially in the United States, where it has a retail store in SoHo, New York. It has even caught the attention of global stars such as Zhaolusi, one of China’s most popular actresses and Hollywood stars such as Ashley Park, known for her role in Emily in Paris, showing its growing international appeal.
There is also a story behind the design, which I find interesting. The brand’s signature duo-cross detail represents the connection between nature and time, but it is done in a very subtle way. They also incorporate the Cork Tree flower—a delicate Thai bloom—which symbolises the idea of blooming in your own time and reflects the essence of Thailand. It’s a small detail, but it adds a nice layer of meaning to the pieces.
If I had to pick a favourite, it would probably be the AVA and AVA Mini bags, FUNDAO’s iconic bag. The shape is inspired by a butterfly, so it feels soft and feminine, but still very practical. They are lightweight, fit your daily essentials, and are just easy to carry around—whether you are travelling or going about your day. Moreover, Lupo Baguette, which is a Corgi-inspired design with the French baguette shape, inspired by Parisian style and reflecting an East-meets-West design aesthetic, is another my favourite bag from FUNDAO. I also like that they have other small leather accessories like belts and card holders, so you can find something even if you’re not looking for a full bag.
What makes something like this a great souvenir is that you will actually use it. It is not the kind of thing you pack away or leave on a shelf. It becomes part of your everyday routine, and over time, it carries the memory of your trip with it.
If you are visiting Thailand, I would definitely suggest FUNDAO as a must-buy souvenir, either for yourself or your loved ones. You can find FUNDAO in several top department stores and destinations in Bangkok, such as CentralWorld, ICON SIAM, Siam Center, and Central Embassy. You might end up bringing home something that stays with you long after the trip—and something you will keep using for years.
You can also explore the collection in advance on https://fundaobag.com/collections/bags to find your favorite style before visiting Thailand, or simply order online with international free shipping available, along with exclusive complimentary duties and taxes.