How to send a gift to someone in Bangkok from abroad
Being far away does not mean you cannot be there on the day. Here is how to get a gift to someone in Bangkok from overseas, step by step, without anything crossing a border.
Step 1: get the details right
- Full address, including the building, floor and room for a condo, and the soi.
- A Thai phone number for the courier. Bangkok deliveries rely on a call when the rider arrives.
- Check their schedule. If they work in an office, decide between home and work.
Step 2: choose a gift that travels well across the city
Bangkok deliveries go by motorbike in heat and traffic. Small, boxed gifts arrive in better shape than large or fragile ones. Flowers, cakes in a box and small gift sets are common choices.
Step 3: pick the day, in Bangkok time
Bangkok is on UTC+7 all year. Before you order, convert the shop's delivery hours to your own time zone, and check which days they deliver. Order a day or two ahead for a birthday or anniversary, so you are not racing time zones. If the big day is a Sunday and the shop is closed, send it on Saturday.
Step 4: write the card
Keep it short, in English or Thai. A warm line in your own words is enough.
Step 5: let them know, or make it a surprise
If it is a surprise, tell the shop so the rider does not spoil it on the phone.
A quick checklist
| Before you pay | Done? |
|---|---|
| Full address with building, floor, room and soi | |
| Thai phone number for the courier | |
| Delivery day the shop is open | |
| Hours converted to your time zone | |
| Card message written | |
| Surprise or not, noted for the shop |
Sending madeleines with Ondine
Disclosure: Ondine is our bakery.
- Where: we deliver across central Bangkok by Grab Express (roughly Bang Sue to Bang Na, and Thon Buri to Bang Kapi). For addresses further out, a national gift delivery service will suit you better.
- When: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 18:00 Bangkok time. Closed on Sundays.
- What: madeleine gift boxes baked in the morning, Petite (3, ฿290) or Signature (5, ฿450), in a logo bag with a ribbon. Or build your own box.
- How: order at ondinehouse.com/shop, choose "It's a gift", pick your date and write your wish card (up to 140 characters). We print it. Then send the order to us on LINE to confirm.
Tips for long-distance gifts
- Plan around holidays. Busy dates fill up, so order early.
- Follow local customs for elders and family: read our Thai gift etiquette guide.
- Visiting them later? See what to bring to a Thai home.
- Not sure what madeleines are? Start with what is a madeleine.
Questions
How can I send a gift to Bangkok from another country?
Order from a Bangkok shop that delivers locally. You pay online, they deliver in the city, and nothing has to clear customs.
What details do I need?
The recipient's full address (building, floor, room and soi), a Thai phone number for the courier, a delivery date and your message for the card.
Can Ondine deliver on Sunday?
No. Ondine delivers Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 18:00 Bangkok time, and is closed on Sundays.
Where does Ondine deliver?
Across central Bangkok by Grab Express, roughly Bang Sue to Bang Na and Thon Buri to Bang Kapi. For addresses further out, a national gift delivery service will suit you better.
How do I write the card from abroad?
At checkout choose "It's a gift" and write your wish card, up to 140 characters. We print it. Then send the order to us on LINE to confirm.
Can I keep it a surprise?
Yes. Tell the shop it is a surprise so the courier does not give it away when they call.