Shopping Phuket, Thailand

Phuket has some great shopping. Fine examples of traditional handicrafts, textiles, jewellery and antiques, gems, as well as more contemporary items from around the country are available at the markets and speciality shops all over the island. Phuket is also the source of some of the country's finest gift and souvenir products. Several large department stores like Big C, Tesco Lotus, Ocean Plaza and Robinson Department store are located in Phuket Town.

Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at many other places bargaining is acceptable and expected. Shopping in Thailand is fun, easy and very rewarding. Shop smart, compare the prices and obtain a receipt for goods bought. Some so called guides will try to take you shopping because they will get commissions so you will pay more if you go with one.

Ceramics

Contemporary and traditional styles of pottery are available. The selection is plentiful and beautiful. Visit their web site for the gallery and selections.

Antiques

Chinese, Thai, Burmese and Khmer antiques are excellent buys. Certain pieces are not allowed for export, particularly Buddha images, so be aware before purchasing. Other pieces may require an export license, but a reputable dealer will be able to advise on restrictions and any necessary documentation.

Clothing

Brand name boutiques are found in every shopping mall, while clothing such as T-shirts and jeans are available at bargain prices from street vendors. Be aware that most of them are copies of famous brand names on the street. Some quality custom tailoring is very affordable and tailors can produce or copy most styles in just a few days.

Cotton & Batik

Thai cottons have become increasingly popular and are a good buy. Batik shops can be found everywhere on the island especially in the tourist centers. Cottons woven by tribal people of the North include bold designs and often lavish embroidery.

Furniture

Rosewood furniture and rattan items are available in many designs and styles and can also be made to order. You can find teak wood, one of the best qualities available in upmarket furniture shops and boutiques. Most of the professional furniture stores can arrange international shipments to your home.

Gems

Thailand is known as the coloured gemstone capital of the world. Rubies and sapphires are indigenous, but virtually all coloured gems, as well as diamonds, can be found here. Visitors should be careful and buy only from reputable dealers only. you can also try www.saleinthailand.com for selected gems supplier

Laquerware

A specialty of northern Thailand, this craft involves coating split bamboo or wood with lacquer, then adding intricate hand-painted designs usually gold-on-black lacquer or yellow and green on a red brown background. Look for laquerware bowls, trays boxes and other items for decoration or for souvenirs.

Neilloware

Practiced in southern Thailand for hundreds of years, neilloware is the craft of decorating gold and silver objects with delicate etched designs filled with metal ware.

Pewterware

Pewter is created with great skill by Thai craftsmen, and the smooth, silky finish of this alloy is enhanced by a delicate relief decoration. Pewterware items include plates, vases. boxes and pocket flasks.

Silk

Perhaps the most famous of all local handicrafts, silk is available in a range of patterns, colour's and ply's, and is sold by the yard, or as ready-made clothing and souvenir items.

Thai Orchids

Thailand is well known for a variety and number of orchids. Their magnificent colour's and durable beauty make them a popular purchase.

Cashew Nuts

The cashew nut is a famous local product of the island. As a result of the favourable climate, the cashew nuts here have a better quality than those grown elsewhere in the world. Various kinds of cashew nut products are on sale. From roasted cashew nuts with salt, cashew nuts fried with garlic to cashew nuts coated with chocolate, honeyed cashew nut brittle and cashew apple juice.

Bird's nests

Bird's nests are abundant in Phuket and its surrounding provinces and high grade bird's nests are on sale here at reasonable prices.