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 All
of Thailand is known for its fantastic shopping, and Phuket
is no exception. Particularly fine examples of handicrafts
from around the country are available at the tourist markets
and speciality shops of the beach centres, Phuket Town and
at Canal Village in the Laguna Phuket complex - which also
boasts its own branch of Jim Thompson's, the Thai silk specialists.
Phuket is also the source of several of the country's finest
gift and souvenir products including cultured pearls, neilloware,
pewterware, ornaments and dried seafood, (see "What to
Buy"). Specialist shops dealing in souvenir products
can be found on Rasada, Phangnga, Montri, Yaowarat, and Tilok-U-Thit
roads, in Phuket Town, Thepkrassatri Road, north of town and
at the beach centres of Patong, Kata, Karon and Rawai.
Among the best buys the island has to offer are Batik - crafted
by the island's numerous artists into tee-shirts, dresses,
wall hangings, and bed covers - beachwear and easily-affordable
made-to-measure cotton, linen and silk clothing - courtesy
of the island's many tailors. Thalang Road, in Phuket Town,
is home to many cloth merchants, offering excellent deals
on a wide selection of cloth, which the island's tailors will
be happy to convert into the fashion statement of the customer's
choosing.
Phuket's rapidly developing infrastructure has also allowed
for a considerable growth in shopping opportunities. Several
large department stores are located in Phuket Town, Thalang
and Patong and two giant supercentres - Tesco Lotus and Big
C - have recently opened on the Bypass Road, north of Phuket
Town, offering easy shopping for long stay visitors and yacht
charter tourists.
Fixed prices are the norm in department stores and
a number of shops in Bangkok, but at most other places bargaining
is acceptable and expected. Generally, shopping in Thailand
is easy, fun and very rewarding, but the following advice
is useful especially when making gem and jewellery purchases
:
- Shop around to compare prices - this is especially important
with gems and jewellery.
- Obtain a receipt for goods bought and check if is correct
before leaving the shop.
- Shop around to compare prices - this is especially important
with gems and jewellery.
- Obtain a receipt for goods bought and check if is correct
before leaving the shop.
- Never let a tout or new found friend take you shopping.
Stores give commission to these people, and the cost is reflected
in the price you pay.
 -
In general, jewellery items cannot be returned. If refunds
are allowed, then often 25-30% of the selling price will be
deducted as “costs of damages”. More reputable companies
may offer a full refund although usually only within a certain
time limit, such as 30 days. Do not believe any claims by
shop owners that purchases can be refunded at Thai embassies,
consulates or other government offices overseas.
- Reputable shops will give a written agreement to a full
refund on any goods returned within 90 days. If a shop refuses
to do this, go eslewhere.
- Shops in hotel arcades pay high rents and accordingly prices
tend to be higher than at street shops. On the other hand,
hotel arcades are very convenient if you have little time
for shopping.
A wealth of shopping opportunities awaits the visitor, and
bargains abound throughout our country in traditional handicrafts,
textiles, gems, jewellery and antiques, as well as more contemporary
items.
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Clothing
 We're
one of the world's leading manufacturers of ready-to-wear
clothing. Fashion boutiques are found in every shopping
mall, while cheaper clothing such as T-shirts and jeans
are available at bargain prices from street vendors.
Custom tailoring is also very affordable and tailors
can produce or copy most styles in just a few days.
Furniture
Rattan and rosewood furniture items are available in
many designs and styles and can also be made to order.
Shops in Bangkok and Phuket have a wide selection and
can arrange shipment overseas.
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Laquerware
 A
specialty of the north, this craft involves coating
split bamboo or wood with lacquer, then adding intricate
hand-painted designs typically gold-on-black lacquer
or yellow and green on a red brown background. Look
out for lacquerware bowls, boxes, trays and other items
for decoration or for souvenirs.
Silk
Probably the most famous of all our kingdom's handicrafts,
silk is available in a range of colours, patterns and
plys, and is sold by the yard, or as ready-made clothing
and souvenir items. A unique style of Thai silk is Mat
Mee, a tie-dye silk traditional to the North-east.
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