Phuket shopping

Posted by admin on April 19th, 2009 filed in Shopping, Tourist tips

One of Asia’s most popular holiday destinations, Phuket is truly a haven for shopping addicts! Thailand’s largest island boasts a wide and varied range of shopping places, from vibrant open-air fresh food markets, atmospheric night bazaars, street vendors and local outlets to spacious western style shopping malls and trendy specialist boutiques.

 With wonderfully designed costumes, traditional handicrafts, silver and gold jewellery, house interior goods, antiques, paintings, leather goods, silk, lacquer ware and many more items to select from, most likely the sole thing you will regret about shopping on the island is that you forgot bringing a bigger bag along!

The majority of the outlets housed in the department stores as well as the larger retail shops sell products that have fixed prices, so it is not possible to bargain. Bargaining is common at the smaller stalls and shops, markets and street vendors. Depending on the buyers’ bargaining skills and the vendors’ will of the vendor it might be possible to purchase goods at prices 10 to 40 per cent less than the original asking price. Those shoppers bargaining with smiling faces mostly will be rewarded. Most vendors here work very long daily, so some good humour and a smile will certainly be appreciated and you’ll get the best deal.

Guide to Koh Samui shopping