 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.
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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.
Thai,
Chinese, Burmese and Khmer antiques are excellent buys.
Both
traditional and contemporary styles of pottery are available throughout
our kingdom.
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.
Our
Thai cottons have become increasingly popular and are a good deal.
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. 
Thailand
is the coloured gemstone capital of the world. Rubies and sapphires
are indigenous stones, but virtually all coloured gems, as well
as diamonds, are available. Shoppers should exercise caution and
buy from reputable dealers only.
