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| Shopping in Phuket More than just a beach paradise, shopping in Phuket can turn up some interesting finds, and many shop owners offer shipping services if required. A good source of shopping information is Art & Culture Phuket and Beyond, a guide produced locally and distributed free around the island. It includes listings of shops and interesting places on Phuket and in Southern Thailand.
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Etiquette A quick piece of advice, when shopping at roadside stalls, markets etc. always bargain. The first price is rarely the final price. Each stall has a language-barrier-breaking calculator, so tap away.
It’s fun and it’s expected, so give it a go. Note: Shopping centres and department stores are bargain-free zones. The price on the tag is the price you pay.
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Handicrafts
Most handicrafts available on Phuket are not made here. Nonetheless, many make excellent souvenirs. Crafted wooden pieces come mainly from Chiang Mai province in the North, while basketry and reed-based products are primarily from the South. Very durable and intricately crafted, the prices are so reasonable friends back home will never believe you. Bronzeware, neilloware and pewter are also readily found in shops around Phuket and make appealing souvenirs.
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Antiques Most antique shops are located in Phuket Town, though not all. Antiques from Thailand and around the region – Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos – can be purchased. One word of warning, check with shop owners before you buy that they can be taken out of the country. Some pieces need export certificates, and others simply cannot be exported. Buddha statues and symbols, for example, cannot be taken outside Thailand.
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Silk
A popular Thai must-buy. Brought to international fame and back into fashion by Jim Thompson, silk can be found all over the island in tailor shops, material shops, souvenir shops, hotel gift shops, and of course, Jim Thompson shops. It is a good buy, relatively cheap, and easy to carry back with you. Shop around for differing prices and qualities. And don’t forget to bargain!
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Jewellery Thailand has become one of the world’s leading gem centres due to its quality workmanship and finishing. Phuket is well-equipped with Jewellery stores in the tourist centres and Phuket Town. All types of precious stones and metals of all sizes and budgets are available. A word of warning, make sure you ask for a government authentication certificate when you buy something. Dress jewellery is also very popular on Phuket and there are many designers creating their own pieces, and at reasonable prices too.
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Art
Traditional Thai art centres primarily around religious subjects. However, in recent times a new wave of artists have begun to express themselves more openly. All forms of art and mediums can be found today and many of these can be found in shops on Phuket. The island also has its own small art community and a number of shops in Patong and Phuket Town sell original and copy works. Some of the copies done by Thai artists are very good and a fraction of an original’sprice, and are a good buy.
In the last few years a number of small art galleries have opened up on the island, some of which are more shop-like with active artists inside, rather than static galleries solely for viewing – try Phang Nga and Radsada roads in Phuket Town. Regular art showings are held at hotels around the island. The best way to find out who is showing what and when, is to look in local publications for details.
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