Thailand hotel travel information,
map and tourist attractions with special rates for
Bangkok hotels,
Phuket hotels,
Koh Samui hotels,
Krabi hotels and
Pattaya hotels.
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Phuket hotels Thailand: Travel guide, pictures of beaches, hotels and resorts of Phuket |
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What to buy
A wealth of shopping opportunities awaits the visitor, and
bargains abound throughout the country in traditional handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewellery and antiques, as well as
more contemporary items.
:: Clothing
Thailand is 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.
:: Silk
Probably the most famous of all the 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.
:: Cotton & Batik
Thai cottons have become increasingly popular and are a good deal. Particularly notable are the
hilltribe cottons
woven by the
tribal people of the North, typically displaying bold designs and often lavish embroidery. Equally
distinctive are original batiks crafted at several studios in
Bangkok.
:: Pewter ware
Pewter is fashioned with great skill by Thai craftsmen, and the smooth, silky finish of this attractive alloy is
enhanced by delicate relief decoration. Pewter ware items include plates, boxes, vases and pocket flasks.
:: Gems
Bangkok 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.
:: Antiques
Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer antiques are excellent buys. There is an export ban on certain pieces, particularly
Buddha images. Other pieces may require an export license, but any reputable dealer will be able to advise on
restrictions and any necessary documentation.
:: Ceramics
Both traditional and contemporary styles of pottery are available throughout
the kingdom. Best known are the
distinctive sea-green celadon from the Sukothai area, and the central provinces' colourful Benjarong (five color)
porcelain, which are unique to our country.
:: Nielloware
Practiced in the South for hundreds of years, nielloware is the craft of decorating gold and silver objects with
delicate etched designs filled with a metal ware. Nielloware trays, boxes, vases and other items are some of our best
buys.
:: Lacquer ware
A specialty of Chiang-Mai and 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 lacquer ware bowls, boxes, trays and other items for decoration or for souvenirs.
:: Thai Orchids
Thailand is famous for our huge variety of orchids and their magnificent colours and durable beauty make them a popular
purchase. Specially packaged flowers, complete with water supply, are easily transported and can be conveniently
purchased at
Bangkok International Airport.
:: Furniture
Rattan and rosewood furniture items are available in many designs and styles and can also be made to order. Shops have a wide selection and can arrange shipment overseas.
:: Hilltribe Crafts
The
tribal groups who live in the hills of the north make a variety of beautifully embroidered textiles and silver
jewelry. They are on offer everywhere in Thailand.
What to buy
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.
₪ 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.
| :: Buyer Beware :: The Tourism Authority of Thailand receives over 1,000 complaints a year about fake jewellery purchases. To avoid being a statistic, you must stay alert to the warning signs of a swindle at work. Heeding the Tourism Authority of Thailand warning could help you stave off unpleasant surprises and make your vacation what it should be - full of sparkle The following are valuable pointers for your protection :
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₪ 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 elsewhere.
₪ 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.
