Shopping in
Krabi for many is an exciting and pleasurable
experience. Whether you are shopping for
a suit or bargain hunting, looking for that
extra special 'something' for someone special
back home whatever it is, shopping in Thailand
can be fun.
Street vendors often seem to be on every
street corner showing you their goods (with
a calculator in one hand) from silk scarves,
hammocks and sarongs to laser pens etc.
If you are interested in any of the wares
you find, then it is time to start bargaining,
If you are not interested in what is on
offer, simply smile and continue on your
way.
Antiques
Cultured pearl production mimics the natural
process to produce pearls of guaranteed
quality. Cultured pearl farms are found
principally in southern Thailand, particularly
in Koh Samui, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket
and Surathani provinces.
Gems
Gems Throughout Thailand, coloured gemstones
such as rubies and sapphires are readily
available. Many other varieties of coloured
stones can be found here as well.
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 and stores alike. Custom
tailoring is also very affordable and tailors
can produce most styles promptly. Then of
course there are the 'designer label' copies,
that frustrate the designers themselves
but are a dream come true for many bargain
hunters.
Nielloware
Practiced in southern Thailand for hundreds
of years nielloware is the craft of decorating
gold and silver objects with delicate etched
designs filled with a metal inlay. Nielloware
trays, boxes, vases and other items are
often strikingly beautiful and because they
are created from precious metals can be
of great value. They are excellent examples
of souvenirs unique to southern Thailand.
Orchids
Thailand is famous for its huge variety
of orchids. Their magnificent colours and
beauty make them a popular purchase. Specially
packaged flowers, complete with water supply
are readily available for the long journey
home and can be conveniently purchased in
many locations including the Gift Shops
in the international airports.
Pewter ware
Pewter is fashioned with great skill by
Thai craftsmen, the smooth, silky finish
of this attractive alloy is enhanced by
delicate decorative relief. Pewter ware
items include plates, boxes, vases and pocket
flasks and are available in many shops throughout
Krabi.
Silk
Probably the most famous of all the kingdom's
handicrafts, Thai silk is available in a
range of colors, patterns and plys. It 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.
Shopping on PHI PHI
Phi Phi has a wide selection of goods for
sale though most items are more expensive
than anything you will find on 'mainland'
Thailand. As with shopping elsewhere in
the country, taking time out to shop at
leisure is important and if you have time
to practice your bargaining skills you will
more than likely be happy with the final
price.
Shopping on Koh Lanta
There's not much in the way of shopping
on the islands belonging to the Lanta group.
If you do plan on making major purchases
it's probably best saved till you get back
to 'mainland' Thailand somewhere, such as
Krabi town itself, where there are seemingly
endless choices and the prices will be cheaper
anyway.
