Whereas in the past you needed to go to Bangkok for any serious shopping, Phuket now has shopping oportunities to satisfy all but the most fanatical shopaholic. In addition to the roadside stalls and markets there are quite a few shopping centres and department stores, as well as a good selection of boutiques and speciality shops. Fine examples of traditional handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewellery and antiques, as well as clothing and everyday items are sold all over the island.

The best bargains and widest range of goods are found in Phuket Town and Patong, though there are plenty of shops and stalls to be found in beach areas such as Kata and Karon.

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 Thailand.

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
You are easy to find the coloured gemstone in Phuket. 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.

Buying Guide

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.

To encourage tourists to shop in Thailand a VAT refund for tourists scheme was introduced for tourists to be able to claim back the VAT paid on certain items.

"Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visa are entitled to refunds of the 7% value added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased at shops, department stores and other retail outlets displaying VAT Refund for Tourists signs, where tax refund application forms are available. Prior to airport departure, visitors must present a completed VAT refund form, plus passport information and purchase receipts, to a customs officer. Certain luxury goods, such as jewelry, gold ornaments, watch, glasses, or pen, must be shown to an excise official at the VAT refund office at the departure lounge after passport control. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit card."
Source: Revenue Department of Thailand.

• Refunds can only be claimed by a non-Thai visitor who has been in the Kingdom for less than 180 days in that calendar year. Air-crew departing Thailand on duty are ineligible for the refund.
• A refund only applies to goods taken out of the country within 60 days after purchase.
• The minimum purchase is at least 2,000 baht per store - per day.
• Total value of purchases must be over 5,000 baht.
• Goods must be purchased from stores displaying the "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign.
• You must present your passport to the sales assistant to obtain a PP10 VAT refund form.
• Keep hold of all receipts and credit card vouchers.
• You must depart Thailand by air from an International Airport (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, etc.)

Your documents need to be inspected and approved prior to checking in. This is done at the VAT Refund Office in the departure hall. Your refund is then processed in the departure lounge of the airport. For this reason you must have your purchases in your hand luggage.

Further information can be found on the Revenue Department's website: http://www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html