SHOPPING STREETS AROUND THAILAND
TIPS AND ADVICE ON SHOPPING IN THAILAND
You’ve arrived at the ‘Shopper’s Paradise’. The first piece of advice would be to purchase extra luggage. You’ll need it to carry home the plentiful cultural collectibles and handicraft bargains. Even avid shopaholics admit that the vast range of products available in Thailand is overwhelming and the prices, in most cases, competitively low. An outstanding inventory for your selection.
While some Asian countries are concentrating on mass-producing souvenirs, Thailand is rapidly becoming known worldwide for its strength in well-designed, distinctive products encompassing traditional techniques. Shoppers can now choose, not only fine traditional handicrafts, but also an expanding variety of beautifully styled and crafted contemporary items including textiles, clothing, jewellery, accessories, furniture, soft furnishings, ceramics, basketry, metal-ware and paper products.
Prices may vary dramatically on similar items. Bargaining for prices is a common and expected part of purchasing from most vendors. As clever shoppers know - shop around, compare prices and, in Thailand, rarely pay the first price unless it is pre-marked. Even then, it may be worth bargaining. As a cash society, you are better to go to the nearest Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) for a cash advance as you will generally pay more by using a credit card.
Many smaller shops are certainly as reputable as large recognisable department stores, however in any case, be sure to obtain receipts for your purchases. If jewellery is your passion, you should receive a certificate of guarantee as well.
If you are leaving Thailand, remember that many antiques and Buddha images of Thai origin fall under the government’s Fine Arts Department’s watchful eye. In addition to an authenticity certificate from the vendor, be sure to enquire with the department, not just the seller, what other paperwork may be required for export purposes.
With your chosen treasures, a richer understanding of Thai culture and pleasurable memories will linger with you long after your stay in Thailand. It is a world constantly awakening to finely designed and executed works of art.
Awaken your world by enhancing it with Thai treasures. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 3 THAI CITIES
BANGKOK, CHIANG MAI AND PHUKET
BANGKOK
Here are just a few suggestions for something different. Check out the many upscale shopping centres such as Gaysorn, Siam Discovery and The Emporium that are showcasing upcoming Thai designers. Collectively, these talents are rivalling top European names with lower priced, excellent quality clothing and home décor items.
In addition, Chatuchak (abbreviated to 'JJ') Weekend Market holds everything you can imagine. Designer shops featuring clearance areas of current and old stock are spread throughout with a concentration of them located in the 'Dream Section' behind the banks. Go early as it can get very hot and crowded midday. Rest up at noon in one of the air-conditioned restaurants and then head out again. You will need at least the whole weekend for this one.
CHIANG MAI
The Northern provinces have historically taken the limelight as the nation’s cultural and handicraft centre.
Witness creative energy at its prime. Visit some of the supreme companies creating some of the finest collections. Retail, wholesale, export – the talented, Lanna craftspeople with exceptional ideas cater to your needs.
If you are looking for cutting edge designs in global styling, Thailand is your treasure trove. Make time for the many surprises you will find. If you cannot see exactly what you require – most companies will make your original concept to order.
In Chiang Mai city keep your eyes wide open for all the shops and galleries springing up on and around Tha Pae Road, Charoenrat Road (on Ping River) and Nimmanhaemin Road. These areas are becoming quite the showcases for many companies’ latest collections.
However, equally interesting are the out-of-town districts of Ban Tawai known for its woodworking and carving shops, sandstone and antiques; Sankampaeng for renowned celadon ceramics, mulberry paper products and handwoven silks.
Expect the best – you deserve it.
PHUKET
Shopping options on Phuket Island just keep getting better. Where trinket shops filled spaces only a few years ago, now stand countless shops competing for a much higher-end market with trendy and traditional selections.
Look in any area -- Surin Beach, Cherng Talay, Mai Khao, Rawai or Phuket Town, and you will find up-to-date and vintage choices.
In town, walking a tour from Rasada Road to Yawarat and Phang-nga roads will introduce you to some outstanding outlets of contemporary and traditional treasures, art and fine dining. This thoroughfare is constantly changing with fascinating owners and fresh merchandise now inhabiting rows of attention-grabbing refurbished shophouses. Vast miscellany in clothing, home and gift items, art and antiques make Phuket a one-stop shop for all your requirements.
For a complete listing of shopping suggestions for Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, please visit www.ArtandCultureAsia.com
All images featured Copyright ‘Art and Culture – Lanna’ and ‘Art and Culture – South’ by Serendipity Designs Co., Ltd.,
Shopping in Chiang Mai
Recommendations by the ‘Art and Culture - Lanna’ guide
Shinawatra Thai Silk
145/1-2 Chiangmai-Sankampaeng Rd.
Tel: 053 338 053-8
Fax: 053 338 475
E-mail: shinawatra@ShinawatraThaiSilk.co.th
Web site: www.ShinawatraThaiSilk.co.th
S. Shinawatra Thai Silk
18 Huaykaew Rd. Chiang Mai
Tel: 053 221 076
Fax: 053 221 180
E-mail: areeya@ShinawatraThaiSilk.com
Shinawatra is Thailand’s oldest silk manufacturer. With its international recognition of distinct quality, Thai silk is found here at its best. Home décor, soft furnishings, ready-made clothing and yardage.
La Luna Gallery
190 Chareonrat Rd.
Tel: 09 635 7667
E-mail: laluna@lalunagallery.com
Web site: www.lalunagallery.com
La Luna Gallery presents an ever-changing showcase featuring local, national and regional artists. As Chiang Mai’s centre for contemporary and abstract art, the tasteful gallery showcases colourful works reflecting on aesthetic, spiritual, social and cultural issues in a rapidly changing society. Original work mixes with prints, photographs, posters and pottery.
De Siam
Passion To Be Unique
80 Moo 8, T. Hnong Kaew, A. Hang Dong
Chiang Mai
Tel/Fax: 053 441 254, Mobile: 01 441 7697
E-mail: desiam_silom@hotmail.com
Colonial and Chinese antique and vintage furniture.Disitnctive pieces include Burmese colonial and decorative items.
Prempracha’s Collection
224 Chiangmai-Sankampaeng Rd. (at Bosang intersection)
Tel/Fax: 053 338 540, 053 338 857
E-mail: prem224@loxinfo.co.th
With years of experience in fine arts, the Prempracha family established its celadon ceramics company nearly 20 years ago. Each piece is hand-crafted with quality and elegance as the main criteria. There extensive selection is innovative and fresh.
Living Space Co., Ltd.
276-278 Thapae Rd.
Tel: 053 874 299
Fax: 053 874 310
E-mail: livingsp@loxinfo.co.th
Web site: www.livingspacedesigns.com
Asian Inspirations – Contemporary interpretations
Set in a restored old teak house, Living Space showcases a comprehensive collection of contemporary home accessories. The selection includes exclusive, original designs in tableware, soft furnishings, rare textiles, lacquerware, ceramics, designer jewelry and gifts. Jennifer’s passion for the arts heightens her company’s product and concept development.
Nicha
86/1 Chareonrat Rd.
Tel: 01 288 0465, 01 288 0470
Hand-loomed and woven Hilltribe textiles are cleverly constructed into comfortable cushions. Colourful cottons woven in traditional patterns are special for home or office décor and gift-giving. Custom sizing and designs can be ordered. Other special finds include original paintings and tribal artifacts. Open from 10.00 to 22.00 hrs
Thaweephan Fine Furniture
Furniture, Accessories & Gallery
Retail Shop: 33 Thapae Rd.
Tel: 053 272 035
Showroom & Factory
115 Moo 2, T. DonKaew, Maerim
Tel: 053 297 436, Fax: 053 297 630
E-mail: info@thaweephan.com
Web site: www.thaweephan.com
‘Without wood a home would be without a soul’
The natural beauty of wood at its best in very stylish settings – complete with inviting room settings and a relaxing garden. Kiln-dried quality hardwoods are crafted into timeless designs using master furniture techniques of bygone days. Impeccable joinery and custom finishing insures a warm patina for generations to come. Hand-created with a passion for permanence, the contemporary and traditional pieces are stunning and functional. Find flooring, chairs, tables, cabinets, bedroom suites to name but a few. Your original ideas can also be created.
HQ Papermaker & HQ Art Gallery
3/31 Samlan Rd. Chiang Mai
Tel: 053 814 717-8
Fax: 053 814 719
E-mail: sales@hqpapermaker.com
Web site: www.hqpapermaker.com
A treasure trove for lovers of paper. Fine handmade and machine milled decorative wrapping and craft paper.
ZEN ART
Design Gallery & China
Style Antique Shop
153/4 Ban Wan, Hang Dong
Tel: 053 434 457
Fax: 053 434 458
E-mail: desart@zendesart.com
Web site: www.zendesart.com
For a complete listing of shopping suggestions for Chiang Mai, please visit
www.ArtandCultureAsia.com
Shopping in Phuket
Recommendations by the ‘Art and Culture – South’ guide
AZUR
Home Textile
20 Rasada Rd.
Phuket
Tel: 01 272 9392
Fax: 076 211 076
E-mail: info@creationtamarine.com
Rich, elegant silks, linens and cottons embellished with signature embroidered accents set the mood in any home. Colourful cushions, bed coverings, table sets and lounge- wear is available as one special piece or in collections.
Taweesuwan Co., Ltd.
30-32 Montri Rd.
Tel: 076 230 230, 212 878
Fax: 076 216 085
E-mail: sales@diamond.com
Web site: www.phuketdiamond.com
For seven decades, three family generations have been creating beautiful jewelry. Specializing in gold and diamonds, satisfied worldwide clientele choose from an array of tastefully designed pendants, necklaces, rings, earrings, bangles and bracelets. Certification of guarantee for each piece includes a reference photo.
Iyara Living Mall
108/10 Bypass Road, (next to Home Pro Warehouse)
Tel: 076 261 023-5, 01 920 4876, 01 171 821801 920 4876, 01 171 8218,
Fax: 076 276 025
E-mail: thairattanhouse@yahoo.com
With factories in the Bangkok and the North-east making chic furniture, you can choose from their many styles or create your own. Wood, rattan and water hyacinth is shaped into comfortable, sturdy shapes suitable for your home, office, shop or furnish your hotel.
Ban Boran Textiles
51 Yawarat Rd.
Tel: 076 211 563, 01 693 1138
Fax: 076 258 249
This shop specialises in ready made, hand woven cotton clothing, jewellery, bags and unique finds. Ever-changing and intriguing tribal items.
Radsada Rd.
Tel: 076 355 439, 01 893 9014,
Fax: 076 355 439
E-mail: suhandmade@hotmail.com
Textiles, old and new from South East Asia are intermingled with an enormous array of other treasures including celadon, silver, wooden vases, bedspreads, placemats and tableware.
Ceramics of Phuket
71/3 Vichitsongkram Rd. Kathu
Tel: 076 321 917
Fax: 076 202 087
Factory Outlet: At Laguna Resort Entrance
Tel/Fax: 076 271 128
E-mail: info@ceramicsofphuket.com
Designing and creating contemporary and functional ceramics is the sisters’ forte. This innovative studio, the only ceramic maker on Phuket, reflects artistic flair at every turn.
Antique Arts
68 Phang Nga Rd
Tel: 076 213 989, 09 288 4175, Fax: 076 223 350
E-mail: antiqueartphuket@yahoo.com
This shop remains a Phuket family affair with curios, Chinese ceramics, bronze ware, jade and antiques. The father and brother are painters of traditional Thai style.
For a complete listing of shopping suggestions for Phuket, please visit
www.ArtandCultureAsia.com
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN CHIANG MAI The House Restaurant, Ginger Shop & Gallery
199 Moonmuang Rd.
Tel: 053 419 011, 053 419 014
Fax: 053 283 882
E-mail: ginger@cm.ksc.co.th
Whet your appetite with incredible fusion food artistically presented. The perfect East meets West menu. If you are in a casual mood try the Wine & Tapas Bar. Here you will find a selection of Spanish and Asian inspired tapas, which can be nicely complemented with a good bottle of Rioja.
Choose from nostalgic to flowing fabrics in sheik designs perfect for daytime and evening wear. The line is constantly growing and changing in harmony with the latest trends while pursuing their own distinctive style. Choose one piece or export to your shop.
Daalabaa Bar & Restaurant
113 Bumrungraj Rd. Chiang Mai
Tel: 053 242 491
E-mail: dalaabaa@cscoms.com
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN PHUKET
Baan Klung Jinda Restaurant
158 Yawarat Rd.
Tel: 076 221 777,
Fax: 076 214 040
E-mail:dining@baanklung.com
Web site: www.baanklung.com
In the magnificent century-old Baan Klung Mansion, classic charm is revived. Located in the heart of old Phuket, Siamese-Spice cuisine combines with impeccable service for an evening of luxurious dining.
Salvatore's Restaurant
15 Rasada Rd.
Tel/Fax: 076 225 958
E-mail: salvatore@phuketinternet.co.th
Selected as The Best Italian Restaurant in Thailand by Tatler Thailand, Salvatore lives up to his reputation. In keeping with tradition, he has created the perfect blend of great food and fine wine.
Watermark Bar Restaurant
The Boat Lagoon Marina
22/1 Moo 2 Thepkasattri Rd.
Tel/fax : 076 239 730
E-mail: watermark@ocean-catering.com
Overlooking luxurious yachts, patrons are treated to a distinctive menu featuring modern Australian cuisine and contemporary Thai Fare. The bar offers luscious cocktails, fine wines and great beer.
Naka Flavor's Restaurant
6/23 Moo 6 T. Kamala, Patong Beach
Tel/Fax: 076 345 703, 01 979 2082
E-mail: nakaflavors@yahoo.com
Well known Chef Arkhom tastefully combines exotic Asian and French flavours. Look for their new location in Patong coming soon.
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