E-MAGAZINE -- SHOPPING AROUND THAILAND

TIPS AND ADVICE ON SHOPPING IN THAILAND
Enter a shopper's paradise. Avid shopaholics agree that the vast range of products available in Thailand is overwhelming and the prices, in most cases, quite competitive. If you can’t find it – have it made. This in itself presents an endless spectrum of possibilities.

Even with China gaining strength in the export/wholesale markets, it is generally recognised that Thailand’s excellence in quality of materials and craftsmanship far surpasses its rivals.

While some Asian countries concentrate on mass-producing souvenirs, Thailand is rapidly becoming known worldwide for its strength in well-designed, distinctive products made with traditional techniques. Choose not only fine traditional handicrafts, but also an expanding variety of beautifully styled and crafted contemporary items including furniture, soft furnishings, textiles, clothing, jewellery, fashion accessories, ceramics, basketry, metal-ware and paper products.

As experienced shoppers know – shop around, compare prices. Many smaller shops are as reputable as the larger, established department stores. In any case, be sure to obtain receipts for your purchases. If jewellery is your passion, you should receive a certificate of guarantee of its content. For example 95 per cent silver is common for hilltribe silverware pieces.

Many antiques and Buddha images of Thai origin fall under the watchful eye of the Fine Arts Department. Prior to your departure from Thailand, check with the department, not just the seller, on what other paperwork, in addition to an authenticity certificate from the vendor, may be required to avoid disappointment at customs.

With your chosen treasures, a richer understanding of Thai culture and fond memories will linger with you long after your stay in Thailand. It is a world constantly awakening to finely designed, ever-changing 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 exciting shopping choices. Check out the many upscale shopping centres such as Gaysorn, Siam Discovery and The Emporium that showcase established and upcoming Thai designers. Collectively, these talents are rivalling top European names with lower priced, excellent quality clothing and home decor items. For serious shoppers craving upscale Thai artistry and craftsmanship, the new Siam Paragon is not to be missed. Thai Exotic and adjoining shops, located on the third and fourth floors of this thriving centre not only feature some of the most hard-to-find companies and artisans, but also some of the most innovative work. Small studios to larger production houses are represented offering everything from soaps to silks, banners to bedding, curtains to carpets — all trendy, ethnic or antique. Refreshing collections are shown off in stunning settings that are beautifully enhanced by the decoration and facility layout.

In addition, Chatuchak (short name - 'JJ') Weekend Market offers everything you can imagine. Designer shops featuring clearance areas of current and last years’ styles are spread throughout. A concentration of them located in the 'Dream Section' behind the banks and separate sections behind this again. These are often open every day, not just at weekends. Go early as it can get very hot and crowded around 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 market.

For buyers interested in exporting goods for your shops, interior design, furniture and home decoration solutions, be sure to check the Department of Export (DEP) website (http://www.thaitrade.com) for the yearly calendar of export, wholesale and retail exhibitions throughout Thailand. Some of these shows also offer retail selling days with brilliant products (often overstock or old collections) for purchasing at low rates.

CHIANG MAI
Access to some of the globe’s top designers and producers is simply a short journey away. Lanna, Thailand’s northern region is celebrated for its fine handicrafts. This hilly region offers an endless range of distinctive product selection. In and around the nation’s second largest city and old capital of Lanna (‘land of a million rice fields’), Chiang Mai offers astounding shopping for all tastes. Witness creative energy at its prime. Visit superb companies creating some of the finest collections. Retail, wholesale, export - the talented, Lanna craftspeople with exceptional ideas cater to your needs.

At every turn, the city of Chiang Mai bustles with shops, studios, galleries, eateries and new hotels. Tha Pae Road, Charoenrat Road along the Ping River and even the age-hold Night Bazaar offers some chic choices. Nimmanhaemin Road (spelt Nimmanhaeminda on some signage) and its shopping soi (lanes or side streets) never stop evolving. Soi 1, with its annual arts and crafts spectacle is nearly exclusively a walking street. Sois 3, 5, 7 and 9 boast numerous unique concept boutique style shops. All along the main Nimmanhaemin Road, the growth of small plazas filled with numerous outlets adds to the shopping frenzy. These areas continue to be quite the showcases for many companies' latest collections.

The out-of-town districts and villages, historically had their own forté in various craft production. Ban Tawai, Hang Dong and Ban Waen, for example are still well known for their woodworking, carving shops, furniture and of late, sandstone sculptures. Asian antiquities, Chinese furnishings and decorative items are top choice and plentiful here. Some are almost museums. Lately, this area has been one of the fastest growing with many large and small purpose-built shops, showrooms and factories opening. A sizeable OTOP (One Tambon One Product) outlet will be featured at one of the new plazas. To the east of Chiang Mai city center is the town of Sankampaeng renowned for its celadon ceramics, mulberry paper products and hand-woven silks.

Pick-up a buy-copy of Nancy Chandler’s Chiang Mai Map, recently revised at many of the book stores for more intricate and interesting recommended places to visit.
Web site: www.nancychandler.net

PHUKET
Shopping options on Phuket Island just keep getting better. Where trinket shops stood only a few years ago, there are now countless shops competing for a much higher-end market with trendy and traditional selections. The property market in Phuket offers fantastic villas at attractive prices. This has helped create various spin-off businesses producing terracotta products, fixtures, home furnishings and even luxury yachts. As opposed to a few years ago when product choices were slim on the island, virtually anything is available or within easy reach now.

Visit Surin Beach, Cherng Talay, Mai Khao, Kata, Karon or Rawai and you will find up-to-date and vintage choices.

In Phuket Town, at long last the area’s distinctive history is coming to life. Recognition of the tin-mining past combined with the adoration of the century-old Sino-Colonial shophouses and mansions have put this Hokkien flavoured setting into the fast lane for funky, chic shops, eateries and general appreciation of the architectural beauty.

A tour of the town core, around Rasada Road, Yaowarat and Phang-Nga roads introduces 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. One of the best examples is Soi Romanee, the only small street perpendicular to Thalang Road. As the ‘entertainment’ area of tin-mining moguls a century ago, the revamping of the Chinese-European heritage displays refurbished shops next to equally important yet decrepit historical buildings. The vast miscellany of furniture, art, antiques, clothing, home and gift items make Phuket a one-stop shop for all your requirements.

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 are unable to find exactly what you require – many companies will make your original concepts to order.

For a complete listing of shopping suggestions for Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, please visit www.ArtandCultureAsia.com

Shopping in Thailand
Art & Culture – South and Art & Culture - Lanna
As the saying goes - you are sure to find something for everyone. If you do not know where to begin, Art & Culture – South and Art & Culture - Lanna, the definitive guides to studios, shops and special places have been assisting visitors and residents with their shopping needs for over seven years. Touted by other respected publishers as ‘the best of the best’, this team hand selects the companies for their free copy publications based on product and service quality.

The fun is in the hunt. All great ventures finding the perfect purchases. What splendid alternatives – taking a northern mountain break while making selections directly from the artisans or relaxing beachside after browsing through a range of Asian traditional and contemporary goods in the many featured special places.

And what about gifts for you? The journey is the gift you give yourself. Thoroughly enjoy the voyage! Happy hunting.

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	YOUR GUIDE TO THE NORTH
	YOUR GUIDE TO THE SOUTH

THAILAND – LADIES’ CHOICE
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All images featured Copyright 'Art and Culture - Lanna' and 'Art and Culture - South' by Serendipity Designs Co., Ltd..

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