Samui Shopping
The
major villages of Chaweng, Nathon, Lamai and Maenam all have
central commercial districts. For daytime shopping most people
head for Nathon, where a wide variety of shops are open all
day. Chaweng Center's night market, located along Chaweng's
main street and surrounded by many restaurants, stays open
well into the evening.
Many souvenirs, clothes, jewelry etc. are produced on mainland
Thailand and brought to Samui. By comparison to Bangkok or
Chiang Mai some products may not seem like the bargains you
had hoped they would be. But they're still likely to be less
expensive than they are where you live! Try to make the best
purchase possible by getting a fair price. 
Many labor intensive items are produced locally,
such as custom tailoring, and some of the handmade crafts
found on the market. There are also several jewelry manufacturers
on the island. Many of these items can be bought at very favorable
prices.
A bargaining tip: Smile when you say "That
seems a little expensive!" Thai merchants do not respond
well to aggressive, loud, or insistent tactics. You may consider
yourself a good negotiator, but remember that in the Land
of Smiles, the friendlier and calmer you remain, the better
deal you are likely to get.
Gems &
Jewelry
Certain parts of Thailand are blessed with a natural abundance
of rubies, sapphires, zircon, onyx, jade and opal. Local cutting,
design and manufacturing skills ensure a fine range of quality
items with a wide choice of prices.
The colored gemstones sparkling under the lights of the jewelry
store windows can make anyone stop dead in their tracks. Samui
has a first rate lapidary on the island, while other stones
or set pieces of precious and semi-precious quality are hand
picked from Bangkok. Pearls are the specialty of the South
and they come in a variety of makes, sizes and colors. From
Southern pearl farms come the rare south seas pearl, cultured
pearls, and Mobe pearls in every shade of cream, to pink,
and black. Imitation pearls from this area are made from ground
pearl dust and cemented by a secret formula.
Tailor made
The place is the most popular for men or woman who need to
look so good with your characteristic. Chaweng and Nathon
Town are excellent places to have some custom clothes made
to order by the resident dressmakers and tailors. Whether
you bring them your own personal sketches, or have clipped
a photograph of the style you wish, you can be assured of
receiving a quality garment within few days. Imported linens,
blended wools, and print cottons are popular fabrics to choose
from, while the lustrous Thai silk is hard to resist and value
form.
Pearl
The
created of natureCultured 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.
This beautiful value product is waiting you to visit all time.
Provided
by Tourism Authority of Thailand
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