Shopping

Browsing the markets is one of the most popular activities on the island.

Buying something can be roughly categorized into two that is local made and imported where the last is again partitioned into ASEAN and Chinese made plus all other.

All other means high taxes and because of this not very interesting to buy it because for most goods there is a local copy although the quality is usually not very good but since prices are low people don't expect a lot.


Souvenirs can be virtually found at every second corner at the usual markets in Phuket City and the beach areas such as Patong, Karon, Kata, Kamala, Surin and other. Many retail stores and flimsy stalls are around hits with tourists are shoes belts shirts fake watches and bling bling. Other fake designer goods are primarily available at the night markets.

Shopping in Phuket got more attractive since several malls opened along the bypass road and new are popping up year by year actually it is not very interesting since most of the shops offer the same stuff.