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 Patong
features an astonishing variety of Thai handicrafts, many of which
are created by craftsmen whose skills have been handed down for
generations. Others are produced in factories using the latest in
advanced technology and quality control. Patong is also known for
designer copy clothing, accessories and video/CD games etc - of
various quality and price range. Check through the following guide
on what to buy.
Bronzeware
Thailand's high-quality bronzeware has long been a favorite
item for visiting shoppers. Produced by traditional techniques
yet employing a number of modern innovations like a silicon coat
to prevent tarnishing, this craft is employed on bowls and cutlery
guaranteed to provoke admiration at a dinner party back home,
as well as on large, striking figures such as animal, ideal for
home decorations.
Ceramics
Thailand's distinctive celadon style ceramics in Jade green,
dark green, brown or cobalt blue, are great souvenir items found
in boutiques attached to major hotels and department stores throughout
the town. Also popular as gift items are the beautiful Bencharong,
the richly coloured lidded porcelain pots that derive from 16th-century
Chinese art. These makes fine centre pieces for dining tables
and entrance halls, with sizes to suit all. A number of shops
offer these items for sale at various prices according to size
and perceived value.
Textiles
 Cotton
Thai cotton products are known for their supple texture, durability
and beautiful colours. A specialty of the North of Thailand, a
broad a range of clothing and household items can be found for
sale in the streets of Patong. Broad weave cotton shirts, pants
and skirts are the perfect anti-dote to hot weather, and often
breath better than closely woven, fine silk. Table clothes, napkins
and cushion covers in natural, modern colours make wonderful inexpensive
gifts. All such products can be found in the night markets.
Silk
On the top of the best buy list in Thailand, is Thai silk,
sold in most colours, in bolts of various width, length and thicknesses,
or as ready-made products such as shirts, blouses, scarves and
neckties, bathrobes and kimonos, men's suits and ladies silk jackets,
bedcovers and furnishings etc. Prices and quality do vary greatly,
but generally, good quality silk is easily found at the many tailor
shops around Patong and at major hotels.
In the night markets at Patong, mass produced squares of woven
silk similar in size to a sarong, are sold by street vendors at
very cheap prices. Although they are not the best quality silks
to be bought, they are very pretty and great for gifts to take
home. Also available at most markets are imported Chinese silk
garments, which are an inexpensive but great gift to take home.
Batik
 The
brilliant colours of Phuket's tropical surroundings can be captured
and taken home in the form of a piece of Batik made right here
on the island. Sarongs, shirts, bags and light clothing decorated
with patterns evoking themes and colours from the rainforest and
sea, are available at many small stores in the vicinity of Patong.
Tailor-made Clothing
Tailor shops offer a wide range of fabrics from which to have
stylish clothes made in a matter of hours. Many shops can design
outfits from illustrations from magazines, or copy sample clothes
brought along by the customer. Usually 1 or 2 fittings are required
to get the finer details right. Many of the bigger hotels have
a reliable, good quality service on the premises for tailor made
clothes. Cheaper alternatives can be found almost everywhere,
but it is difficult to guarantee quality so beware!
Furniture
 Wonderful
antique and contemporary or recreated handcrafted furniture from
Thailand is available in shops on the outskirts of Patong. Cabinets,
tables, dining room, bedroom and outdoor settings and fittings
can also be made to order in a variety of mediums, including teak,
rosewood and bamboo. Head out of Patong along Rat-U-Thit Road
toward Karon Beach, where there are a few shops lining the road
that sell recreations of wooden antique furniture to order.
Gems, Gold and Jewelry
Thailand is a leading producer of sapphires and the world's
largest cutter of colored stones. Quality items are available
at competitive prices, however unless you are knowledgeable about
stones, care must be taken to shop at reputable specialist stores
that will issue certificates of authenticity. The Tourism Authority
of Thailand issues frequent warnings about shonky gemstone shops
that dupe customers into buying worthless stones for large sums
of money. Thai artisans can also craft jewelry to suit international
tastes, with prices set according to the amount of workmanship
and detail of the individual item. Gold jewelry and ornaments
are also a bargain in Thailand, with prices fixed according to
"baht" weight of the item and the level of workmanship. Items
bought in Thailand can be resold at current international prices.
Excellent bargains in gold chains, earrings, bracelets, pendants,
and other delicate handed crafted items can be found in Patong
and most major hotels house jewelry stores offering exquisite
pieces for less than you might imagine, and with guarantees of
authenticity. Cultured pearls are another local industry, and
a number of shops have pearl jewellery for sale.
Lacquerware
 A
specialty of northern Thailand, neighbouring Burma, and now Vietnam,
a wide range of contemporary and antique Lacquerware can be bought
in shops around Patong. You can find the distinctive gold and
black household objects such as trinket boxes, trays and chopsticks
etc that originate from Chiangmai. More recently, the creatively
coloured and decorated trays, bowls and homeware originating from
Vietnam have also become available - all of these items constituting
the ideally lightweight collector's item or gift.
Leather Goods
A broad range of high-quality leather goods is found in markets
and department stores in Patong. Items in department stores are
usually available for a fixed price, whereas in the markets, prices
will vary widely and can be bargained down. It is best to shop
around at a few stalls before settling on any item, in order to
compare prices and make sure you're not paying too much. Popular
items include jackets, footwear, belts, handbags, luggage, and
various accessories. Leather clothing and shoes can be custom
made in a number of places.
Nielloware
 One
of Thailand's more unique handcrafts, neilloware is a traditional
craft of the southern province of Nakorn Si Thammarat and therefore
a good buy here. Nielloware is the art of applying etched designs
made from an alloy of lead, silver, copper and sulphur, onto silver
or gold receptacles. Items ranging from coffee and tea sets to
fittings for handbags and buttons are available in many shops.
Paintings/Pencil Sketches
For a lasting reminder of Thailand, why not visit one of the
many shops offering original art works by local artists. Choose
from traditional or modern Thai themes, or commission your favourite
scene to be replicated in a painting or sketch. A popular trend
is to have a portrait sketched or painted as a gift or momento.
A number of artists also specialize in portraits drawn from snap
shots, meaning that you don't have to sit around for hours. Some
hotels have in-house artists providing portrait services, and
where you can watch the artists at work.
Currently Holiday Inn in Patong Beach and Le Meridian, Relax
Bay have portrait artists resident at work in the hotel lobbies
during most afternoons or early evenings. Portraits are available
in Sepia, Charcoal, Pastel and Oil Colour, for around 1500-2000
Baht dependent on medium used and size of the portrait. Expect
a 2 -3 day turn over time, or have your painting or sketch posted
to you.
On Rat-U-Thit Road leading out of Patong Beach towards Karon,
are a number of shophouses where artworks are ready for sale and
special commissions are accepted.
Framing can also be carried out inexpensively on the island and
there are a number of alternatives. Most paint shops can recommend
places close to where you are staying.
Wickerwork Products
Wickerwork products are utilised in every aspect of daily life
in Thailand. Furniture, baskets, hats, mats, even walls for simple
homes, are made from natural fibre, and created into objects of
beauty and functuality. The attraction of wickerwork is its simplicity,
using the strength and resilience of cut and dried bamboo and
rattan that are woven into forms that are light, strong, and attractive.
You'll find many shops selling beautifully woven baskets, mats,
blinds and other functional wicker products.
Cashews
 One
of Phuket's lesser known local industries is the production and
preparation of cashew nuts. A much loved and oft-expensive treat
in some parts of the world, here you can purchase cashews inexpensively
in their natural raw state, or prepared with a variety of spices
or flavours. Look for them at any of the food markets and department
stores in Patong.
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