Lamai shopping guide

Koh Samui Hotels » Koh Samui Guide » Lamai Shopping Guide

Thailand is a shopping enthusiast's paradise. Wherever you go and wherever your travels may take you, there will be no shortage of open air marketplaces, night bazaars, shopping malls and stores of every theme and design jostling for space along the main streets of every city. The beautiful island of Koh Samui, situated to the east of the arm of the Thai peninsula, in the Gulf of Thailand, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Very few visitors make their landing in Thailand without at least a few nights planned on this pristine island. Because of its booming tourist trade and the inherent mercantile nature of the Thai people, there are opportunities to go shopping and strike bargains on all four corners of the island.

One of the most popular of all the retail hubs is the Lamai shopping area, which is situated on the southeast end of the island. While this is the less busy of the main shopping areas, its smaller size and off-centre tourist focus means that the shopping that is to be enjoyed here is far more affordable. Lamai shopping area essentially fringes onto the beach area and the road running the length of this pristine sandy coastline is itself crowded with shops, novelty and souvenir stores, retail outlets, cafes, bars and boutiques. The dense population of shops that cater for the full spectrum of needs, desires and wants continues up onto the Ring Road, which encompasses the small Ban Lamai beach village.

One of the best things about shopping in the Lamai area, and in Thailand in general, is that you can get absolutely anything imaginable, from music CDs, clothes, hats and sunglasses to watches, ornaments, artwork, linen and much more at approximately half the price you would get it for in the West. Furthermore, if you decide to pursue your shopping addiction at one of the many open air marketplaces or night bazaars around the Lamai shopping area, then you can hunt for that absolute bargain price and even negotiate with the tradesmen and women. As a general rule, you will find that prices are inflated by the vendors so that they may bargain and negotiate and still walk away with a handsome profit.

So, what decadent and extravagant shopping opportunities can the visitor anticipate in the Ban Lamai area? For the ladies, there is an abundance of jewelry stores (Mr. Samui, Dreamcatcher and Exotica perhaps being the best-known) that incorporate the stunning Eastern influences into the artwork and crafting of their bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings and anklets. Many a couple has decided to make the island of Koh Samui their romantic getaway, so for the groom-to-be, finding the perfect engagement ring is more than a possibility in Lamai.

For the bookworms, Lamai has a clutch of second hand bookstores where you can buy any book of any genre and by any author for a fraction of the cost you would find in the West. Island Books is especially one to visit and tourists are greatly encouraged to swing by and get the latest bestseller, which they can either digest lying sprawled on one of Koh Samui's stunning beaches or on the long journey home. Then there are the exquisite furniture stores, curio shops and antique and artwork stores showcasing the very best in Thai-style design, art, carving and metal-work. There is enough to make the visitor wish that unlimited luggage weight were possible. If this piques your interest, then Popala House (for the furniture and carvings) and the small clutch of vendor stalls called Hin Ta Hin Yai (for the traditional art) is a must-see.

If you've had enough of trinket shopping for one day, then there's no better place to hit than the traditional marketplaces, such as Talad Lamai or Lamai Fresh Market where you will find heaps of local fruit and vegetables, noodles, rice, eggs and other fresh natural produce for sale. Alternatively, if the night is only the beginning of your retail fever, then the night bazaars are bursting with incredible opportunities for bargain-striking. The Lamai night bazaar is a pumping and thrumming stage of activity, colors and the smell of cooking and profit-making. Here you will find clothing, lamps, hats, shoes, watches, jewelry, silks, sunglasses, artwork and the ever-present pirated goods trade in full flourish.

Once your day (and night) of exhaustive shopping and retail therapy comes to a close, there are always the other essential items you will need, such as toiletries, basic medicines and perhaps some items of Western convenience. The island of Koh Samui comes well stocked with internationally recognized brand names like 7-Eleven, Tesco Lotus and Family Mart, which you will find on just about every street corner. So, if you need a break from the delicious, but fiery Thai market food and long for some of the conveniences of home you can always stock up on imported products, fresh vegetables, fruits, bread, eggs and other essentials at any of these stores, or the larger supermarket stores, such as Top Har-vest or the Villa Coco Super Market.

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