Most people do not realize just what a great shopping experience Patong has to offer. Phuket is famed for its beaches, coastline, food and nightlife, not its shopping. This is something which the islanders have been attempting to change over the last decade, and Patong now boasts several large, western style shopping malls selling designer goods and modern electronic appliances including computers and mobile phones.

As well as international shopping in the mall type setups, there are also several street markets and smaller local malls. These tend to vend local Thai handicrafts., most prominent is silk, all of which is produced in Thailand, usually in the Northeast in the region known as Isan. Leatherwork is also prevalent, as well as silver jewelry, although most other Thai crafts can also be found in the street markets.

If designer goods are your thing but your pocket cannot run to designer prices, then Patong street vendors have plenty of “fake” designer gear available. From sunglasses to luggage, if it carries a brand name and can be faked, then you will find it in Patong. Worried you might be buying something counterfeit? Simple, if it’s far cheaper than it should be then rest assured it’s a copy. Some of the copes are exceptional, take a look at some of the fake Rolex watches on offer, you won’t be able to tell the difference, at least until the gold plate wears off and leaves your arm stained green!

If you are prepared to put in the miles on foot, and explore the back streets of Patong, it’s small shops and street stalls, then you can find some real bargains. For example, keep an eye open for the Thai pub games, made of teak wood, these can be a great bargain and make excellent gifts to take home for family and friends.