Samui is full of shopping opportunities. There are lost of souvenirs and handicrafts on offer as well as clothes shops and the fake goods and the designer rip-offs that Thailand is famous for. Prices are generally a little higher here than in Bangkok or the north but with the bath's devaluation, foreign visitors can still find some great bargains. Nathon, Chaweng and Lamai, are the best towns for shopping, although there are some interesting smaller retailers in the quieter villages. Bargaining for goods is a standard practice in Samui (and Thailand in general). However, unlike the aggressive Middle-Eastern style of haggling, the sweeter and more polite you are with the seller, the lower the price you will the seller, the lower the price you will pay. Just remember to keep smiling, and you'll make a friend-as well as a good deal!

Handicrafts
A wide variety of beautiful handicrafts can be found in most of Koh Samui's towns. Handicrafts and silks from the North and antiques from all over the region are on sale as well as engraved leather puppets from Nakhon Si Thammarat and intricately carved soap from Samui's own highly skilled artisans.

Jewelry
As most of the world's gemstones are sent to Bangkok for cutting and setting, the prices here in Thailand can be considerably lower than elsewhere. Both gold and gemstone jewelry is well worth buying here. However you should know that gem shops give huge commissions to guides and agents so by the time everyone has added their bit, prices are often as high as they are in Europe. Do go to established shops (such as Nathon Gems) to do your purchasing, as there is a large copy industry preying on ill-informed customers.

Tailoring
There are several excellent tailors on the island. There are also some that are not so good-lower prices don't necessarily mean better bargains. Visit a tailor early in your stay, as adjustments usually have to be made if a perfect fit is required.

Ceramics
Most of the better quality ceramic articles sold here are made in either Chiang Mai or Ratburi. If you shop around you'll find a host of designs, ranging from traditional to ultra modern. Thai Silk Thailand's famous silk is a perennial favorite. Samui's tailors and fabric shops can provide a variety of different colors, designs and quality. The 2-ply is thin and lightweight whereas the 3-ply is heavier and accordingly more expensive.

Designer clothing and shoes
Many of the word's top brands have established factories in Thailand and use it as an export base. The goods from these factories that find their way into the local shops are sometimes sold at considerably lower prices than overseas. However, watch out for fake goods.

Thai Silk
Thailand's famous silk is a perennial favorite. Samui's tailors and fabric shops can provide a variety of different colors, designs and quality. The 2-ply is thin and lightweight whereas the 3-ply is heavier and accordingly more expensive.

Woodcarving and Ceramics
Carvings and ceramics are widely available on market stalls in Samui. Much of it originates in the craft centers of Chiang mai, and the standard of workmanship is variable though can be high quality. For coconut-wood carvings that are unique to Samui, check out the stalls at Hin-Ta and Hin-Yai (sea Samui's Natural Wonders).

Antiques
Be extremely careful if you're here to buy genuine antiques. There is a huge industry geared up to produce top quality reproductions. These objects can be beautiful and are good buys in their own right-if they are sold at copy prices. Do buy from a reputable dealer, such as Chaweng's Oriental Gallery. Not only will you be assured of will also be advised about the legal requirements of exporting traditional Thai art and Buddha images.

Baan Talay Resort - ( Koh Samui Hotels )