Shopping in Lower Southern Gulf
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A
Chandra
Ethno-chic has come a long way since those embroidered hem sacks of yore. Chandra scours Asia, but mainly Bali, for wispy dresses that show off newly acquired suntans.
reviewed
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B
Health Mart
Considering the number of people wandering around the island on fasts, there are very few wellness stores. Affiliated with Spa Samui, Health Mart, only 100m from Wat Lamai, carries several natural body and beauty lines produced by royally sponsored economic-development projects. Look for the herbal shower gels and shampoos made by Khao Kho Talay Pu, Supaporn facial scrubs, Tropicana coconut shampoos and Power of Brown tea.
reviewed
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C
Hin Ta Hin Yai Market
Along the road leading to the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks are small souvenir shops catering to the sightseeing impulse shopper. There is however a cultural angle here: the pyramid shaped candies are kà·lá·mair, a local caramel made with either coconut (the brown ones) or pandanus (the green ones).
reviewed
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D
Phuket Mermaids
If mermaids had a choice, they’d surely cast off their fish tails for these chic, sequined bikinis, made of high-quality lycra. One of 10 boutiques, this Thai-based company was founded by a Spanish businesswoman who wanted to solve the kingdom’s shortage of undies and swimwear in foreigner sizes.
reviewed
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Na Thon Day Market
This is the biggest and busiest of Samui’s fresh markets, selling the usual kitchen goodies as well as takeaway food. On the same side of the street as the 7-Eleven is a row of food shops selling kôw gaang (curries served over rice). Keep an eye out for the crispy skinned fried chicken.
reviewed
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E
Na Thon Night Market
Unassuming Na Thon is an uncelebrated sunset destination, best viewed from this night market that sets up near the old pier. Tuck into a plate of mèe pàt má·prów, a Samui take on pàt tai (Thailand’s famous stir-fried noodle dish), as the sun sets over the moored fishing boats.
reviewed
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Siddharta
A French import company brings its globetrotting treasures from Bali and Nepal to the shores of Samui. The racks are filled with cool geometric beach cover-ups and flower appliqué skirts – fashionable replacements, if you grow tired of the contents of your suitcase.
reviewed
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Paraphernalia
Sharing space with Anton’s Pasta Bar, this art shop sells décor pieces found in AKWA guesthouse, a few doors down. Perhaps your boudoir needs the cartoon-shaped Mr P lamps, with an anatomically correct light switch, designed by the Bangkok-based Propaganda company.
reviewed
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Coffee Junction Store
If you’ve exhausted your souvenir tolerance with far too many factory-made chotchke, go local at this small shop tucked nicely into the far end of this main street café. Pick up a few coconut-based body products made by Samui’s very own Simply Samui company.
reviewed
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F
Tuk’s Paradise
Got a suitcase full of clothes that make you sweat in this climate? Go for the gauzy fabrics of Tuk’s batik wear. Pick up a few matching outfits from the 2nd floor children’s gallery and you’ll have pieced together the family cult uniform.
reviewed
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Thanon Ang Thong
Step just one block inland from the busy harbour-side road in Na Thon to find this pretty street lined with wooden shophouses, Chinese lanterns and caged singing birds. Souvenir shops of various quality fill the first-floor retail spaces.
reviewed
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Vanities
Two Bangkokian fashionistas have opened this dress boutique for the vacationing urbanite. Selections hail from Bangkok, Hong Kong and India, and are a welcome relief from the faux-hippie dress peddlers elsewhere on the beach.
reviewed
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H
day market
The quiet west coast features some of the best seafood on Samui. Na Thon has a giant grocery and a day market – it's worth stopping by to grab some snacks before your ferry ride.
reviewed
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I
Doodee Décor
Ignore the name, this shop sells so much more than bathroom decor. Peruse the quality Thai-made gifts and decorations, like dhana vases, hand-hammered cutlery from Ayuthaya and funky embroideredhandbags.
reviewed
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J
Monkey Island
This glass-enclosed shop carries hip T-shirts emblazoned with Samui-inspired designs, like coconuts, tropical flowers and the island’s name. But the designs are worldly enough to pass in nontouristy circles.
reviewed
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K
Dakota
The American West has fascinated Thai hippies since the Vietnam War era and has spawned a cottage industry of leatherworkers like Dakota which makes tasselled bags, jackets and other cowboy accoutrements.
reviewed
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Suzy Nina
Samui’s version of Pier One is an interior-design shop selling silk and natural cotton bed-linens and custom-made drapes. Finger through the fabric room loaded with elegant Thai and Burmese silks.
reviewed
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Avalon
If you’re having trouble scrubbing the sea salt out of your hair, then stop by Avalon for some locally made (and ecofriendly) body and hair-care products.
reviewed
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Plai Laem Fish Market
Muslim fisherfolk unload their catch at this very busy fish market. The place is crammed with eagle-eyed housewives and discerning chefs who hail from Samui’s restaurants.
reviewed
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House on Samui
For wash-and-wear gals and guys, these natural cotton clothes come from Thailand’s textile capital of Chiang Mai and will put the flower child back into your wardrobe.
reviewed
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D’s Books & Café
A carbon-copy of the successful bookshop-cum-cafe on Ko Phi-Phi, it’s a chill spot to grab an iced coffee while catching up on your holiday reading.
reviewed
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Starfish Boutique
More trendsetting than trendy, the boutique arm of this restaurant-café dares to be flamboyant with fashion bearing a Bangkok pedigree.
reviewed
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L
Corner Bookshop
Stocks a small selection of English-language novels, maps, newspapers, magazines and Lonely Planet guides.
reviewed
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OTOP
There's an OTOP crafts centre a block away from TAT on the west side of Sanam Na Meuang Park (City Park).
reviewed
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M
Saai Bookshop
Pick up some beach or plane reading at this friendly bookstore and travel agency.
reviewed