Patong Beach Road Shopping

Many streets in Patong Beach transform after dark into a large night bazaar when they come alive with stalls selling handicrafts, silk scarves, sarongs, a variety of beach clothes, leisurewear, leather goods, suitcases, CDs, computer games and electronic gadgets and toys.

It's chaotic, but fun if you approach it with the right attitude. Just remember that bargaining yields the best results when done lightheartedly and with a smile. Most of the shopping here is aimed at the tourist market, so prices are a bit higher than in Phuket City. 

One of the greatest things about shopping on Patong Beach Road is that there is a store for nearly everything – you just need to know where to go. If you love to get a bargain, this road is filled with great discount shopping opportunities. Check out Soi Bangla for all kinds of items, from Thai boxing shorts, to funny T-shirts, to fake assault knives, to guns that are actually cigarette lighters. Enjoy yourself – this really is a fun place. 

The southern part of Patong Beach Road is lined on-and-off with street vendors stretching all the way down into small secondary sois (alleys). Their goods are generally Thai-made household items to add a colourful, funky or elegant accent to your home, depending on your taste. In addition to pieces made in traditional Thai designs, every season brings a new stock of inventive styles as Thai designers aim to compete on a global level.

One could easily fit out an entire home with these items as they encompass cutlery, chopsticks, pillows, placemats, lamps, incense holders, tablecloths, wall hangings, bathroom accessories, bedding, dishes, glassware, vases, functional items such as newspaper racks and bookends, and much more, in a bewildering array of styles and materials. Setting-up time is usually around late morning until late evening, and please remember to bargain hard with a smile!

Soi Post Office (aka Soi Kepsup III) houses many interesting shops. The Rosewood Lamp & Seeka is an excellent and very friendly shop offering a wide choice of handicrafts from north Thailand at very good prices and rosewood lamps which are nowadays difficult to find. It also sells richly-hued rosewood items, complemented by a selection of Asian handicrafts that includes textiles, shawls, handbags, fashion accessories, ceramic candle holders, tableware, and contemporary and vintage pieces. The collection is continually varying and worth perusing periodically. Phu Pha & Hin Thai offers multi-coloured beaded necklaces and bracelets manufactured from various items, from stone, gems, shells and wood. There are also tailor shops and travelling bag/suitcase shops.