Batik

Precious stones have been mined in Thailand for centuries. They are in great variety, namely rubies, sapphires, topazes, zircons, jades, etc. Among these are the 'Siamese rubies' which have world reputation for their beauty.

Silk and Silk products

Thai silk, which found its way into world markets after World War II, is hand-reeled, hand-woven and hand-printed and thus has a natural uneven look and coarser texture giving it is uniqueness which has made it well-known all over Thailand.

Today colorfast dyes and improved looms have been introduced forhigher standards of production, but traditional hand-weaving techniques still preserve the unique luster that makes Thai silk different from any other. For centuries the northeast has been the traditional home of silk weaving, and craftsmen in provinces like Khorat, Surin, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen continue to produce some of the finest examples.

Northern Thailand, particularly in the Chiang Mai area, is also an old weaving center. Among the silk products for which it is noted is 'Pha Yok', or brocade, richly patterned with designs in gold or silver thread. Besides being used for men and women's clothing, curtains, and upholstery. Thai silk in both solid colors and prints is employed for a wide range or souvenir items like cushions, jewel-boxes, evening bags and notebook covers.

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Gems and Jewelry

Precious stones have been mined in Thailand for centuries. They are in great variety, namely rubies, sapphires, topazes, zircons, jades, etc. Among these are the 'Siamese rubies' which have world reputation for their beauty.

Chanthaburi,Trat and Kanchanaburi provinces are the important homes for coloured stones. As Thai cutters have now become highly skilled and have great reputation for quality workmanship, together with the abundance of locally mined gems

Wood Carving

Thai woodcarft, especially wood carving, is world famous for its craftsmanship together with is intricate and elaborate designs.

In the Chiang Mai area, hundreds of artisans produce carved figures of all kinds and in all sizes, ornate picture and mirror frames, intricately designed boxes, salad bowls, trays, wall plaques and numerous other creations.

Some pieces are gilded and decorated with glass-mosaics to enhance their appeal. Wood carving skills are also used in the making of fine furniture both traditional and contemporary.

Pearl

From the oyster comes the pearl, one of nature's most prized gifts. In the Andaman Sea, thriving oyster beds give birth to a wide variety of these beautiful gems. Around Naka Noi Island, just off the east coast of Phuket, rare South Sea pearls are cultured.

Visit one of the most famous pearl cultivation farms in the world and find out the secrets of oysters and how they create pearls. Take one of the Pearl Island Tours' day trips by comfortable cruiser, and you may find you go home with a little something extra.

Department stores

Central Festival, as well as the newly opened Jungceylon are the newest arrivals on the scene and have taken shopping and entertainment in Phuket to a whole new level. These shopping complexes feature a plethora of shops, restaurants, as well as cinemas and other entertainment. On a smaller scale are the Ocean department stores and Robinsons. These are definitely worth checking out, especially if you are looking for clothes.
Tesco Lotus and Big C, in Phuket City, and Carrefour (part of Jungceylon) in Patong, are Phuket's hypermarkets. These stock everything you can imagine, from food to footwear, and at very reasonable prices.

Ocean Department Store on Thaweewong Rd., Patong.
Ocean Shopping Mall on Tilok-U-Thit Rd., Phuket Town.
Robinsons-Ocean on Tilok-Thit Rd., Phuket Town.
Phuket Shopping Center on Rasada Rd., Phuket Town.
Ocean Plaza on Soi Bangla, Patong.

Souvenir

Pearls, baltiks, and pewter ware are Phuket's best known products. Shops that specialize in these are found on Rasada Rd., Phang-nga Rd., Montri Rd., Yaowarat Rd., and Tilok Unit I Rd., in town and Tourist beaches such as Patong, Kata, Karon and Rawai.

Source : Tourism Authority of Thailand. (TAT)