Shopping in Koh Samui
Thailand is a shopping paradise for more or less wealthy tourists. True, the
shopping opportunities in Bangkok are much better than Koh Samui. This does not
mean that there are poor shopping opportunities in Koh Samui, it is just that
Bangkok is one of the finest we can find.
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Thailand is known for its copy products and you can still buy all products in
two versions, ie the original and more expensive, and the local copy version.
Now, however, not all goods are the same anymore. Instead of buying a Levis
pants, maybe you come home with a Lives pants?
What to buy on Koh Samui
In Koh Samui, you shop for clothes, and then we just don't think about cheap
t-shirts and pants. But often custom made suits, blouses, skirts and dresses.
Tailors can be found all over the island, but most are naturally centered around
the tourist resorts and especially Chaweng. Most tailors are skilled and honest
people. And the price for a custom shirt or blouse must still be described as a
"bargain" for us travelers.
You can also shop photos and paintings for a cheap price. There are a number
of craft outlets that offer all types of paintings, including copies of
well-known masterpieces, at reasonable prices. Otherwise, it is a pleasure to go
to local markets that offer vegetables, fruits and food, whether it is meat or
fish. It's an experience you should bring.
It is primarily Chaweng and partly Lamai that is the place for shopping. Nor
should we forget about Na Thon (or Nathon as many say) which is the island's
administrative center. Many of the locals shop here, and prices are often lower
than at the tourist spots. However, the sample is often less of the type of
goods travelers are looking for. But this is the place where you can really make
a bargain! Otherwise you will find smaller shops and souvenir shapper around all
the beaches and fishing towns.
Some selected shopping locations in Koh Samui
If you want to shop at death and life in a traditional department store, you
will find it north in Chaweng. The place is called Tesco Lotus
There is also a bowling alley and activities for the children. You may also find
a department store in Na Thon, more specifically in Nathon Road and named Samui
Mart.
Samui Chiang Mai Art and Deco is the name of an antique shop
in central Chaweng. As the big name suggests, many of the products come from
Chiang Mai are in the north of Thailand.
Samui Shoes in Nathon Road in Na Thon city
goes for being one of the best shoe stores on Koh Samui. Prices are low and
you can bargain.
The market in Lamai. Directly behind the gas station (PTT)
in Lamai you will find the large food market. It offers fried fish, homemade
sauces, papaya salads, spice mixes and much more at very good prices. An
experience for the senses. Maybe you try a frog or live eel for dinner?
General about shopping in Koh Samui
Many stores take credit cards, but in markets you must - and should - use
cash. Feel free to withdraw cash at one of the many ATMs you will find at the
larger locations such as Chaweng. The shops open between 0900 and 1100 a day.
Many markets are open until midnight or later, while the shops close between
1800 and 2000. During the tourist season, the shops are open seven days a week.
Eating on Koh Samui
You don't have to be afraid to go hungry on Koh Samui. Whether you have good
or bad advice, prefer Thai or more Western cuisine, you will find it here.
Don't be afraid to try the local restaurants. Thai food is absolutely
delicious and you quickly learn that a dinner doesn't have to cost much to be
good. Seafood and fresh exotic vegetables are the main ingredients in much of
the local food and not many tourist places in Thailand have the same high
quality of food as Koh Samui.
Restaurants and food at Chaweng
Chaweng beach and Chaweng city have the largest concentration of the most
recognized and most expensive restaurants. There are of course many cheap local
eateries, but also a number of international restaurants. Two of the best are
Italian. This is Olivio restaurant located at Baan Haad Ngam
Resort and Restaurant Prego at Amari Hotel. Prices are
naturally high here compared to other local restaurants.
You can also dine on the beach where restaurants serve the best dishes in the
open air. Just take a stroll along the 7 kilometer long golden beach.
Restaurants and food at Lamai Beach
Lamai is the place to go if you are looking for quality restaurants that
offer Thai food at a reasonable price. Here, too, it is possible to eat simple
dinners by the beach. In many ways, Lamai is a mini version of Chaweng. Slightly
smaller selection, but also slightly lower prices.
A suggestion for a restaurant in Lamai is the Salathai Restaurant,
which serves both Thai and international cuisine. Thus, everyone is sure to find
something they like, whether it is authentic Thai, pasta, seafood or steak. Open
from 1600 to 2330.
However, we recommend using taxis or other means of transport to visit the
other beach areas for dinner in new surroundings.
Restaurants and food at Maenam
Maenam beach is a beautiful and quiet beach and you will find everything from
simple eateries to 5 star restaurants. Poom's Place (if it still exists) looks
stubborn, but goes for it to be absolutely fantastic on authentic Thai food. The
address is 41/11 Moo 4, Mae Nam, Ko Samui.
Restaurants and food at Bophut Beach
Visit Bophut if you are looking for a romantic dinner. Here are good
restaurants, but little people compared to eg. Chaweng. From the beach you can
see the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phangnan. The small fishing villages nearby
offer restaurants that feel both different and exotic. You should certainly dare
to eat a meal here.
Restaurants and food at Big Buddha Beach and the southeast coast
Big Buddha beach has several good and simple Thai restaurants and also some
decent pubs for late nights. The south east coast is not very touristy and here
you can find local fish restaurants that do not look very different from what
they did 50 years ago. And the food, it's good.
Nightlife in Koh Samui
As with most major tourist destinations in Thailand, there is a full roll for
those who want it. But fortunately it is in no way comparable to what you
encounter in eg. Phuket. First and foremost, Chaweng is the place where things
happen. What meets you are pubs, bars, music scenes, stripper bars, dance bars,
karaoke bars, Irish and English pubs, exclusive nightclubs and everything else
you can come up with. Lamai is, as mentioned earlier, the mini version of
Chaweng and offers the same, but in smaller format. |