We'll tell you the best things to bring back from Samui and where you should go shopping on the island.
Samui is consistently in the top three most popular Thai resorts. There are plenty of places where you can spend your money in a fun and enjoyable way. None of the tourists, especially women, forget about shopping. Hypermarkets and markets are great places to go when the heat subsides. Most of the outlets are located in the busy neighborhoods of Chaweng and Lamai. In Maenam, Bophut, and Natong, there are significantly fewer shopping malls and markets.
Shopping tips for tourists
Thailand is not called the Kingdom of Smiles for nothing. Hospitality is very appreciated here. When haggling in the markets, be sure to say "savatikaap" (meaning "hello"). It's also a good idea to show gratitude: thank you sounds like "kapunkaa".
In markets and small shops, prices for locals and tourists can be very different. The phrase "I've lived in Thailand long enough to know the prices for my own people" should be used as a bargaining tool.
Where to go shopping on Samui
Shopping centers on Samui
The shopping centers located on Samui are known for their small prices and substantial assortment. In addition to shopping, shopping malls also offer snacks and family entertainment (such as a movie theater or children's play area).
Tesco Lotus
The huge hypermarket chain, which is spread in every corner of the world, is also on the island of Samui. Branches of this chain are located near the most popular beaches of the resort:
Natona;
Between Chaweng and Bophut;
Lamai.
You can buy almost everything in the shopping center, from gum and souvenirs to crockery and furniture. The standard Tesco Lotus has the following areas:
Multiple boutiques with clothes and shoes and accessories;
Book and stationery stores;
Perfume stores;
Supermarkets and grocery stores;
Stores with industrial and household goods;
Bank branches and exchange offices;
Food courts, cafes, and restaurants of all popular cuisines of the world.
BigC
The two-storey building Big C is a major shopping center on Samui. The shopping center has the following layout:
On the ground floor you can buy a car or bike, and shop at boutiques, perfume stores, and souvenir stalls;
The second floor features a large food court, beauty salon, and self-service stores with clothing, shoes, appliances, housewares, and electronics.
Central Festival
ТЦ Central Festival is housed in a three-story building near Chaweng. It was opened in mid-2014. The mall's huge area (nearly 90,000 square meters) is the perfect place to check out such sectors:
boutiques with world-renowned clothing brands;
restaurants and bars;
Audio, video, and other electronics stores;
children's goods, where they sell clothing, food, toys, and even furniture;
an entertainment area with a movie theater and a children's playground.
Makro
TC Makro is more specialized in wholesale, as all the merchandise is in crates and packages. There are many more Thais in this store than the previous one. They are raking groats, pasta, and other products in bags.
7-Eleven
The 7-11 international chain has several small branches on the island of Koh Samui. The shelves of goods here are very closely spaced. The assortment is insignificant, prices are low enough. It is ideal to drop in here to buy small things.
Samui Markets
The market in resort towns is not only a meeting place for seller and buyer, but also a unique flavor. It is a fun and enjoyable place to spend time. Apart from Wolkin Street, the marketplaces are open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Popular markets on Koh Samui include grocery, clothing, or department stores.
Fisherman's Village
The area (Fisherman's Village) has both small stores and open-air market stalls. This is the place to go for clothes, shoes, souvenirs, and beach accessories.
The fishing village is located near Bophut Beach.
Fish market on Bangrak
For fresh fish, you should go exclusively to the fish market. Many vendors boast of live product floating in special tanks. There are hundreds of species of sea creatures for sale here, from small crustaceans and shrimp to huge crabs and merlins.
The most expensive item (king prawns) costs from 250 THB per 1 kg.
Fruit markets
Few dozens of the freshest exotic fruits, including durian, jackfruit, mango, coconut, salak, rambutan, are sold at extremely low prices at fruit markets. Territorially, they are locatedin the vicinity of such beaches:
Chaweng;
Lamai;
Maenam.
Food markets
Traditional food markets offer guests meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, spices, and more. Only dairy products are not to be found here. The main marketsare considered to be near these neighborhoods:
Nathon;
Lamai;
Bophut.
Universal Markets
The migratory fair Walkin Street is one of those markets that sells everything. On Koh Samui, it lacks any hint of debauchery or nightlife, and is essentially just a bustling place to trade. Traditionally, Volkin Street is held from 16:00 to 22:00on the following schedule:
Monday through Saturday on Chaweng;
Sunday on Lamai;
on Wednesdays at Chong Mon;
Thursdays at Maenam;
Friday at Bophut.
What to buy on Koh Samui
While on a shopping tour of the island, you need to pay attention to these things:
Reptile leather goods (from 1200 THB): belts, wallets, shoes, and other accessories;
Locally produced honey and jams (from 500 THB per jar);
Extremely tasty and beautiful fruits (from 20 THB per piece);
Jewelry (from 250 THB).
Jewelry
Like other Thai resort towns, Samui has a significant selection of jewelry to suit all tastes:
Rings;
Earrings;
Necklaces;
Bracelets;
Brooches;
Pendants and more.
The showcases feature pieces in both classic and original author's styles. Tourists and locals alike are offered a selection of silver and gold jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones at penny prices.
Jewelry on Koh Samui can be bought at the following locations:
At the specialty jewellery mall opposite Centara Grand Beach Resort;
At Khun Chaweng Shopping Center. The shopping center is located in the Chaweng district;
At Samui Lapidary, Bowtiful Samui jewelry boutiques.
There are enough outlets on Samui to make shopping a pleasure. You can stock up on souvenirs for loved ones, shop for essentials, and just have a good time.
