| You should also wake up early one morning and visit the colourful local
market between Phruksauthit Road and Maharaj Road, where every day the stalls are pilled
high with all the fresh produce the sea and countryside around Krabi can produce.
It is a real pleasure to
wander among the stalls, sampling the different and often unusual tastes and smells but go
early to see all the wares piled at their highest and to feel the manic energy of this
place, by 10 O'Clock it has begun to slow down, the day's dealing done.
There are also two
popular night markets one on Maharaj Soi 8 just around the corner from Thaimit Tours and
the other on the river front at Khongkha Road.
These are the best
places to sample many sweet and strange new fruits including the (in)famous Durian or
practice your new language skills ordering tasty and cheap Thai dishes, deserts and drinks
.
Ao Nang offers many of
the same shopping and eating facilities as Krabi though it is perhaps, a little more
familiar to tourists.
This resort town has a
wide range of shops, many right behind the beach and perfect for those beach essentials
that you always seem to have forgotton or just run out of. For more 'serious shopping',
about a kilometre out of town, on the way to Haad Nopparattara Beach, is "The Beach
Plaza".
This is a modern
shopping centre perfect for buying electronics and brand name clothing and toiletries. In
fact, every imaginable shopping needs is catered for here under one roof, plus a large
choice of eating options from Thai rice and noodles to Western fast food, and everything
in between.
Shopping in Krabi for many is an exciting and pleasurable
experience. Whether you are shopping for a suit or bargain hunting,
looking for that extra special 'something' for someone special back
home whatever it is, shopping in Thailand can be fun.
Street vendors often seem to be on every street corner showing you
their goods (with a calculator in one hand) from silk scarves,
hammocks and sarongs to laser pens etc. If you are interested in any
of the wares you find, then it is time to start bargaining, If you
are not interested in what is on offer, simply smile and continue on
your way.
Antiques Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer antiques are
excellent buys. Certain categories of antiques are restricted,
particularly Buddha images. Others pieces may require an export
license, but any reputable dealer will be able to advise you the
appropriate restrictions and necessary documentation.
Gems Throughout Thailand,
coloured gemstones such as rubies and sapphires are readily
available. Many other varieties of coloured stones can be found here
as well.
Clothing Thailand is one of the
world's leading manufacturers of ready-to-wear clothing. Fashion
boutiques are found in every shopping mall, while cheaper clothing
such as T-shirts and jeans are available at bargain prices from
street vendors and stores alike. Custom tailoring is also very
affordable and tailors can produce most styles promptly. Then of
course there are the 'designer label' copies, that frustrate the
designers themselves but are a dream come true for many bargain
hunters.
Furniture Rattan and rosewood
furniture items are available in many designs and styles. They can
also be made to order in some shops in Krabi. Arrangements for
oversea shipment are often available at the place of purchase.
Nielloware Practiced in southern
Thailand for hundreds of years nielloware is the craft of decorating
gold and silver objects with delicate etched designs filled with a
metal inlay. Nielloware trays, boxes, vases and other items are
often strikingly beautiful and because they are created from
precious metals can be of great value. They are excellent examples
of souvenirs unique to southern Thailand.
Orchids Thailand is famous for its huge
variety of orchids. Their magnificent colours and beauty make them a
popular purchase. Specially packaged flowers, complete with water
supply are readily available for the long journey home and can be
conveniently purchased in many locations including the Gift Shops in
the international airports.
Pewter ware Pewter is fashioned
with great skill by Thai craftsmen, the smooth, silky finish of this
attractive alloy is enhanced by delicate decorative relief. Pewter
ware items include plates, boxes, vases and pocket flasks and are
available in many shops throughout Krabi.
Silk Probably the most famous of
all the kingdom's handicrafts, Thai silk is available in a range of
colors, patterns and plys. It is sold by the yard or as ready-made
clothing and souvenir items. A unique style of Thai silk is Mat Mee,
a tie-dye silk traditional to the North-East.
|