Kosmoy It is the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket, and actually when you think about Thailand And a picture of a magical island with golden beaches, clear water and tropical vegetation appears in our imagination - the picture is of none other than this island. This is a major destination visited by almost everyone who travels in the country and from where you can reach the rest of the islands, and as such it must provide the goods and give the masses of tourists everything they desire - beaches, magical landscapes, itineraries, tourist sites and temples, as well as shopping centers.
Indeed, this is a wonderful destination for shopping enthusiasts, but be aware - it's not going to be cheap. This is a destination that is considered expensive relative to the rest of the shopping areas in the country, and yet - the word "relatively" is the key word here since it is still Thailand, a destination that, by all accounts, remains quite cheap.
Street stalls, shops on the beaches, shopping malls and night markets - in Kosmoi you can find shopping of any kind at any time and with some bargaining skills, you probably won't be disappointed. But before you tear your wallet, here is an essential list that will help you protect yourself and your money:
it's important to remember
- Postpone shopping as much as possible until the end of the vacation. Remember that most of the goods are repeated, so if you have seen something that is not handmade, you can probably find the exact same thing on the neighboring islands and at more affordable prices. If you don't find the same goods, you will probably return to the island on your way back.
- As everywhere, pickpockets can be found here too. If you are wandering in a crowded environment such as a shopping mall or a market, take double care of your personal belongings, keep your bags close to your body and constantly keep an eye on your equipment and that of your shopping partners.
- In the markets and shops on the street it is allowed and even recommended and customary to haggle. Do it tactfully and kindly and don't forget that what amounts to a few shekels for you is another person's livelihood. Or in other words: contrary to the usual Israeli instinct that the seller makes an initial offer, you make a counter offer and end up meeting somewhere in the middle.
- There are masses of Israelis in Thailand, it is likely that the salesman you are talking to has already learned a word or two of Hebrew. Take this into account when you talk about him, the goods and how much it cost at the nearby stall or try to formulate a bargaining tactic.
- Even if you are told that the brand is original, apparently it is a successful imitation. Yes yes, even if there is a ticket, logo and warranty certificate. Don't count on it.
- The weather in Thailand During the tourist seasons it tends to be quite hot and very humid. Equip yourself with water, sunscreen, appropriate clothing and high morale.
- You never know what reality will come your way and how much volume the goods you will purchase will occupy. It is recommended to take a large empty folding bag with you so that you can store everything and thus you do not have to return to the hotel, unload goods and retrace your steps.
- When buying electrical appliances, you can get a tax refund (VAT refund worth 7% of the purchase value). It is important to request an appropriate form in the store, then sign it at the airport before check-in and after the passport control, present the certificates and receive your money
If you have read and internalized, you are almost ready to go on a journey. Get a short list of must-visit shopping sites and from here all we have left is to wish you success:
Samui Central Festival
A large and luxurious mall with over 150 stores spanning three floors and it is recommended to spend at least three hours wandering around it. It is actually a complex with an open space and inside it is an impressive garden. The building itself is designed so that each part of it symbolizes another part, for example - a fishing village, the birdcage, etc. And even those who do not find what they are looking for there, can enjoy the impressive design or retire to one of the cinemas or cafes located there.
- What's in it: Jewelry, designer clothing and international brands, sports, electronics and souvenirs.
- Address: 209 Moo 2 Bo Put
- שעות פתיחה: 11:00-23:00
Tesco Lotus (Tesco Lotus)
Another mall, significantly smaller than the previous one and serving mainly the locals, so the prices there are more affordable and therefore it is recommended not to miss it and spend at least an hour shopping there. The discerning and true "shopaholics" will surely notice that this is a shopping mall chain of which this is one of its branches and where you can find mainly outlet stores with favorable prices compared to the island and a huge branch of the British Tesco chain.
- What's in it: Accessories, electronics, restaurants, clothing and footwear.
- Address: 131/12, Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84310
- שעות פתיחה: 09:00-23:00
Lamai Night Bazaar
A night market that takes place on the road opposite Lamai Beach and for its existence the street is closed to vehicle traffic, so tourists and locals will flood the area who will enjoy the colorful stalls and happy atmosphere. If you are looking to purchase a successful imitation of designer bags, sunglasses or watches - this is the place to be. In addition, you can also find accessories and souvenirs as in any market and just like in any market, here too the goods repeat themselves so if the purchase was not successful at one stall, move to the next one after it.
If you don't want to spend the whole day shopping, you'll be happy to hear that you can combine the visit to the Lamai Bazaar market with other attractions and enjoy a particularly fun day - Buy a ticket Combined that includes exciting surfing in Omega, a bird's eye view of Lamai and a light visit to a local spa and you won't regret it.
- What's in it: Successful imitations, pitch bags, household products, street food stalls and clothing.
- Address: Maret, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani 84310
- שעות פתיחה: Sundays from 17:00
Fisherman's Village
Night street market that takes place every Friday next door to Hat BoPhut Beach And it has clothing stands, drinks, authentic food, vintage and also diving agencies that offer their wares there. If you get bored or tired from walking, you can watch fire shows and water slides or stop and enjoy a pampering Thai massage which, amazingly, is offered at affordable prices.
For the connoisseurs in the group, this is an excellent opportunity to experience high-quality local street food at cheap prices: soups, seafood, corn on the cob and divine coconut ice cream.
- What's in it: Clothing, toys, grooming, footwear, spices, food and cocktails.
- Address: Bophut Beach Road, Bophut
- שעות פתיחה: Fridays 17: 00-23: 00
Chaweng Beach
This is the largest and most popular beach among the island's beaches and at all hours of the day it is packed with tourists from all over the globe who travel there, stay in the hotels next to it, spend time in the bustling nightlife scene or come especially for the market and shops that stretch for no less than three kilometers. Those spending time there will be able to enjoy clothing and footwear stores, accessories and souvenirs, restaurants and pubs and if you have been looking for swimwear or beachwear and have not yet purchased - now is the time to purchase them. Remove worry from your heart, if your legs are tired - a Thai massage is also available.
- What's in it: Clothes, accessories and nightlife
- Address: Chaweng, Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84140
- שעות פתיחה: All day except for a few shops with their own opening hours
The Wharf Samui
What used to be a fishing village with a small number of shops and a local pub or two, has become in recent years a magical complex in a retro style where diverse shops offer special products, including handicrafts, as well as restaurants, teahouses and a playground for children. The tired will be able to relax in a designated rest area or buy a cocktail, walk to the beach that borders the complex and enjoy the happy atmosphere and the nightly shows.
This is the place to make a reservation and point out that if we recommended earlier not to procrastinate because what appears in one store will most likely appear in subsequent ones, this is not the case here, so if you found something you like - haggle a little and say hello to your new purchase.
- What's in it: Clothing and footwear, accessories and souvenirs, pharmacies and restaurants.
- Address: 62 Moo 1 Ko Samui District, Surat Thani
- שעות פתיחה: 11:00-23:00
