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Thailand is not only the Land of Smiles but the Land of Shopping.
From the latest designer wear at a fraction of the price at home
to authentic silk, cotton and handcrafted ceramics and wood carvings,
there's no better time to shop for special gifts for friends or
family, in this green season. Benjarong recommends you to consider
the following choices for the perfect gift.
Herbal Health
Hideaway Spas in Phuket have developed their own range of herbal
products that are used in all their own spas and in other top-class
resorts in Asia. The products were based on centuries of tradition
and experience by studying the herbs used by the Thai monks. They
are available at the Hideaway Spas in Patong, Kata and Bangtao.
Call (66 76) 342553 for further details.
Wild Wind Action
Ever wanted a kite? Look no further than Thai Kite in Nanai Road,
Patong. It is one of the few places in Thailand that can offer such
a wide range of kites from a simple single-line “toy” kite to the
four-line sports kites. Proprietor Peter will gladly help you decide
which one is right for you and will even give you a few lessons.
All kites are individually made from imported nylon with fibreglass
tubing he can also make them from Thai fabrics with bamboo spas
if required. Prices start from 540 Baht for a small single line
kite. Tel: (66 76) 342547
Beautiful Batik
Batik is a fabric art well known around Southeast Asia. From stunning
complex patterns drawn on silk saris in India to complicated floral
and decorative patterns seen in Indonesian batik, the custom of
making art on fabric is as ancient as the cultures in the region.
Unlike popular batiks from Indonesia, where wood blocks are used
to create uniform patterns, local batiks are free-form: each represents
an effort from the artist who draws a unique design and then paints
the figures onto the cotton. Visit Batik Gallery, 9/10 Visit Road,
tel: (66 76) 288220
Seductive silk
Though it prospered in early Bangkok, the silk industry went into
a long decline starting in the latter part of the 19th century but
a few years after World War II, an American named Jim Thompson revived
the industry and made the silk known to international markets. In
Phuket, Jim Thompson outlets may be found in; Canal Village, Laguna
Phuket (66 76 270 957) Le Meridien Phuket (66 76 340 480) or Phuket
Arcadia Hotel (66 76) 396 038.
Thai style Antiques
Phuket has become an international showcase for rare religious
images and unusual furniture from around Southeast Asia. The best
collection of antiques and handicrafts can be found at Thai Style
Antiques on the Airport Road. Tel. (66 76) 215 980, 238 960 or email:
antique@loxinfo.co.th
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