Joanna James
Koh Samui and its surrounding islands are a holidaymaker's haven. The place is a fine blend of sun, sand and surf dotted with a myriad of shopping venues. Here are a few for some retail therapy.
Saona Collection is one of the area's best loved designer boutiques dealing in stylish beachwear, footwear and accessories. Easily accessed from Koh Samui beach resorts, the place is ideal for acquiring some trendy evening wear as the boutique's handbag and dress collection is considered one of the best on the island. Seasoned visitors are regulars at this stylish retail outlet elegantly outfitted in bamboo and beautiful arabesque style décor.
This venue is a popular haunt amongst locals and expats. The place turns into a bustling hub on Thursdays as eager shoppers and those out for some fun browse the precinct which runs the length of the street. A general holiday vibe prevails around the area home to retail stores, food stalls and some welcome cocktails stalls around which happy shoppers gather for some snacks and refreshing drinks.
Bophut Plaza is made up of a fine collection of shops and boutiques that line the main street of Fisherman's Village. A fine example of the island's Thai-Chinese heritage, the Fisherman's Village is home to Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort which hugs the white sands of Bophut Beach. Just right for some relaxing holiday shopping, Bophut Plaza has just about every type of retail good from stylish tailor made suits to t-shirts, jewellery, handmade soaps, handbags, sarongs and much more. The place also comes highly recommended for picking up some good quality ceramic ware.
This is a weekly market that's held every Friday from 5pm to 10pm. It is also an excellent excuse for touring the fascinating precinct of the heritage village. A must visit venue for local vibes and a taste of Koh Samui's famous walking streets, this market too is well serviced with food stalls and all manner of consumer goods outlets.
Lamai Night Plaza is located right in the city centre. Easily found across the road from the local McDonalds the place is likened to the Patpong Night Market in Bangkok. A budget shopper's haven, this is the place to head to if interested in knock-off clothing, unusual flip flops and a good collection of pirated media.
This is Samui's largest mall and shopping centre catering to high end shoppers. Spread across 90,000sqmtrs the place comprises of 3 floors that offer a fine amalgamation of dining and shopping. Central Festival is located between Beach Road and the lake in Chaweng. The place is well known for its boutiques dealing in branded goods and luxury items drawing tourists from many of the nearby luxury Koh Samui resorts.
Old world charm and a laid back shopping spree are on offer at Buddy Oriented Plaza. The mall is housed within a charming colonial bungalow that exudes old world charms while the plush boutiques housed here create the right ambience for shoppers looking to savour elegant and hushed shopping sprees in comfort.
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