by Ellyse Brooks
So you’re going to Thailand. Phuket to be exact.
You think of cheap drinks, Ray-Bans that last almost the whole morning, the constant scramble for your money and your own inability to barter.
It’s inevitable. You’ll come back with less money, a bunch load of stuff that will never last, and some great ‘I got ripped off’ stories. Or if you’re anything like my mother, you’ll embarrass yourself and everyone around you by arguing with the shop assistant – and refusing to leave until you get a refund.
Yeah, don’t do that.
Shopping doesn’t have to give you an aneurism. It can be kind of fun – as long as you keep a couple of things in mind. Here are my two favourite places for shopping in Phuket:
1. Find Patong beach in the Kathu District. I think this is a local secret but I’m willing to share. The touristy shore of Patong beach is bursting with wild cries of “You Buy? You Buy?” and “G’Day mate!”. The shop owners are friendly here and they enjoy bartering, so don’t be shy. Don’t be cheap either – be fair. But push them lower than the starting price on anything you want to buy. If they say 100 baht? You say 70… and meet somewhere in the middle. Everyone will feel good about themselves. Something to remember though – If you are a westerner travelling in the East, you’ll have a problem when it comes to those lovely, cheap, designer knockoffs. You don’t look like a local. I’m usually a tidy size small. In Thailand? An extra-large. I learned this by not trying on the jeans I planned to buy. Don’t do this. At the very least have a good look at the sizing before you buy, it can be very different. The jeans were, however, awesome.
2. Too much noise in Patong? Catch a tuk-tuk the 2km to “Thanon Nanai” – its an amazing microcosm of real Thai life. (Oh, and if that tuk-tuk ride is taking longer than 5 minutes, you are being taken the “long way round” and you’ll need to nudge your driver!) Thanon Nanai is a street run completely by locals who make their living away from the centre of Patong. There are less tourists here so the prices are more competitive. You’ll never pay more than about six dollars (US or AUS). And if you’re a bit braver and keen on some street food, this is where you must go for a Thai street meal. As soon as it hits 8 pm, you’ll come across old ladies on the side of the street with their portable kitchens selling a variety of Thai soups for 30 baht (Yes. That does mean you just paid one dollar for dinner). Make sure you try the street cooked ‘thai fried chicken’ (Who needs KFC?). Prices depend on what part of the chicken you would like. And yes – heads are an option. Make sure you eat it straight off the grill – never eat anything that has been sitting for long.
A few paces up the road and before you know it, you’re in the land of cheap clothing. In fact, here the items of clothing are actually PRICED. I know. I couldn’t believe it either; no bartering at all!
The locals are incredibly friendly. They don’t try to imitate your accent, and are grateful that you’ve found their secret Thai hideaway.
Direct flights from Sydney to Phuket cost about $380, and cheap backpacker places in the region start from $15 (US or AUS) a night. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to Google ‘Thanon Nanai’ Phuket, and put it on the bucket list.
Author’s Bio: Ellyse Brooks is an experienced bargain shopper who has practised these skills right across the globe. She’s the eldest (and coolest) of four children, who enjoys speaking in accents, singing loudly whilst vacuuming, and experiences great joy when watching others wash her car.