Page 72 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Phuket

70 ❯❯ The Top 10 of Everything

Souvenirs

Local Crafts
4
OTOP Shopping
Paradise: MAP N2; Rat U Thit
200 Pee Road, Kathu, Phuket
Revenues from sales are
passed directly to the crafts
people, so the market pro­
vides local and rural artisans
with a better income.
Religious Amulets
5
MAP P5
The best selection of
religious items is found in
the Amulet Market in the
center of old Phuket Town.
While mainly Buddhist,
Taoist and animist pieces
are also on offer, and are
taken seriously by aficio­
nados; rare and, supposedly,
powerful pieces can fetch
prices upwards of B100,000.
Interior of Chan’s Antique House Original Artwork
Antiques
1 6
Artists sell original paintings
and reproductions at street­side
Chan’s Antique House: MAP
J2; 99/42, Moo 5, Chalermprakiat, galleries throughout Phuket. The
Ratchakan Thi 9 Road; www.chans- quality varies, and the costs are
antique.com always negotiable.
The best places for genuine antiques
are Soul of Asia (see p95), an art
gallery housed in two old Chinese
shops, and upscale Chan’s Antique
House, which offers Phuket’s largest
collection of art and antiques.
Seashells
2
The best place to find rare
seashell specimens, or handicrafts
made of seashells, is the Phuket Vibrant Thai silk cushions
Seashell Museum (see p42). The
Thai Silk
Phromthep Cape market (see p68) 7
also offers a great selection. Jim Thompson: www.jim
thompson.com
Bespoke Clothing
3 Thai silk is not as fine as the Chinese
variety, but it is lustrous and hangs
Phuket’s bespoke tailors are
com monly found in Patong, Kata, well in clothing. The best source
and Karon beaches. Don’t wait until is Jim Thompson, named for the
the end of your trip; sev eral fittings American tycoon who revived,
are needed. They can also copy any and later epitomized, the Thai silk
garment you bring to the shop. Pay industry. There are six branches on
attention to the fabric quality used. Phuket, including one at the airport.

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