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is the island’s main trading post with an excellent variety of crafts, jewellery, clothes, artwork and traditional Thai items. There are a great number of boutique shops throughout the town and numerous supermarkets and fresh produce stalls. Most shops are open till 8 or 9 in the evening. The other place worth shopping is Haad Rin (see map on page 146) with shops spead throughout the town running from the sunrise beach all the way to the pier and often open until a lot later in the evening.

Moreover, you will find that prices are reasonable and are often hard to beat, even compared to Bangkok, there are also many outlets supplying goods in bulk for export.

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Koh Phangan has long attracted an artistic element, which is reflected by the surprising number of art galleries, local crafts, hand painted batik (sarongs, hammocks, bed spreads etc.), handmade leather and handmade jewellery shops that you will bump into whilst window shopping. In truth, Koh Phangan is a great place to purchase high quality unique handmade products and the relative small size of the island means that you won’t have to walk far to find something of interest.

Other items that will be a bargain compared to overpriced shopping malls in Bangkok and other Western countries include clothing, beach towels, flip flops, snorkelling equipment, musical instruments and jewellery items. It is especially useful to buy all your beach wear on Koh Phangan, such as bikinis, shorts, t-shirts and sarongs - you will save a small fortune! For book lovers there are also plenty of second hand book shops willing to trade in your oldies. Thailand is also famous for cheap movies and games; there are plenty of market stalls filled with all the latest releases for the keen eye.

So where can you find all these bargains? Well, Thongsala (see map on page 128)

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Workshop Silver, Thongsala (right)www.workshopsilverkohphangan.com08 6096 1580 or 08 9034 6036Workshop Silver makes beautiful hand crafted jewellery. Custom made orders, crystals, gems precious and semi-percious stones, repairs and cleaning service, engraving and stamp work.

Reggae House, Haad Rin (below)The Reggae House has a small dress shop selling accessories and clothes with reggae and funky party style. The shops are opposite the Reggae House Bar.

Kamala Healing, Haad Rin (p94)08 7283 4365www.kamalahealingcentre.com100% natural coconut oil made locally on the island, crystal pendulums by Workshop Silver, handmade natural products by Iyashi, Palo Santo wood incense from Ecuador.

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Magic Stones, Haad Rin (p85)08 6057 5818Exclusive jewellery from gold and silver. Big collection of gemstones and healing crystals. Natural and exotic leather bags, belts and wallets from French designer. Items, presented in Magic Stones shop are unique and one-of-a-kind. Magic Stones can take orders for all custom designs.

Moontribe, Baan Tai (below)08 4442 1142FACEBOOK: MoontribeProgressiveFashionMOONTRIBE Progressive Fashion Store is located in the heart of Baan Tai, Phangan’s party zone. The store imports from Bali a variety of Tribal, Urban Street and Trance Wear designed by renowned Western Brands such as: Psylo, High, Flying Agaric, Kurage Eye, Liloo Wear, Hexagon and TurboWear. MOONTRIBE means quality!

Fusion Fashion, Haad Rin (p85)08 9868 1938On the main high street of Haad Rin pier, Fusion has an extensive collection of Women and Men’s wear and accessories from Indonesia and Hong Kong and some unique accessories from India.

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Phanganer, Thongsala (above)08 0534 5075www.phanganer.comLocated on Talard Kao road - the oldest street of Thongsala (see map on page 128) - near the post office - PHANGANER clothing store offers you a unique collection of t-shirts, printed Thai fisherman’s pants and accessories. For men and women - Phanganer - a 100% original brand from Koh Phangan island. Join us on Facebook.

Koh Phangan NI T-Shirt (left)Walking Street @ ThongsalaOriginal t-shirt designs from Koh Phangan only available for sale every Saturday afternoon from 4pm at the walking street in Thongsala.

C&M Souvenir Shop (map on page 158)Srithanu Village, 077 349233www.drjiva.comThe shop is a part of C&M Study Center, that’s why you can find here not only different crafts from all around the Thailand, but also handicrafts, made by staff and students. Lamps and lanterns, natural stone jewellery, Thai herbal skin and body care, different accessories and much more - the choice is so huge that it’s impossible to leave with empty hands!

Pure Relax, Nai Wok (p97)08 1621 1170www.purerelaxspa.comPure Relax is a spa that also sells retail products such as coconut oil, moisturisers, scrubs and more.

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