Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007 - (Page Cover3)

Thailand earned a reputation as a shopping paradise long ago. Some of the products for which Thailand is renowned are hand-woven silks and cotton, wood carvings, lacquerware, ceramics and gemstones. A Myriad of Thai Trends BANGKOK & BEYOND Bangkok is especially impressive, with a wealth of modern shopping malls and department stores. Upscale favorites U include Central World, Siam W Paragon, Siam Discovery, The Emporium, Central Chidlom, Gaysorn Bangkok and Erawan Bangkok. In these centers y you’ll find glittering brand name favorites like Gucci, Hermes and Prada. It’s not all chi-chi: the ’ famous Chatuchak Weekend Market is an open-air treasure trove packed with stalls showov o casing an array of clothing, jewelry, antiques, furniture, and books. There are also numerous night markets; a r standout is Suan Lum Night Bazaar, loaded with local color r and numerous shopping, entertainment and dining venues. Chiang Mai, renowned for its handicrafts, offers the second best shopping in the country. Head to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and browse the many stalls and arcades. Part of Chiang Mai’s appeal is its proximity to handicraft centers in surrounding villages, where travelers can buy direct from the artisans. The northeast is famous for its matmi silk products and cotton ikat cloth. Surin and Buri Ram are outstanding silkproducing provinces. In the East Coast beach resort Pattaya, you’ll find a complete range of shopping opportunities; while even further east, Chanthaburi is a well-known center for gems. Beach-loving tourists in Phuket and Koh Samui will find plenty of crafts and souvenirs. Go to Phuket town for best selection of antiques and authentic handicrafts. Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected. The final price can be 10% to 40% lower than the asking price. Much depends on your skill and the y shopkeeper’s mood, but know that Thais appreciate a sense of humor, so patience and a smile will carry the day. Most shops are experienced at shipping overseas and will attend to all necessary documentation such as insurance, customs and permits. Visitors are entitled to a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund on items bought within 60 days of departure from a store displaying the VAT refund VA sign. Each eligible item must be at least 2,000 Baht. The total purchase sum on which a refund is claimed must not be less than 5,000 Baht. At time A of purchase, ask the clerk to fill out the VAT form so you can present it at departure. SHOPPERS – EXCITE YOURSELVES WITH Thailand’s OTOP Project If shoppers want to do a little good with each purchase they make, they should search out Thailand traditional items created by the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) project. OTOP products are hand made by local artisans such as weavers, wood carvers, potters, silversmiths, and basket makers. OTOP villages are being developed so that visitors can go to the source and even stay overnight in the artisan villages. At present, there are more than 8,000 products in the OTOP special collections category. The main Bangkok OTOP shop is at the Thailand Export Mart Building, 6th floor, Ratchadaphisek Road. For more information, visit www.thaitambon.com/otopcollections. www.tourismthailand.org/la | 33 http://www.thaitambon.com/otopcollections http://www.tourismthailand.org/la

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007

Contents Make the Most of Amazing Thailand, Land of Heritage and History Planning a Trip to Thailand: Essential Information Transportation: Convenient Options, from Tuk Tuks to Skytrains Thailand's Vibrant Culture: Experience the Art of Thai Living Sampling Thailand’s Top 20 Delights Hotel Choices: From Luxury to Budget-Friendly Map of Thailand Overview of Thailand’s Regions Central Thailand: The Delights of Bangkok and Beyond Northeastern Thailand: A Distinct Culture All Its Own Northern Thailand: Experience the Iconic Heritage Southern Thailand: Balmy and Beautiful Days International Festivities in Thailand: Let Yourself Be Enchanted Water Sports: The Fun, Sun, Surf and Serenity of Thai Beaches Ecotourism: Encounter the Sheer Beauty of Thai Nature The Beauty of Wellness and Wellbeing in Thailand Shopping: Excite Yourself with a Myriad of Thai Trends

Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007

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