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 As
well as the wonderful countryside around, Krabi
Town itself has lots to keep you interested. There are many shops
selling everything you could imagine, from modern supermarkets and
department stores like Vogue on Maharaj Road, to smaller specialist
shops selling clothes, electronics or handicrafts and souvenirs.
You should also wake up early one morning and visit the colourful
local market between Phruksauthit Road and Maharaj Road, where every
day the stalls are pilled high with all the fresh produce the sea
and countryside around Krabi can produce.
It is a real pleasure to wander among the stalls, sampling the
different and often unusual tastes and smells but go early to see
all the wares piled at their highest and to feel the manic energy
of this place, by 10 O'Clock it has begun to slow down, the day's
dealing done.
There are also two popular night markets one on Maharaj Soi 8 just
around the corner from Thaimit Tours and the other on the river
front at Khongkha Road.
These are the best places to sample many sweet and strange new
fruits including the (in)famous Durian or practice your new language
skills ordering tasty and cheap Thai dishes, deserts and drinks
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Ao Nang offers many of the same
shopping and eating facilities as Krabi though it is perhaps, a
little more familiar to tourists.
This resort town has a wide range of shops, many right behind the
beach and perfect for those beach essentials that you always seem
to have forgotton or just run out of. For more 'serious shopping',
about a kilometre out of town, on the way to Nopparattara
Beach, is "The Beach Plaza".
This is a modern shopping centre perfect
for buying electronics and brand name clothing and toiletries. In
fact, every imaginable shopping needs is catered for here under
one roof, plus a large choice of eating options from Thai rice and
noodles to Western fast food, and everything in between.
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 Souvenirs
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Cashew cookies are a specialty in this area and make a good snack
on the long ride home.
Various ornaments crafted from seashells are also popular. Available
on Krabi Town and on the beach.
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Shopping
Advice
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Fixed prices are the norm in department stores and a number of
shops in Bangkok, but at most other places bargaining is acceptable
and expected. Generally, shopping in Thailand is easy, fun and very
rewarding, but the following advice is usefu,l especially when making
gem and jewellery purchases:
* Shop around to compare prices - this is especially important
with gems and jewellery.
* Obtain a receipt for goods bought and check if it is correct
before leaving the shop.
* Never let a tout or "new-found friend" take you shopping.
Stores give commission to these people, and the cost is reflected
in the price you pay.
*In general, jewellery items cannot be returned. If refunds are
allowed, then often 25-30% of the selling price will be deducted
as "costs of damages". More reputable companies may offer
a full refund although usually only within a certain time limit,
such as 30 days. Do not believe any claims by shop owners that purchases
can be refunded at Thai embassies, consulates or other government
offices overseas.
* Reputable shops will give a written agreement to a full refund
on any goods returned within 90 days. If a shop refuses to do this,
go elsewhere.
* Shops in hotel arcades pay high rents and accordingly prices
tend to be higher than at street shops. On the other hand, hotel
arcades are very convenient if you have little time for shopping.
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