Special Offers
Anantara Phuket Stay Longer Special
Escape at up to a 25% discount. Book from 22 April - 20 July 2013 for a getaway before 31 July 2013, and enjoy greater savings the longer you stay. learn more
A Gourmand’s Paradise
Incredible Thai Crafts
Colourful, sensitive, subdued, bold. Thai aesthetic is a combination of these. Deck out your home with traditional crafts, antiques and more. Spice up your life with vivid silks or batik wall-hangings. Discover some best bargains in the marketplace, or visit a boutique for luxurious goods. Learn about the indigenous crafts that you can indulge in during your holiday.
Silk
Soft and vibrant, Thai silk is an incredible keepsake of your stay. Intricately related to Thai heritage, silk is the foundation for many weaving villages around Thailand. Raw silk is the cheapest, slightly coarser and often in a single colour. Or, invest in an ‘ikat’ weave piece, where each strand is dyed many colours, then woven to form a design. The best quality is found in tailor shops and boutiques. As for the markets, buyer beware! Some products are called ‘Chinese silk’, the code word for polyester. To avoid purchasing a fake, look closely: real silk strands have tiny bumps along the thread, whereas synthetic thread is factory perfect.
Batik
Throw on a batik sarong, the fun and laid-back accessory, perfect for a day along the beach. Batik is a local craft, dyed and produced throughout Phuket. The fabric makes a tropical accent in your home.
Ceramics
Many Thai ceramics are created with ancient techniques. Celadon is similar to jade in colour, ranging from green, brown or cobalt blue. The ‘Benjarong’ is a highly-detailed technique, mostly done on small pots. The technique was originally reserved for the Royal family. Check out hotel boutiques and showrooms for high-quality ceramics.
Bronze ware
Reaching back to ancient times, bronze was the metal of choice for artisans wishing to create permanent images of sacred symbols, such as Hindu deities, Thai dancers and elephants. Take a piece back home with you.
Lacquerware
The famous sheen of wood is only possible with lacquerware, and no shortcuts can be made. Most is produced in Northern Thailand using traditional techniques. The gold and black colouring on jewellery boxes, household goo
