In terms of diversity and bargains, no other country comes close to Thailand as a shopping paradise.

Even on an island hideaway like Samui, there are lots of products to choose from to take home as souvenirs. But there's one thing to remember when shopping in Thailand. You have to have good bargaining skills if you want to make the most out of your budget.

Unlike in the West, most prices quoted by storekeepers here are negotiable. Fixed prices can be found only in the big malls. In most other shops, you have to haggle your way to a good bargain.

So, when you're out of there shopping, don't rush into buying something. Not even if you find it temptingly cheap. It may be a sell-out by Western standards - but it could be a hustle by local standards.

The best thing to do is to have at least mental list of what you want to buy. Then do a canvass - by going around a shopping area to check on the prices of particular product. After the round you can then go back to the shop with the cheapest price. And then you start bargaining.

The most common bargaining practice among Asians is to start asking for a 50 percent discount. If you are too lucky, the storekeeper may give it to you. In most cases, however, he or she will quote a lesser price. You can stand your ground or agree to increase your bid by 10 percent. The storekeeper might see your bid too low and give you a compromise offer - take-it or-leave-it sort of thing. If you find the new price quite reasonable, you may take the item and go. If not, you can courteously say no and start to leave. Chances are the storekeeper will give in. If not, you can go ahead and leave and come back later - that is, if you really want to buy the item.

When entering a store always put on your best smile. It could do wonders to your bargain hunting. Even the wiliest storekeeper can be disarmed by as sweet smile.

Even if you desperately want a particular item, don't show it. Professional sales people know that a desperate desire is a good sale, which means they can quote the most ludicrous price they can think of - ridding you a chance to get a bargain.

When looking at an item, slight defect shouldn't escape your eyes. As a matter of fact, you should look for small flaws, as that can be good reason for you to point out why you deserve the discount you are asking. However, you should also be realistic that an intelligent storekeeper would not sell below cost.

Several such unrealistic deals couldn't cost him his source of income. Make the vendor feel that you are out to buy, not just for window-shopping. That's important. If the vendor is desperate for a sale, he or she could accede to your bid even for small markup. Though not as big as a shopping market as Bangkok, Samui offers a lot of shopping possibilities. It, too, has upmarket stores where you can buy designer clothes and fashion accessories. If you are out for local products to take home, your best bet is the smaller shops roadside stalls. Such shops can be found along Chaweng Beach Road.

Thailand is known for its imitation products. If you're not that picky, imitation items can be among your best buys. Tailored suits are among the bests - Versace, Hugo Boss and Armani styles is a copycat that distinguishing it from the original is difficult task to do.

Bags of all shapes and sizes are everywhere. Suitcases and holdalls are the commonly found stacked to the ceiling at market shops in the major tourist centers of Chaweng and Lamai.