The best bargains on the island can be found in outdoor stalls and shops.

Koh Samui is more than just a resort destination with palm fringed beaches and spectacular scenery. When the sun goes down, the action begins. Go to any restaurant and have your fill of Thai food or international cuisine. Check out the vibrant entertainment scene and have a drink at any of the hundreds of bars, or explore the night market for some shopping.

As for shopping, the best bargains on the island can be found in outdoor stalls and shops. There's so much stuff to choose from. Clothes, souvenirs, trinkets, toys and handicrafts are just some of them. During the day, visit the villages of Chaweng, Nathon, Lamai and Maenam and explore their shopping districts. In Nathon, shops sell more than what you're looking for and are open all day.

If souvenir items of all sorts are what you are looking for, just walk along Chaweng Beach Road and you will find them on the streets starting at dusk until midnight. Here you can find watches, CDs, leathers to the beautifully handcrafted flower design items made from bathing soap. Lamai's main street has stalls but not as much as you can see in Chaweng. Rather, more are found in shops with locally made figurines and exquisite jars along with all kinds of goods.

Most of the goods sold are made from the mainland Thailand. There are locally made items like silk that are produced with other native garments. Batik is another fabric, which are made in several shops on the island and are considered the best buys when it comes to clothes and other fashion accessories.

In comparison with Bangkok, some products may not seem like the bargains you had hoped they would be in Samui. However, they're still likely to be cheaper than they are where you come from.

Lest you forget, the real bargains you will get on the island are tailor-made suits for men and the formal dresses for women. Some of the best custom tailors in Thailand have also set up shops here like the well known Armani, Joop, and tailorfashion .com, providing you a choice from the world-class styles of Hugo Boss, Versace, and Giorgo Armani. Check out the prices and compare it with those where you come from. The lowest that you are likely to be paying for two complete sets of the men’s suit from head down is US$99!

While here, don't forget to buy some jewelry. Whether it's gold, silver, gems and precious stones, you are sure to find these items along the streets as well. You are more likely to find one piece that'll always remind you of an unforgettable holiday.

As a bargaining tip, always smile when asking the price. Thais do not like aggressive behavior and loud people. Smile and you might even get a discount. Remember that the calmer and outgoing you are the cheaper deal you can get.