Shopping

There are many gift shops, souvenir stands and even first class shopping centers in Pattaya, Bangkok and Phuket.
You can shop ‘til you drop. Spending options diminish with the scarcity of luxury accommodation and quality restaurants  when you get off the beaten track.
But  even in tiny Ko Tao there are some good little T-shirt shops and CD joints.
Thailand is famous for jewelry and gems, batiks and beautiful sarongs, carvings and surf wear.
Divers are pretty well covered in Thailand.
There are major dive supply stores with top name brand gear in the major cities and even on Ko Tao.
There is a wealth of surf gear (mostly clothing), as well as tailors. This is a real plus for divers. Ever dreamed of having that custom fitted wetsuit?
This is your chance to pick one up at a much more  reasonable cost than ordering one from Travel Facts  49 a manufacturer.
Get fitted on your first day and you may have it to use halfway through your week.
Many Thai divemasters  have their suits made and the quality is often excellent. Ask at your dive shop for recommendations. Credit card scams are on the rise here.