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| There are tons of souvenirs at the Nathon Walking Street (kohsamui-thailand.org) |
The
scenic town of Nathon in Koh Samui is not only famous for its lovely sunsets
but for its fun-filled Koh Samui shopping and dining. It is easily
accessible from the mainland and from other towns on the island. A visit to
Nathon is not complete without stopping by its famous street full of local
foods and products once a week. It is a must-see Koh Samui shopping
destination. Aside from that, tourists can also enjoy the spectacular view of
the ocean while chit chatting over pre-dinner cocktails in a restaurant nearby.
Thailand
is famous for its night markets and this town in Koh Samui does not lag behind.
It is a favourite destination for Koh Samui shopping enthusiasts. What
makes the shopping experience in Nathon unique though is its concept of walking
street once a week. Every Saturday a street in Nathon is transformed into a
popular Koh Samui shopping enclave from five o'clock in the afternoon to
eleven o'clock at night.
Nathon
walking street is closed up entirely to traffic. Vendors then set up their
respective stalls selling a wide array of goods at reasonable prices. Shoppers
can choose from different household and beauty products, trendy clothes, bags,
antiques, slippers, watches and more.
Every tourist in town should not miss out this chance to see various
local hand-made products on display and sample popular local delicacies. It is
a great way to mingle with the locals, observe their norms and understand their
culture and tradition.
Western
foods like pizza are sold in Nathon walking street but the ubiquitous presence
of hawkers is the ultimate food lover's delight. These hawker food stalls are
common sights in Thailand but are particularly abundant on Saturday nights in
this quaint Samui town. Going to this walking street for a meal during your
stay is worth a trip. The foods are delicious but if you want to taste the
best, watch where the locals buy their food from, these are typically the best
hawker stalls. Thai delicacies that every gourmet food lover should try are
khanoom cheen (rice noodles with spicy fish flake curry served with fresh
vegetables, fruits and herbs), som tam (papaya salad), nam prik kung siap
(dried prawn on a stick), khao yam (rice with shrimp paste) and khao mok khai
(fragrant rice served with chicken). Visiting this street is indeed not only a
fun Koh Samui shopping experience but a dining adventure as well.
