OTOP Patong

When tourists get tired of the beaches, they choose to drop by the open-air market i.e. OTOP Shopping Paradise in Patong, Phuket. It is indeed the best place to pick up a number of local products including textiles, handicrafts, pottery and electronic goods at affordable rates. The place is found to be crowded in the evenings with most people making a beeline for the bars and food carts parked nearby. The term OTOP is an acronym for ‘One Tambon One Product’ that begun as a venture to promote indigenous products created by the sub districts (Tambon) across Thailand. The influx of tourists and lure of dollars has resulted in compromising the idea somewhat with pirated electronic goods and accessories being vended at the market today as well. However, there are a number of stalls that continue to sell original OTOP items with the huge wood crafted Buddha heads being the most popular of the lot.

Visiting the market is more of a fun experience then a venue for indulging in serious shopping. Most of the tourists pick up a few local handicrafts and interesting looking souvenirs before heading to the restaurants or food carts to sample delicious local dishes and cheap drinks. Individuals hoping to relax after a tiring day at the beach also enter the tattoo parlor located within the market to obtain a memory of the place.