One of the most predominant aspects of the culture of Thailand, the heart and soul if one may be so bold to state…is the art.  Thai artists are world renown for their attention to detail, their stylistic design, and their competence that is supported throughout, by the traditions of their ancestors.  Treasures are found on the island from Surin to Patong to Phuket City and back again.  This is a country that is pre-occupied, occupied, and driven by expression in the arts.

Patong is a city that has been famous for a number of reasons in the past, their night life, the coverage of the city, post trauma after the tsunami…and what has also begun is a world wide interest in the market of art.  Many travel the world around, to have the opportunity to purchase original works of art, along with the reproductions of famous paintings the Thai painters are so adept at producing.  Many tourists visit, attending the openings of contemporary and modern works, as well as the traditional and mixed media installations presented in many of the hotels and the Phuket Beach resort.

Along side the artisan booths of the markets, sit up-market galleries, located near the Plaza and the area surrounding the village of Laguna.  Fine artworks are on display and up for sale from the artists of the various regions of the country.  Rare relics and antiques from the entire region of Southeast Asia can be found in the markets of Phuket.  Also popping up are high-end boutiques, offering the works of the artisans, seamstresses and jewelers of the region.

The Burmese, the Chinese, and the Vietnamese artists are traveling daily to the markets, selling their creations to the many tourists in search of exotic mementos to bring home with them. And should one wish to purchase a wood carving created by the Shan family of Burma, be prepared to wait on the return of the investment, as the hand carved sculptures require three years to cure, at which point the final artistic touches will be applied.  Shopping for art is one of the most fascinating aspects of the country of Thailand, even if one is not so fond of shopping in general.