Thai food is hot and spicy, but most tourist restaurants tone down the food. These are generally served on a sideplate in a vinaigrette with the main course. Due to the strong smell of the latter, the majority of hotels do not allow them onto the premises. Local whisky, either Mekhong or Sangthip is worth sampling. The local beer comes in varying strengths.
Fruit juices are also worth trying.
Coconut milk straight from the shell is available during the harvest season. Bars have counter or table service. There are no licensing laws. Nightclubs are air-conditioned and many provide hostesses. Good buys include Thai silks and cottons, batiks, silver, pottery with celadon green glaze, precious and semi-precious stones, dolls, masks, lacquerware, pewterware, bamboo artefacts and bronzeware.