Hey there! You’re on your way to Phuket, Thailand, and I’m sure you’re excited about your trip! With so many things to do, it can be a bit overwhelming to pick and choose. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Today I’ll be taking you on a virtual tour of all of Phuket’s famous weekend markets. Where you can enjoy a unique shopping experiences with a variety of goods from traditional Thai hand-woven textiles, street food vendors, and pre-owned items. From open-air stalls to covered sections, these markets have something for everyone. So get ready to indulge in some local shopping, street food and take a bite out of Phuket’s culture!
The Chillva Market, located in Phuket Town on Yaowarat Road, is a popular night market with a unique atmosphere and a wide variety of food, fashion, and souvenirs. It’s got a great, quirky bohemian vibe and it’s built out of colorful shipping containers, twinkly lights and there’s entertainment too, plus the prices are pretty cheap, it’s perfect for those who love a local vibe. And with opening hours of Monday to Saturday from 5pm to 11pm, it’s a great way to spend a relaxing evening.
Step into the Charm of Phuket’s Old Town with the Phuket Walking Street aka Lard Yai. Discover the fusion of culture and night market excitement at Phuket Walking Street in the heart of Phuket Old Town. Stroll down the 350m long street surrounded by historic, brightly lit Sino-Portuguese houses. Fill your senses with the delicious smells of local cuisine and shop for unique Thai crafts, fashionable finds, and souvenirs. It’s got a really lively atmosphere, the shops, bars and restaurants that line the lovely street all add to the feel of it. Enjoy live entertainment and the sounds of street musicians while you explore this vibrant night market.
Every Friday night, it’s time to get your party hat on! Join the crowd at the Fun Friday Boat Avenue Market in Bang Tao, Phuket. This night market may be smaller than others, but it packs a punch with its lively energy that draws people of all ages. Indulge in delicious and authentic Thai eats like Som Tam and fried noodles. And even if you miss the market, Boat Avenue is still worth a visit for its many shops and restaurants, and for being a popular hangout for expats in the area, especially at night.
Phuket’s largest weekend market – Naka Market. Open on weekends from 4pm to 11pm. Naka Market is well known for those hunting down souvenirs, for many it’s a must visit when visiting the island. For this reason it can get very busy so if you go, be prepared for crowds! There’s also a Flea Market which is great to rummage through if you’re looking for something a bit different plus loads of food stalls to keep you fueled up!
Open from Wednesday to Friday, it’s a much smaller market than the others I’ve mentioned and tends to attract locals more than tourists but this market is the place to be for a more laidback shopping experience. You’ll find all sorts of one-of-a-kind finds and tasty treats, all made by independent traders. It’s a bit on the small side, but that just adds to the charm. Best of all, it’s located in Phuket Town and is a great option if you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet while you shop.
Discover the rising popularity of the Kathu night market, located halfway between Patong and Phuket Town in the sub district of Kathu. Despite its small size, the market offers delicious food at fair prices. Along with the tasty treats, you can also find bars made from recycled shipping containers and live music. For a unique culinary experience, try some fried insects such as grasshoppers, silkworms, and crickets. This market may be the perfect spot to sample some Thai delicacies.
OTOP, which stands for ‘One Tambon, One Product’, is a night market in Phuket that was originally established to showcase the traditional handicrafts and food from each Tambon (subdistrict) in the region. While traditional crafts can still be found, the market has evolved to include a wide range of electronics, accessories, clothing, and footwear at low prices. Food stalls are plentiful and offer delicious options at reasonable prices. The market also features small bars that attract both locals and tourists as soon as the sun sets, making it a lively and vibrant destination.
G Market (also known as Lard G) is an exciting night market organized by Phuket Grocery Mall. It can be found at the front of the mall and operates every Sun-Wed from 4 PM. Foodies will find a variety of local and international cuisine options, such as rice with Thai herbs, dumplings, Takoyaki, spicy catfish salad and more. In addition to food, shoppers can buy clothes and souvenirs, mostly geared towards teenagers and young people. Live music and shows from Thai and international artists are also available for entertainment.
The Karon Temple Market on Patak Road is a popular destination for its affordable and unique local trinkets, as well as its diverse selection of local cuisine. Visitors can find everything from delicious meat skewers to succulent mangoes and passionfruit. Street food and Pad Thai are also popular choices at this small market, which is sure to satisfy any appetite.
The Banzaan Fresh Market, located behind the Jungceylon shopping mall, is a modern market compared to others in Phuket. Inside, visitors are greeted by vibrant fruit stalls and an abundance of fresh seafood at reasonable prices. The market also has a food court with various options for daily patrons.
So there we have it, a quick run down of the best markets to check out while you’re here in Phuket, I’m pretty sure whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it at one of them. If you’re at a loose end for something else to do while you’re here, check out our blog on half day activities here on the island, they’ll be sure to give you some lasting memories to go with the souvenirs you bought at the market!
