Like other cities in Thailand, there’s an abundance of local markets where you fill your luggage with the best souvenirs and feast on some delicious local flavours. Here’s your go-to guide on the sunny island’s must-visit markets!
Chillva Night Market
No trip to Southeast Asia is complete without at least one stop to a night market. For those headed to Phuket, Chillva Night Market is where you have to go during your stay! The market’s airy and bohemian aesthetic make it an increasingly popular destination for both locals and travellers alike, and is particularly great at drawing in a lot of hip Thai teenages with its use of some old shipping containers. Pubs, restaurants, cafes, and other food stalls make up more than half of this market, so be sure to make some space for all the food you’re going to end up trying there! Chillva Night Market is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm to 11pm. Do take note that the market is closed on Sundays.
Naka Weekend Market
Naka Market also goes by Phuket Weekend Market is loved for being a one-stop shop to get all your Thai essentials. It’s bigger than Chillva, and attracts many local families who are looking for a fun night out. Join them in exploring the many rows of stalls, and snack your way through the lanes as there are many small stalls selling candied fruit and sweet drinks for you to beat the heat. You may want to hold on to your kids, as the market tends to get crowded. There are many interesting and kitschy stalls around. If you’re feeling nostalgic, look out for stalls selling DVD copies, or you can search for the unique second-hand shoe stall that’s bound to both confuse and amuse you! If you’re lucky, you might also find some young local brands with stalls in the market. Located in Phuket Town, this market is open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 4pm to 9pm.
Phuket Walking Street
Accessories, portrait artists, tasty snacks and cafes, Phuket Walking Street is one of the best places for you to get both your shopping and food fix. Located in Phuket Old Town, the market, also known as Lard Yai, the long stretch of stalls is sandwiched between two rows of shops and cafes, so there’s plenty for you to see and do with every step you take! Little Pig, a burger stall, serves up Insta-worthy charcoal burgers that taste every bit as good as they look. The Bar and Carribean House are two drink stalls that serve cocktails and mocktails if you’re feeling thirsty. Apart from these trendier fare, you’ll also find many local snacks like mango sticky rice and candied fruit! The market is open on Sundays from 4pm to 10pm.
Phuket Indy Market
This market is one that’s more modest in comparison to Chillva or Lardyai, but it also promises many interesting trinkets and more than your fair share of food. Indy Market is a place where many young Thai come to display and sell their creative works, so you’re sure to find many unique trinkets that will make for worthwhile souvenirs. You’ll also get to see some youths busking away for some extra allowance, making your shopping experience more enjoyable with their soothing vocals. It’s less crowded than it’s more well-known counterparts, which is great if you want to avoid the hoardes of tourists in Phuket. Do take note that this market is open only on Thursdays and Fridays from 4.30pm to 10pm.
Malin Plaza
Many flock to Malin Plaza not merely for buying souvenirs, but for its amazing array of street food. The food here is both cheap and good, which is really one of the main things we love when we travel! BBQ grilled fish and seafood, Thai papaya salad and fried chicken are just some of the many savoury treats you’ll get there. You also have to try the variety of desserts here that include sweet crepes and ice cream. Once you’re done with all your food, sip on some 90-baht cocktails! You could film a whole food vlog just in this one place alone and with so much to eat here, don’t blame us if you walk away with a few extra pounds. Malin Plaza is open daily from 11am to midnight, so there’s many opportunities for you to head on down!
Dao Aungkhan Market
Open every Monday and Tuesday from 4pm till 9.30pm, Dao Aungkhan Market is the perfect example of your Thai night market. Selling a wide range of souvenirs and food, this market located in the Chalong and Rawai areas is the perfect way for you to wind down once your sightseeing is done. Sit and chat with your friends over some grilled seafood or sushi before you take a slow stroll along the row of shops. Some of these shops display interesting leather handmade goods, which are different from what you’d normally see in a typical market, so be sure to admire their handicraft. If you want to beat the heat, the market is right next to Phuket HomePro Village, a home improvement and lifestyle mall where you can find some furniture by local designers.
There are still plenty of markets you can visit on the island, but these few are our top picks so be sure to check them out if you want the most comprehensive, quintessential market experience!
