Phuket is teeming with bustling markets that are a sensory explosion. You’ll find yourself wandering along rows of kaleidoscopic stalls, surrounded by the chatter of bartering shoppers, all while the smell of fresh street food wafts through the air. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, visiting one of Phuket’s markets is an experience in itself.
And, there are plenty to visit across the island! Each market has its own unique features, but you’ll undoubtedly find an array of cuisine, souvenirs, clothes, and more to choose from. If you’re visiting Phuket for the first time, or even if you’re expanding your market horizons, deciding which market to explore may be overwhelming.
That’s why Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve has created the insider’s guide to Phuket’s local markets. Operating as one of the island’s leading ethical elephant sanctuaries, we have an abundance of local knowledge to share. Join us for one of our Phuket Elephant Tours and Activities before your market visit for a true Thai experience. Keep reading for our breakdown of Phuket’s markets, or feel free to contact us for more information on our tours!
Best Markets in Phuket
Chillva Market
The nightly Chillva Market is one of the most popular in Phuket, especially among locals. Known for its quality fashion stalls and myriad food vendors, Chillva Market also offers live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Much of the market is created out of repurposed shipping containers, now adorned in bright hues. This is also the place to try some more adventurous foods, like fried insects!
Location: 141/2 Yaowarat Road, Ratsada, Mueang Phuket District
Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 5-11 pm. Closed on Sundays
Sunday Walking Street Market
Also known as the Lard Yai Market, the Sunday Walking Street Market is the place to be on a Sunday evening. Taking place on the historic road of Thalang, the market creates a brilliant mix of old and new. Walk between charming Sino-Portuguese buildings and admire the numerous stalls lining the street. You’ll find plenty of artisanal items at this market, and it’s one of our favorite locations for Sustainable Souvenirs and Eco-Friendly Shopping in Phuket.
Location: 53 Thalang Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District
Opening times: Sunday, 4-11 pm
Naka Weekend Market
The Naka Weekend Market is a crowd-pleaser on Saturdays and Sundays, especially when it comes to food. There are over 200 food and drink stalls open on the weekend, with an incredible array of dishes to choose from. Try everything from beef satay and grilled seafood to mango sticky rice and banana pancakes. If you don’t manage to make it on the weekend, don’t worry. The Naka Food Center is still open every day from 7 to 9 pm but with fewer stalls.
Food isn’t the only thing you’ll find at Naka, with countless fashion and craft stalls, as well as live music and bars!
Location: Wirat Hong Yok Rd, Wichit, Mueang Phuket District
Opening times: Saturday to Sunday, 4-10 pm
Karon Temple Market
Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Karon Temple, the Karon Temple Market is arguably one of the prettiest markets in Phuket. This market packs a punch with its numerous food vendors serving curries, seafood, smoothies, and more. You can also browse a range of clothes and souvenirs before heading to the nearby Karon Beach, one of the most popular in Phuket.
Location: Patak Rd, Karon, Mueang Phuket District
Opening times: Tuesday and Friday, 12-10 pm
Phuket Indy Night Market
While much smaller than some of Phuket’s other markets, Phuket Indy Night Market provides a much more intimate experience, with live music, friendly vendors, and vintage items on sale. You’ll find an incredible abundance of food here that will certainly tickle your taste buds. Grab a delicious bite to eat, grab a seat, and soak up the atmosphere. This is an excellent place to enjoy the company of friends and meet new people.
Location: Limelight Avenue, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District
Opening times: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 4-10 pm
This is just the beginning when it comes to markets in Phuket. Read our blog on the 7 Best Night Markets in Phuket as Recommended by Locals for further suggestions!
Tips for Phuket’s Local Markets
Especially if it’s your first time visiting Phuket’s markets, we have a few useful tips to make your experience enjoyable:
- Expect some haggling. Most vendors do not have set prices for the items, so you will have to do some bargaining. This is a normal part of shopping at Phuket’s markets, but it may take some practice until you get comfortable!
- Since you will be interacting with local vendors a lot in the markets, it’s a good idea to learn some phrases in Thai to be both respectful and friendly.
- Bring your card as well as some cash in case vendors do not have card machines.
- Arrive on an empty stomach so you can try as much food as possible! The markets are also a great opportunity to try both local cuisine and more innovative foods you might not find elsewhere.
- Try purchasing handcrafts from local artisans. While you might come across a lot of mass-produced or knockoff items, it’s better for people and the environment to support artists and traditional crafts.
Find More Souvenirs at Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve
While Phuket’s markets offer an array of products and foods to purchase, you can also find unique souvenirs around the island. At Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve, we will be opening an “Ethical Travel & Gift Shop” where you will be able to purchase sustainable souvenirs that will support the care of our elephants! Combine your shopping with one of our Phuket Elephant Tours and use your purchase to make a difference. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about our activities or services. Stay tuned for updates!
