Shopping In Phuket: Guide For The Perfect Local Market Experience

Phuket is an island with exotic beaches, thrilling water sports, lip-smacking local cuisines, and shopping. Phuket shopping is paradise on Earth. Allowing you to make the most of your bargaining skills and reviving the quality is just one of the specialties of local markets in Phuket. Every market on the island has something that you will not find anywhere else, making it an ultimate and unforgettable experience. The markets here are not just a hub for shopping, but relaxation (bars, pubs,) and great food as well.

Top 4 Things To Buy From Phuket

Phuket is the haven for all shopaholics. These souvenirs are not going to cost you a fortune and will yet scream “perfect tropical vacation memories”.

1. Pearls

Phuket has been producing pearls for more than 40 years and these surprisingly affordable and cheap. You can find them in several malls in Thailand, but the best ones are available at Phuket pearl shops. These pearls are used to ornate international beauty contests around the world. Although pearls are classified as gemstones, they are unique. Buying these pearls is on the list of things to do in Thailand, and believe me, they are worth your money. They require no cutting, no polishing, they are stunning and gorgeous just the way they are. Phuket has got the best among the best.

Where To Buy From: Shopping malls, at Rawai Market, Phuket Pearl Shops, and Phuket Pearl Art Factory

2. Beach Sandals And Flip Flops

This item is the most bought product in Phuket. It makes perfect sense for them to be the most bought. Beach sandals and flip-flops are really cheap and affordable for everyone. They come in different colors and are available all over the city. These sandals fit every one even if they are a slightly big (than they should be!). The perfect item that screams 'tropical holiday memories'. You know what the best part is, you don't have to find them, they will find you. God... Thai people are so creative, you will find hundreds of different, funky, cool, and fun designs.

Where To Buy From: Every beach and every main street of beach towns

3. Carved Soaps

Carved soaps are extremely beautiful and require a lot of skill and patience to execute. These soaps smell amazingly good and can be kept in cupboards. Soap carving has been the tradition in Thailand, for quite a long time, and it originated from the act of sculpting fruits and vegetables. An ancient handicraft, soap carving has developed over the course of time. A fresh and ordinary soap bar is converted into beautifully scented, flowers, dragons, and several other designs. Before buying, compare the products and price between 2-3 shops in Phuket to get the best for yourself that too at a reasonable rate.

Where To Buy From: In every street stall, very easily available

Suggested Read: Malls In Thailand That Will Give You A High-End Shopping Experience

4. Elephant Pants

Elephant pants are these light, funky, comfortable, and cheap colorful cotton pants that are convenient for a fun night with friends and are also a really comfy gift. These pants can be worn by both men and women. These are one of the best things to buy in Phuket. The elephant pants arrived in Phuket, Thailand in the late 19th century and were apparently worn by fishermen. It is now a cool and relaxing attire for both genders and comes in several fabrics such as batik, cotton, or silk. These pants are also not very costly, they range from 100 baht to 150 baht, so everyone can easily afford them. These light and breezy trousers are found in an abundance in tourist areas.

Where To Buy From: In street stalls, at night markets and bazaars, and in Jungceylon

Top 4 Street Markets In Phuket

Phuket is a hub for tourists to relax and enjoy. Up until last decade, shopping was not the island’s strength but boy.....what tremendous growth has it shown. Now, it is one of the must-dos in Phuket.

1. Phuket Weekend Market

One of the best shopping markets in Phuket, it is a fascinating jumble of curious, souvenirs, great local food, love animals, and second-hand goods. Phuket Weekend Market, also known as Talad Tai Rot or Naka Market, is the single biggest night market on the island. It roughly has two sections - covered and open. The covered section has second-hand items with a vast variety of jeans, T-shirts, curios, and souvenirs, while the open section sells fluffy toys, fashion accessories, watches, almost every electronic, and much more.

If not visited this market, the list of things to do in Phuket would not be complete. To avoid the crowds, you should reach as early as possible (to its opening time). The food in the market is also hard to resist. The spicy sausages, grilled chicken, fishcakes, exotic fruits are some that you should try. This market is an absolute delight for shopping lovers.

Location: 7 Wirat Hong Yok Rd, Phuket Town, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Timings: Opens at 4 PM and closes at 11 PM, open on Saturday and Sunday

Famous for: Second-hand goods, pirated items, crafts and curious and also live animals and their food

Suggested Read: Island In Phuket: Discovering Every Tropical Attraction Along The Shores

2. Banzaan Market

The word 'Banzaan' is derived from Hokkien, a Chinese dialect that means a 'new market'. It is right opposite Jungceylon (one of the malls in Phuket), standing as a modern-looking Thai fresh market. You can get items of daily use here at reasonable prices. This Thai local market is different from other markets in the way of its structure. It has escalators, neatly displayed goods, and incredible-looking decor. But this is not what the market is known for, rather known for its bizarre-looking yet delicious fruits.

An entire section is dedicated to fresh food, seafood, meat, sweets, vegetables, and flowers. The vendors in the market speak English giving a friendly environment to its tourists. Fruits are not all the market has, there are kiosks, toy stores, shoes, gift, and clothes stores as well. This marketplace is one of the funkiest places to visit in Phuket, and it also brings out a crazy desire for fruits (be healthy !!!).

Location: 181 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Rd, Patong Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand

Timings: Opens at 6 AM and closes at 10 PM, every day

Famous for: Meat, seafood, vegetables, flowers, Thai sweets, and dried goods, as well as a selection of bizarre-looking but delicious fruits.

3. Phuket Indy Market

It is one of its kind markets and is also among the best shopping places in Phuket. Not known to many people, it is the perfect marketplace for those looking for a unique shopping experience. It is a market where people can come and exchange their goods and in local terms is known as "laadploykong". The Indy market mainly attracts young people, who come here to have a good time, hang out, and chill. The market can be covered in an hour or so because it is quite small. The market sells lovely handicrafts, special bags (made from water hyacinth), there are artist's booths, manicure stands, live music, street shows, food stalls, and much, much more. If in this market, you must try Thai spicy salad, chicken BBQ, fried fish-paste balls, crispy pancakes, and drinks, even if you don't but anything you should try these foods and give a walk to this market it surely would not let you down.

Location: Limelight Avenue, Dibuk Road, Phuket Town

Timings: Opens at 4 PM and closes at 10 PM, open on Thursday and Friday

Famous for: Creations of the young Thais and food

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4. Chillva Market

Giving a somewhat Bohemian vibe, Chillva market is a cool and trendy night market with an impressive selection of food and fashion stalls. The shopfronts are made from colorful shipping containers giving the market a distinctive look. It is perfect for some aesthetic shots for 'grams and some idyllic shopping. The market is not as popular among tourists as much as it is among the locals. This market will give you a more local experience than other Phuket Street markets. Selling its products at reasonable prices Chillva market doesn't compromise with its quality of products. You will also find funky pubs, cafes, ice cream parlors with a wide variety of street food. It is not a very large market, so even if you don't want to buy anything it is worth a stroll around. The market is at its best atmosphere after 6 PM, with a lovely and funky vibe.

Location: Rasada, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Timings: Opens at 5 PM and closes at 11 PM, closed on Sunday

Famous for: Clothes, art, food, and bars

The experience of shopping in Phuket ranges from malls to local markets. For a more traditional and cultural experience, the street markets of Phuket are the best. They have traditional foods, clothing, pearls, and much more stuff that will connect you to their culture. From day markets to night markets, you got a lot to explore. Every market has something unique of its own which makes your experience even more memorable. You can bargain as you please in these markets. The vendors are so polite, and these markets have the power to take you to their culture as soon as you set foot there. Isn’t shopping here tempting? So, what is the wait for? Book your Phuket flights today!

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