The Most Popular Markets in Phuket

Where should you absolutely visit when vacationing in an Asian country? Naturally, the market – it’s where you can truly experience the authentic flavor of the region. The local flavor is best experienced at the bazaar, and Phuket’s markets are no exception. While they differ in certain aspects, they also share many similarities. Let’s delve into them one by one…

Market Map

Shopping in Phuket is a fascinating and exciting affair. It’s hard to find so many shops and stores in any other Asian country. Below is a map of the most popular tourist (and some non-tourist) markets. Feel free to study and explore the island’s market world — you’ll definitely enjoy it.

Patong

The most popular resort in Phuket (if we can call it that) is Patong. So let’s start by exploring the abundance of markets here. There are quite a few:

1. Banzaan Market
2. OTOP Market
3. Malin Plaza
4. Loma Market
5. Nanai Fresh Market
6. The bazaar near JJ Plaza

Banzaan Market

Banzaan Market is located near the Jungceylon Shopping Center, practically behind it on Sai Kor Road. Banzaan Market may not conform to the traditional image of an Eastern bazaar – it represents a more modern, enclosed shopping center experience. It’s a covered, two-story building that looks like a small shopping center. The first floor has a huge number of stalls selling souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, etc., while the second floor is full of stalls selling all kinds of products, essentially a food court.

Outside Banzaan Market, vendors set up stalls (vendors who couldn’t afford a spot inside the food court). This is the quintessentially memorable experience in Thailand—local cuisine. You’ll find seafood, fruit, and all sorts of local desserts. Basically, anything your heart desires. If you like to cook, you can buy all the necessary ingredients here.

As is generally the case, it’s quite noisy here. The fact that locals also shop at Banzaan adds to its authenticity and appeal.

Operating hours of the covered market: 7 AM to 5 PM. The outdoor market runs until midnight, making it essentially an evening market.

Prices:

• Fresh fruit smoothie – 20 THB
• Pineapple – 100 THB
• Watermelon – 25 THB
• Mango – 40 THB
• Papaya – 40 THB
• Boiled shrimp – 40 THB (five pieces)
• Shrimp kebab – 100 THB
• Chicken kebab – 30 THB
• Tom Yum – 120 THB

OTOP Market

OTOP Market is a standard clothing market with a huge range of cheap apparel. Located at Soi Rat U Thit 200, opposite the Destination Patong Hotel. It’s essentially typical market stalls and, unlike Banzaan, more closely resembles what we traditionally think of as a “market.” It’s considered Phuket’s largest clothing bazaar.

They sell not just clothing but also various beach accessories, bags, cosmetics, shoes, and much more. However, note that larger tourists might have trouble finding clothes here because all the sizes are very small, meant for petite Thais.

The market comes alive in the evening, and haggling is a must. There are few places with fixed prices, so try to bargain…

Prices:

• Swimsuit – 250–300 THB
• Flip-flops – 100 THB
• T-shirts and shorts – from 100 THB
• Hats – from 50 THB
• Sunglasses – 50 THB

Operating hours: 10:00–24:00.

Malin Plaza

It’s worth noting up front that this place mainly targets tourists, so prices are somewhat higher compared to OTOP or Banzaan. The market is relatively new, opened a few years ago. It’s located on Soi Luang Wat, practically at the edge of Patong if you’re heading toward Karon.

You’ll find a huge selection of clothing, cosmetics, and personal care items here. Most goods are generic, but in terms of genuine Thai oils and other cosmetic products, you can find decent options if you’re puzzling over what gifts to bring friends and family.

In addition to the above, there’s a separate zone selling food (ready-to-eat and raw). You’ll find a huge variety of fruits and seafood. In fact, you can not only buy products to cook at home, but also ask them to cook anything on the spot, then eat it with a fresh juice or beer. If you don’t have time to wait or are just hungry, there are plenty of ready-to-eat dishes available.

Prices:

• Fried grilled chicken – 50 THB
• Grilled fish – 60 THB
• Squid, shrimp, octopus, etc. – 100 THB
• Ready-made sushi rolls – from 8 THB each
• Boiled corn – 20 THB
• Smoothies – 30 THB

Market hours: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Loma Market

This spot can be called Patong’s night market, as there aren’t many alternatives (most bazaars shut down after midnight and don’t reopen till morning). Loma Market is a typical tourist market, like many on Phuket. It’s located right on the beachfront on Beach Road.

You can only buy food here and perhaps some small trinkets. Prices are a bit higher than at Banzaan or OTOP because of the prime location, and you don’t need to wander around complex Thai streets.

As elsewhere, you can buy raw products and have them cooked for you on the spot, or buy ready-made meals.

Operating hours: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Nanai Fresh Market

Another food market is Nanai Fresh Market, near Banzaan Market on Nanai Road (hence the name). Prices here are reasonable, and you can often bargain for a good discount.

Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

The Bazaar Near JJ Plaza

Thailand is worth visiting solely for its famous dishes, and luckily, there are plenty of markets overflowing with food. Another food-focused representative of Thai gastronomic wonders is the market near JJ Plaza. It’s located near the Jungceylon Mall. Tourists can choose between prepared Thai dishes and the country’s renowned fresh fruit.

Prices are quite friendly, allowing you to save on food (compared to dining in cafés, it’s cheaper here).

Open from 5:00 PM to midnight.

Karon

The next most popular resort is Karon, and the market scene here is somewhat more limited than in Patong. Perhaps it’s due to less demand, or maybe that’s all the area needs.

Karon has the following bazaars:

1. Karon Temple Market at Wat Karon
2. Karon Bazaar
3. Karon Plaza

Market at Wat Karon

This bazaar is Karon’s night market, which is a traditional market in the eyes of  European tourists. You’ll find a huge range of items crammed into a small area: clothing, cosmetics, souvenirs, loads of bags, and of course, food.

The market is located on the grounds of the Buddhist temple Wat Karon, well-known to locals and tourists alike. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, a traveling market called Talad Nat sets up here. It sells vegetables, fruits, and prepared Thai dishes.

Operating hours: 12:00 PM to midnight (Talad Wat only Tuesdays and Thursdays).

Karon Bazaar

If you’re up late and can’t sleep, you can visit Karon Bazaar, located on Beach Road between the Woraburi and Movenpick Hotels. The market area isn’t large, but there are plenty of stalls offering all kinds of products. You can buy clothes, food, souvenirs, cosmetics, and more.

Operating hours: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Karon Plaza

Karon Plaza is a typical clothing market on Phuket, selling apparel, bags, beach gear, cosmetics, equipment for outdoor activities, and many other textile-related items. It’s located near the promenade, between the Hilton and Movenpick Hotels.

Hours: 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Kata

The Kata area has two permanent markets and one traveling market (the Talad Nat mentioned earlier). The Kata markets are:

1. A food market near Patak Road
2. Kata Clothing Market

Food Market on Patak Road

Kata’s main food market is on Patak Road and is considered one of the most budget-friendly options between Patong and Kata. You’ll find a huge selection of vegetables, fruit, meat, and all sorts of seasonings and spices.

The prices here are lower and more lenient.

Prices:

• Pineapple – 10–25 THB
• Bananas – 20 THB
• Mango – 20 THB
• Papaya – 40 THB
• Seafood – from 50 THB

These lower prices reflect the smaller crowd compared to Patong. But it might not be worth the trip just to save a few baht.

Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

If you plan to buy fresh fish, you need to get here before noon because the fish sellers leave once the ice melts and the fish starts to spoil.

Kata Clothing Market

Another Thai mini-mall on solid ground is near Kata Beach in the center. It’s a small market selling a variety of generic goods and beach items for tourists. You can find everything from caps to shoes, plus various electronics accessories.

It’s easy to find since it’s practically near the beach. Just note it’s best to enter from the side opposite the beach.

Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Night Market Talad Nat

A “night market” in Phuket generally refers to many bazaars; it doesn’t necessarily mean they run from evening until morning. Most markets close by midnight.

The traveling market Talad Nat sets up near the Patak food market, across from the Beach Boutique House Hotel.

Prices are budget-friendly, and the food selection is extensive. For instance, a chicken kebab costs only 10 THB.

The only downside is that this bazaar is only open Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 9:00 PM.

Kamala

South of Patong is the Kamala area and its beach. Two small markets operate here, which few tourists know about:

1. Talad Nat
2. Kamala Friday Market

Talad Nat Market

A traveling market named Talad Nat sets up in the southern part of Kamala, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Interestingly, it’s also labeled a “night market,” even though it closes by 6:00 PM — one of Phuket’s little quirks.

Everything is pretty cheap here, whether it’s food or clothing. For example, a bag of vegetables might cost 200 THB in a store, but only 50 THB here. Plus, you can find simple clothing at a low price.

The address changed; it used to be opposite the Big C store, but now you have to continue from the old location toward Patong and turn down at the first intersection following signs.

Kamala Friday Market

This bazaar might have been called a “weekend market” if it were open on Saturday or Sunday, but it runs Mondays and Fridays from 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM. It’s near the Oasis Spa Phuket Hotel.

You can buy the same items as at typical Phuket markets, all at relatively low prices. There’s no tourist markup; locals sell to locals, and that’s the allure.

Rawai Beach

Rawai Beach basically has sea access, but swimming there is impossible as its main purpose is a dock for fishing and other boats. As you might guess, Phuket’s most famous fish market is located here.

At the Rawai Market, everything is incredibly fresh, often caught just hours or even minutes before. Hence the prices may not be very “budget-friendly,” although it depends on what you compare them to.

Prices:

• Shrimp – from 500 THB
• Lobster – from 800 THB
• Langoustine – from 900 THB
• Sea Bass – 300 THB
• Octopus – 350 THB
• Squid – 350 THB
• Shellfish – 200 THB
• Mussels – 200 THB
• Rock Lobster – 900 THB
• Oyster – 100 THB
• Crab – 250 THB

After your purchase, you can cook it yourself or have it prepared by a local cook on the spot and eat it. There are many places offering this service.

The cost of cooking ranges from 50 to 100 THB (if the price is low, it means you need to buy their products).

If you want lower prices, get up earlier (around 5 AM) and come here in the morning like many Thais do. Official hours: 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Phuket Town

Phuket Town (the city) has the highest concentration of markets, which makes sense as it’s a sizable city. It features both cheap markets and pricier ones. Let’s go through them in order.

Markets in Phuket Town:

1. Nightmarket
2. The market on Thalang Road
3. Downtown Market
4. Indy Market
5. Expo Market
6. Chatuchak
7. Samkong
8. The one on Kwang Road
9. Cube Bazaar

Nightmarket

Coming to eternal summer isn’t just about beaches; you can also see Phuket’s biggest market. This is a Sunday market, proudly called the Weekend Market. You can buy practically anything, including:

• Clothing
• Footwear
• Souvenirs
• Bags and accessories
• Pets
• Food

Most goods are displayed without price tags, so you have to bargain. That typically cuts the stated price by two or sometimes three times.

It’s best to arrive between 4:00 and 6:00 PM when the crowd isn’t as dense, so you won’t have to push through, and vendors may be more open to haggling.

Otherwise, this market is similar to many mentioned above.

Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Market on Thalang Road

Another weekend evening market is set up on Thalang Road. The street is closed off just for this, and stalls are set up right on the roadway, so people can stroll along what would typically be a driving lane.

It’s not just a market in the traditional sense; it’s an entire trading industry. You can not only buy items but also snap free pictures with various displays (sometimes you’ll see vintage cars here).

Music is everywhere, and the vibe is relaxed and laid-back. Besides numerous cafés and restaurants, you can buy street-food right from a stall (think Thai-style fast food).

Hours: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Downtown Market

The oldest fruit market on the island is in the Ranong Road area, and its schedule is delightful — it’s open 24/7. It can afford to be open all day because of the huge demand and the locals’ trust in Downtown Market.

Fruits from all the island’s major plantations and farms are brought here and then distributed to cafés and restaurants.

On weekdays, they mostly sell fruit, while on weekends, you can find clothing and souvenirs. The selection is enormous, and prices are quite reasonable.

Indy Market

There’s a place on the island that isn’t touristy at all, designed for locals: Indy Market. It runs every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM and is full of local teens (mostly schoolkids). They don’t just hang out and buy things; some of them sell items, too.

You’ll find souvenirs and handmade items here. It’s somewhat comparable to the occasional “novelty” shops in Europe (though these aren’t joke stores, but places with unique and amusing items).

You can buy paintings by local artists, passport covers with quirky designs, knitted toys, and designer clothing.

Prices are low, aimed at locals.

Expo

Another local clothing market where you can buy anything from hats to crocodile-skin shoes. Despite low prices, it’s not popular among tourists; mostly locals shop here.

It’s a covered area with wide aisles, so you won’t have the crowds typical of other malls.

Prices:

• Souvenir elephant – 65 THB
• Vase – 150 THB
• Flip-flops – 100 THB
• Sunglasses – from 100 THB

Keep in mind that items purchased at Expo Market may not be top quality, so don’t expect them to last forever.

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Chatuchak

Some places aren’t usually shown to tourists, such as the Chatuchak market (Phuket’s flea market). It’s essentially a secondhand bazaar, reminiscent of a smaller version of Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market — but about 10–15 times smaller, occupying just 100 m².

You’ll find both clearly old items and quite decent used clothing.

 

There are many antique dealers here, and you might score a genuinely rare, valuable item.

Open on weekends from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

It’s located near the old bus station Phang Nga, but you should enter from Surin Road.

Samkong Market

Another bazaar is near the Samkong Temple, operating three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) from 4:00 PM to midnight. Its location is advantageous, as many tourists drop by after excursions. They sell a little of everything here, and prices are a bit higher than elsewhere because it’s a tourist spot.

Cube Bazaar

If you need a phone case or some household item, ask your guide to take you to Cube Bazaar, or visit on your own.

It’s a small, open-air market (it can get wet when it rains) that sells phone cases, glasses, home goods, jewelry, etc.

Located behind the Big C shopping center.

Operating hours: daily, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Market on Kwang Road

If you’re tired of sunbathing, you can also visit this place. It’s on the southern side of the city, across from Siam Commercial Bank. They sell a bit of everything, and prices are low.

Operating hours: Tuesday, Thursday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Bang Tao Beach

Bang Tao Beach is known for its secluded vibe, yet it also has a few markets, including:

1. Cherngtalay
2. Tesco Lotus
3. Canal Village

Cherngtalay Market

If you want to not only check out the sights but also bring something home, definitely visit Cherngtalay. The selection isn’t huge, but prices are quite low, letting you buy more souvenirs cheaply. And if you get tired and hungry, there are plenty of snack stops at Cherngtalay.

It’s near the police station, making it automatically one of the safest places.

The Market Near Tesco Lotus

A typical all-purpose market near the Tesco Lotus hypermarket. It’s the standard set of goods — souvenirs, trinkets, food, fruit, vegetables — all at low prices. Essentially, a mini convenience store stretched across several stalls.

Open daily (except Thursday) from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Canal Village Market

Canal Village runs on Saturdays and is basically a Saturday fair showcasing Thai local goods. “Local” is no exaggeration; they don’t just sell products but also host shows and festivals.

This market is open during the tourist season (November to March) every Saturday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

It’s near the beach, but best reached by transport so you don’t wear yourself out walking.

Cape Panwa

If you’re staying at Cape Panwa, we recommend visiting the Muang Thon fruit market on Sakdidet Road, in the city center. Muang Thon is located opposite the Tesco Lotus supermarket. Prices here don’t differ much from other bazaars, but the fruit is delivered from a nearby farm, so you can be sure it’s fresh.

Operating hours: daily, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Chalong Market

By Chalong Circle (a well-known landmark), there’s one of the cheapest markets. Its location is favorable for visitors, enabling them to reduce the prices of products as much as possible.

They sell not just vegetables and fruit but also clothing and various souvenirs. Chalong is open Sundays from 6:00 AM to noon.

The Market near the Heroine’s Monument

In the Thalang area, there’s a fruit market located by the Heroine’s Monument, operating daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The rule here is: the earlier you arrive, the lower the prices.

Nai Yang

Lesser-known Phuket beaches also have markets. For instance, Nai Yang Beach has a mixed bazaar opposite Wat Nai Yang (the temple may also be called Wat Mongkol Wararam). Besides Western-style clothing, you can also buy Thai apparel for both women and men. This makes a great souvenir for folks back home.

Open daily from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Nai Thon

Nai Thon Beach, on Thepkassatri Road, is said to have a mixed market where you can buy not only food but also souvenirs, gifts, and small must-haves for swimming and sunbathing.

Open Saturdays from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

During the rainy season (June to September), it may operate sporadically.

So, this is by no means a complete list of markets in Phuket. Covering them all would require an entire website. Please share your observations and add information in the comments, helping each other make our vacations better and more enjoyable. Any review is welcome!