Shopping In Phuket: Where Should You Shop From In Phuket?

Phuket is a shopper’s heaven. The island has a variety of shopping destinations, from the busy open-air markets to street stalls and massive shopping malls. The prices vary along with the atmosphere and products you’ll find at each place. In the markets, you’ll tend to find more traditional handicrafts and souvenirs, while the shopping malls are best for clothing and jewellery. But let us go even deeper and give you a comprehensive guide to shopping in Phuket.

1. Jungceylon Shopping Complex

As the largest shopping mall in Patong, Phuket, the Jungceylon Shopping Mall is almost like a world on its own. The first thing that will grab your attention at this mega-mall is the boat in the water on the outside of the mall. The second is the extensive range of shopping outlets and facilities that the mall provides. Jungceylon has over 300 stores, both international and local brands, including two major department stores- Robinsons and Big C.

There is also plenty to choose from when it comes to food, with some 20-plus restaurants, additional fast food restaurants, and a food court. The mall is complete with a cinema, bowling alley, museum, a large playground for children, a spa and nail and hair salons.

2. Chilva Market

Chilva Market is a bustling night market in Phuket, specifically located by the side of Yaowarat Road. The market, which opens at 5:00 in the afternoon, is relatively small but there is an impressive variety of food stalls and colorful container shops selling the latest fashion, accessories and traditional handicraft.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the flea market comes to town and locals set up tents and hawkers stalls at maximum capacity in the marketplace, making it livelier than usual. In the center of the market is a small stage that sees many presentations and live musical performances, and even though they are mostly spoken or sang in Thai, tourists that visit will still be entertained.

3. Phuket Weekend Market

This is one of the largest night markets on the island. With its size comes the opportunity for a larger variety of products sold within the market. The market, held on Sundays, and is divided into sections to give visitors ease when shopping. In the covered section, you’ll find an assortment of secondhand items like jeans, T-shirts, and curios, along with cool tourist souvenirs such as carvings and painting.

The open section is where you will find the largest variety of products. Accessories, toys, electronics, clothes, bags and more are sold here, then closer to the main entrance is all the local food that you can imagine.

4. Phuket Walking Street Market

Phuket Walking Street is one of the newest attractions to be established in Phuket Old Town. The busy shopping area which stretches the 350-meter-long Thalang Road is as much a cultural attraction as it is a night market.

In the middle of an old Sino-Portuguese district is the presence of stalls, stands and shops selling local handicrafts, cool souvenirs, clothing and more. A range of local dishes, fruit juices, ice-cream, and traditional Thai sweets and desserts are also sold on Phuket Walking Street.

5. Central Festival Phuket

The Central Festival Phuket is one of those places that you wouldn’t mind being stuck at when it rains because there’s just so much that you can do. As one of the major shopping malls on the island, this huge complex is your one stop for all your shopping needs.

There are more than 120 outlets, ranging from clothing to electronic products, books, cosmetics and even toy stores. The mall has a food court and a range of international restaurants that offer everything from Japanese and French to local Thai cuisine. Central Festival is also home to SFX Coliseum Cinema, Phuket’s largest cinema complex.

6. Karon Temple Market

The Karon Temple Market, located on Karon Beach, is one of the most popular markets in Phuket. The market is specifically located on the grounds of Wat Suwan Khiri Khet (the official name of Karon Temple), which spans 12,000 sqm.

Twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays in the evenings, the compound is transformed into a lively market selling a variety of products and local food. From products like T-shirts, Thai-style bags, scarves, sarongs and cheap jewellery to Thai sweets, fruit smoothies and even fried insects, you’re bound to discover something new at Karon Market.

7. Phuket Indy Market

Phuket Indy Market is a small, twice-weekly market in Phuket that is becoming a popular spot for teenagers and young adults on the island. Along with the affordable clothing and handmade souvenirs that are sold in the market, visitors are also attracted to the artist booths and live performances.

On Thursdays and Fridays starting at 4pm, visitors can pay to have their portraits and caricatures done by artists in a short time. There are lots of delicious food, drinks and sweets also sold at the market. Candy, Thai-style crepes, non-alcoholic cocktails, Thai kebabs and other local dishes are just some of what you will find at this market.