Local markets in Phuket are a must-experience for every travel itinerary to the island paradise. With that said, their night markets take the experience up several notches. Several of the most popular night markets in Phuket play host to a blend of culture, cuisine, and consumerism, making it the perfect place to experience the locale in its entirety. So take note of these sprawling bazaars and immerse yourself in their vibrant atmosphere on your next visit.
We guide you through the eight best night markets in Phuket that promise festive vibes, great bargains, and unique items to take back home, sharing tips on when to visit, what to buy, and what to eat.
The best time to explore the night markets of Phuket
The best time to visit the night markets in Phuket is in the evenings when the weather is pleasant and most of the day’s sightseeing is done.
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Best night markets in Phuket
Bangla Night Market
Bangla Night Market, also known as Soi Bangla, is a vibrant night market full of fresh seafood, the latest in fashion, perfect souvenirs, lovely music, dazzling lights, and plenty of new experiences. One of the oldest markets in Phuket if not Thailand, Bangla Night Market is a paradise for shopaholics. Not just a wide array of products, but plenty of small bars and cafes make it a great place to sit, relax, and enjoy people-watching.
Opening hours: 6 pm to 2 am on all days
Must-buy: Home decor, local snacks, and casual attire.
Must-try food: Grilled meat and seafood, noodle soups, and pork congee.
Address: DTambon Patong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150
Chillva Market
One of the most unique night markets in Phuket, Chillva is home to cosy little shops, bars, and cafes built inside shipping containers. Located alongside Yaowarat Road, this fun night market offers visitors a chance to pick up handmade jewellery, apparel, handicrafts, and home decor. Giving Thai street food a try is a good idea here, especially if trying unique stuff like fried silkworms and grasshoppers strikes your fancy.
Opening hours: 5 pm to 11 pm Monday to Saturday; closed on Sundays
Must-buy: T-shirts with quirky sayings, handmade jewellery, and dried fruits.
Must-try food: Grilled horseshoe crab, grilled crocodile, and traditional Thai sweets.
Address: Ratsada, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000
Naka Market
One of the most popular night markets in Phuket among locals and tourists, Naka is a great place to score vintage fashion items, including branded accessories and apparel. This sprawling shopping district is the largest in the city, housing over 100 stalls selling electronic items, apparel, handicrafts, homemade condiments, and the perfect souvenirs to take back home. This covered market can keep visitors occupied for hours, offering shopping and entertainment options like VR games, live music, Karaoke bars, and more, for the entire family.
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Opening hours: 4 pm to 10 pm Saturday to Sunday; closed from Monday to Friday
Must-buy: Spices, fridge magnets, and printed sarongs.
Must-try food: Coconut ice cream, cold spring rolls, and grilled chicken satay.
Address: Wirat Hong Yok Rd, Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000
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Kata Night Market
Although more famous for its gigantic food court than shopping opportunities, Kata Night Market is one of the most popular places to visit in Phuket. Three domed pavilions make up the market, with one housing the food court and a bar, and the other two housing the shopping stalls. Spacious and full of amazing finds, from vintage items to local fabrics, Kata Night Market is worth a visit for picking up souvenirs and tie-n-dye items, and for indulging the palate with a selection of local Thai dishes.
Opening hours: 2 pm to 11 pm on all days
Must-buy: Muay Thai t-shirts, local artwork, and swimwear.
Must-try food: Green mango and papaya salad, dragonfruit smoothies, and whole-grilled fish.
Address: Muang Patak Rd, Tambon Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100
OTOP Night Market
An acronym for ‘One Tambon (sub-districts or townships) One Product’, the OTOP Night Market in Phuket is where visitors can get their hands on authentic Thai merchandise like handmade condiments, regional food items, handmade pottery, apparel made out of organic cotton, silk garments, traditional handicrafts, and plenty of stalls selling the latest in fashion accessories. Late evenings are when the fun starts at the market. The cosy bars start filling up, and dazzling lights, live music, and a festive vibe take over.
Opening hours: 5 pm to 12 am
Must-buy: Vibrant crystal-adorned masks, silk garments, and regional condiments.
Must-try food: Phad Thai, oyster omelette, and beer-battered fried chicken.
Address: OTOP Shopping Paradises 237/15-20 Patong Beach, Rat Uthit, 200 Kathu, Kathu District, Phuket 83150
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Fun Friday Avenue Market
Though considered relatively modest in size amongst Phuket’s night markets, the Fun Friday Avenue Market is an ideal way to kick off the weekend in style. Located on the way to Phuket Laguna near Patong Beach, this bustling market is where visitors can find street performers, live music, quirky trinkets, handicrafts, apparel, and a wide range of tasty treats. A great place for a fun night out, especially if you are looking for something to do after visiting the beach.
Opening hours: Open only on Fridays from 4 pm to 10:30 pm
Must-buy: Junk jewellery, silk shawls, and ornate handheld mirrors.
Must-try food: Roti pancakes, grilled shrimp, and salted fish.
Address: X8V3+JX8, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110
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Lard Yai Market
One of the most prominent night markets in Phuket, Lard Yai is also known as the Sunday Walking Street Market. Unique products, including handicrafts and traditional garments, make this place a must-visit in Phuket’s Old Town. From grilled seafood to a spicy papaya salad full of crunchy crabs and chewy tamarind pods, this market is a great place to sample local Thai street food.
Opening hours: Open only on Sundays from 4 pm to 10 pm
Must-buy: Hand-painted fabrics, fruit leather, and fragrant candles.
Must-try food: Artisanal vegan cheeses, fish cakes, and giant pork dumplings.
Address: Thalang Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000
(Feature image credit: Adisa/Shutterstock)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Phuket night markets are the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, garments, home decor, organic produce, and almost everything you can imagine.
Phuket night markets are famed for their grilled seafood and meat selections. You can also try smoothies and fresh fruit juices for a burst of flavour and energy.
The best time to visit them is during the evenings, shortly after they have opened.
All the night markets in Phuket open at different times, but most are open from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Not all the night markets in Phuket are open every day.
Expect the freshest of seafood and meats, cooked in traditional ways with global twists to suit the palate of international tourists.
Yes, night markets in Phuket are suitable for families.
Travelling within Phuket is easy; you can hire a cab or a tuk-tuk, or simply walk to most locations.
Bargaining is acceptable at the night markets in Phuket, and some shopkeepers encourage the back and forth. However, remember to be respectful while bargaining since they are artisans selling their ware and trying to make a living.
Pick up apparel, fridge magnets, handicrafts, and home decor from the night markets in Phuket.
Not all shops at these night markets in Phuket accept credit cards, so ensure you have enough cash on you to cover your purchases.
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Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked with TravelTriangle and Internet Moguls. When not in work mode, she can be found downing endless cups of coffee while reading Enid Blyton/Sidney Sheldon.
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