25 Feb. 2022

Passing through Phuket during your trip to Thailand? Don't miss exploring the city's night markets! Whether you're browsing between stalls, shopping for artisanal goods and souvenirs, or tasting delicious street food, Thai night markets are genuine institutions where tourists and locals mingle. Here are the 5 best night markets in Phuket.

1. Chillva Night Market Phuket

If Chillva is our favourite night market in Phuket, it's because it stands apart from the typical tourist markets you usually encounter. Recently opened and frequented more by locals than foreigners, it has earned a reputation as Phuket's trendiest night market among young Thais.

While it boasts a relaxed and festive atmosphere, Chillva Night Market also features a unique touch: shops and bars housed in shipping containers. You'll find a live music stage in the centre of the market, plus numerous stalls—some dedicated to street food, others to clothing (new or secondhand) and all manner of souvenirs—all at remarkably affordable prices!

Address: 141/2 Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 5pm–11pm. We recommend visiting Thursday to Saturday for the greatest variety of stalls and entertainment.

2. Phuket Weekend Market (Naka Market or Phuket Chatuchak)

Also known as Naka Market or Phuket Chatuchak (named after Bangkok's famous market), Phuket Weekend Market is the city's largest night market. A true treasure trove where you won't know where to look first, you'll find absolutely everything! It's no surprise that Thais nickname it "Talad Tairod"—roughly translating to "flea market."

Naka Market comprises a covered section brimming with an impressive variety of secondhand goods (clothing, objects, and curiosities) and an open-air section stocked with electronics, fashion accessories, jewellery, and a food section. In the latter, all your senses come alive! Prepare yourself for colourful and flavourful local dishes...

Note: Crowded and often sweltering (especially in the covered area), we recommend bringing water and arriving after sunset, from 7pm onwards!

Address: Thalang Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket Hours: Open weekends only, 4pm–11pm

3. Phuket Indy Night Market

A change of scenery! After the bustling atmosphere of Phuket's largest night market, head to a much smaller one with a peaceful vibe: Indy Night Market. You'll find handcrafted items, new or secondhand clothing, fashion accessories, all set to live music, outdoor bars, and occasional street performances.

But if there's one thing to remember about this market, it's its food stalls offering exceptional value! Pad Thai, skewers, fried chicken, mango sticky rice... all the hallmark Thai culinary specialities await you. If you're seeking a quiet, lesser-known night market where you can wander and savour incredible cuisine, this is the place!

Address: Limelight Avenue, Phuket Town Hours: Open Wednesday to Friday, 4pm–10:30/11pm.

4. Sunday Walking Street Market (or Lard Yai)

Also known as Lardyai (meaning "big market"), Sunday Walking Street Market is a beloved family gathering spot on Sunday evenings. For the occasion, the famous Thalang road, situated in the heart of old Phuket town, becomes pedestrianised. Like most Thai night markets, you'll find countless typical dishes alongside souvenir shops, handicraft stalls, and clothing vendors.

What we love about Sunday Walking Street Market? Beyond shopping and sampling street food, you discover a street with extraordinary architecture! Buildings in a style called "Sino-Portuguese"—drawing inspiration from European and Chinese architecture—display ultra-colourful facades! These tell the story of Phuket's commercial past during the tin-mining era.

Address: Thalang road, Phuket Old Town Hours: Every Sunday, 4pm–10pm

5. Malin Plaza Patong

Malin Plaza Patong offers a wide range of souvenir stalls and food stands while maintaining a human scale. Moreover, despite the crowds, you can stroll without literally treading on people! For shopping, you'll find everything: from t-shirts to jeans, bags, beauty products, curiosities, souvenirs, and high-tech gadgets.

But once again, what captures our attention is the numerous street food stalls serving Thai specialities at rock-bottom prices. And since market food is often far superior and significantly cheaper than tourist restaurant fare, we wholeheartedly recommend a visit!

Address: Prachanukhro Road, Patong Hours: Open daily, 11am–midnight

Florine Dergelet

Tourism

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveller driven by an appetite to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. For her, travel is not about ticking countries off a map, but weaving bonds—often invisible yet always powerful—with places, peoples, and all manner of creatures from the animal kingdom. Her creed? Advise travellers with integrity, awaken their conscience about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble, sustainable tourism. Because the finest memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a path, amid conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to truly hear…