Phuket night markets
Night markets are an essential part of Thailand’s culinary culture. They’re not just a place to try authentic dishes, buy souvenirs, and other trinkets; they offer a real experience that immerses you deeply in Thai culture.
There is a theory that night markets first appeared in China during the Middle Ages and then spread throughout Southeast Asia. Small restaurants and stalls line up, offering classic Thai delicacies, including seafood, exotic fruits, smoothies, and even insects, as well as dishes from other world cuisines.
Phuket has many night markets. You can find the full list in the Night Markets section on our website, but here we’ll tell you about the best ones.
Chillva Market
The trendy Chillva Market in Phuket Town operates from 5 PM to 11 PM every day except Monday. You can buy literally anything here, from clothing and accessories to art pieces. But the main reason to visit Chillva Market is, of course, the food, which impresses with its abundance.
Next to the main market is Chillva Market-2, a place with the tastiest seafood where you can find fresh shrimp, squid, lobsters, oysters, and crabs.
Chillva Market can be described as more than just a night market — it’s a true creative space. The area has two stages for artist performances, and the shops are uniquely set up inside shipping containers.
Naka Weekend Market
This large night market is located on the west side of Phuket Town and operates on Saturdays and Sundays from 4 PM to 10 PM. Naka is divided into two sections: one for street food stalls and the other for clothing, shoes, bags, souvenirs, and other items.
Here, you can find various types of meat, seafood, Thai ice cream, and other unique sweets.
A special festive atmosphere is created by street musicians who perform in various parts of the market, while the food court is beautifully decorated with garlands.
Night Food Market Kata Beach
This lively night market is located near Kata Beach and operates daily from 11 AM to 11 PM. There are about 20 stalls offering Thai food, including meat skewers, seafood, and something exotic for the bravest – insects.
Visitors particularly appreciate the exceptionally clean area of the night market, which is, unfortunately, not always common. After each guest, the staff quickly cleans the table.
At the Night Food Market Kata Beach, you can also buy various souvenirs and clothing.
Malin Plaza
This market is located in Patong and operates daily from 11 AM until midnight. Malin Plaza is especially popular among tourists because you can enjoy not only dinner but also lunch at the market.
A large part of the space is dedicated to ready-made food stalls. For example, you can try octopus and crocodile skewers, grilled fish and meat, soups and salads, rolls, roti, and much more.
In the clothing section of Malin Plaza, you can find everything a tourist might need: swimsuits, beachwear, and cute souvenirs.
It’s convenient that most of the market is covered by a high metal roof, so you can comfortably stay there even in the rain.
Bangla Night Market
Located in the island’s most vibrant area, Bangla Road, it operates daily from 6 PM to 2 AM. You can stop by Bangla Night Market after a wild party to satisfy your hunger with local street food.
Exotic, authentic, and atmospheric — this is how you can describe this market. The variety of exotic food is impressive: they will grill crocodile in front of you, serve crispy scorpions on a stick, and take a sea creature straight from the aquarium and cook it on the spot.
Since this market is located in the most touristy area, prices are a bit inflated, so don’t hesitate to bargain.
Lard Yai Sunday Night Market
Every Sunday from 4 PM to 11 PM, the pedestrian street in Phuket Old Town turns into a fair. At Lard Yai, you can buy unique handmade souvenirs, clothing made from natural materials, and other memorable items.
You will also find a variety of Thai street food and fresh exotic fruits here. Street musicians and artists add to the colorful vibe of Lard Yai. It’s a true tourist attraction — fun, vibrant, and bustling.
Phuket Indy Night Market
This “hipster” market in Phuket Town is especially popular with young people and travelers. Phuket Indy Night Market operates on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4 PM to 10:30 PM. Here, you can buy unique handmade items and paintings by local artists.
Visitors are also drawn by the vibrant street design: walls are decorated with graffiti, and the food court area is adorned with light bulbs and garlands. And of course, you can also enjoy Thai street food here while listening to local musicians.
Bang Tao Night Market
This small market in Bang Tao operates on Mondays from 4 PM to 9 PM and on Thursdays from 2 PM to 8 PM. It’s the best place to shop for clothing, cosmetics, souvenirs, and other small items at great prices. And you can also grab a tasty meal at Bang Tao Night Market.
Seafood and meat delicacies are prepared right in front of you. Fruits here are cheaper than in tourist spots, and clothing vendors are happy to negotiate.
Be sure to check out the Phuket Night Markets section to fully discover Thai street food. You can also try dishes from Thai and other world cuisines at one of the venues listed in the Cafes and Restaurants section.
