Top Night Markets in Phuket by Area
A night market is a true Asian phenomenon. Where else do people love eating late at night this much?
Night markets first appeared in China during the Middle Ages and later spread across Southeast Asia. In Phuket, the concept was introduced by Chinese immigrants who settled on the island in the 19th century.
Today, night markets have become popular tourist attractions. You can enjoy delicious street food, try Thai delicacies, shop for clothes and souvenirs, and watch performances by local artists.
Phuket is home to many night markets. The most unique and interesting ones are located in Phuket Town, but most travelers prefer to stay closer to the beach. Here’s a guide to the best markets in the island’s most popular tourist areas.
Karon. Night market Karon
Opening hours: Tue and Fri: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; closed on other days.
The market is located right on the grounds of a Buddhist temple – what could be more authentic? This setting makes the Night Market Karon a truly unique place. It also offers a genuine culinary and cultural experience.
Night Market Karon stands out for its wide variety of goods. Of course, you’ll find fresh seafood here, grilled right in front of you. For more on traditional Thai dishes — and some exotic “delicacies” for the adventurous — check out our articles Edible Sea Creatures and Fried Insects.
You’ll also find plenty of handcrafted souvenirs at the Karon Night Market: wooden tableware, costume jewelry, scarves, cosmetics, spices, and a wide selection of beachwear. And yes — don’t be shy to haggle; bargaining is part of the market culture.
Kata. Night Food Market Kata Beach
Opening hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
A lively night market located right next to Kata Beach and open every day. It’s a classic setup: Thai cuisine, fresh seafood, and “exotic” snacks like insects on skewers. In total, there are about 20 food stalls.
Special kudos to the staff at Night Food Market Kata Beach for keeping the area clean — they wipe down tables after every guest. Right next to this food paradise, you’ll also find a few stalls selling souvenirs and clothing, so you can get everything you need in one spot.
Patong. Bangla Night Market
Opening hours: Daily from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM
This night market has a unique atmosphere that draws tourists to the heart of Phuket’s nightlife — the bustling Bangla Road. Here, you can watch crocodile meat sizzling on the grill, try crispy scorpions on a stick, or choose live seafood from an aquarium that gets cooked on the spot. It’s like a Thai-style kitchen show. For those not ready for such bold experiments, there are more familiar dishes available too.
Bangla Night Market is located in a busy tourist area, so prices are a bit higher. Still, it’s a great place to grab a bite after a hot night out at one of Bangla Road’s many clubs — which, by the way, are just around the corner.
Bang Tao. Bang Tao Night Market
Opening hours: Mon: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Tue–Wed: Closed; Thu: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Fri–Sun: Closed
Bang Tao Night Market is more about goods than food, making it a convenient spot to shop for souvenirs, cosmetics, clothing, and other small items. But of course, it wouldn’t be Thailand if you couldn’t grab a bite to eat. Seafood and meat delicacies are grilled right in front of you, vendors offer samples of fresh exotic fruits, and there’s a wide selection of ready-made dishes and Asian sweets.
Interestingly, although Bang Tao is considered one of Phuket’s upscale areas, fruit prices here are lower than in many tourist hotspots — and clothing vendors are open to bargaining.
Nai Harn/Rawai. Rawai Seafood Market
Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
This market is the best place to try the freshest seafood in Phuket. It’s also known as the “Sea Gypsy Market,” named after the sea gypsies who supply it with just-caught shrimp, mussels, octopus, and other treasures from the ocean.
Rawai Seafood Market is located near Rawai Pier, which offers a beautiful view. You can either take your seafood home or bring it to one of the nearby restaurants, where they’ll clean and cook it any way you like — perfect for a sunset picnic.
Phuket Town. Phuket Indy Night Market
Opening hours: Wed–Fri: 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM; closed on other days
This small market is a Phuket legend. It’s hard to find a place more authentic. Often called the most “hipster” market on the island, it mainly attracts local youth and international travelers.
It’s a true art space: graffiti-covered walls, a food court decorated with string lights and other creative lighting. Local indie musicians often perform live, adding to the unique vibe.
What can you buy at Phuket Indy Night Market? First and foremost, a variety of handmade goods — including paintings by Thai artists. And of course, no Thai market is complete without street food, which is always part of the experience.
You can find more locations in the Night Markets section. Even more conveniently, use our Telegram bot — it lets you open the exact location in Google Maps and find the night market closest to you.
Looking for more shopping spots on the island? Check out the Shopping Malls and Souvenir Stores in Phuket sections.
