Chillva Market

Night markets in Thailand are not just shopping spots but a true cultural phenomenon. One of the most popular is Chillva Market. It operates daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, except on Sundays.

What makes this market unique is its creative use of shipping containers as shops.

At Chillva Market, you’ll find everything — from clothing and accessories to souvenirs and works of art. But the main reason to visit is definitely the food. Here you can indulge in a huge variety of culinary delights: from seafood specialties to fried insects and unusual sweets.

What to try if it’s your first time at a night market:

• Pad Thai – the legendary noodle dish with shrimp or chicken.
• Grilled seafood: squid, octopus, shrimp.
• Mango sticky rice – Thailand’s number one dessert.
• Satay – skewers of meat or chicken served with peanut sauce.
• Som Tam – spicy green papaya salad.
• Roti – thin pancakes with sweet fillings.
• Coconut ice cream served in half a coconut.

If you’re adventurous, you can also try fried insects. It’s more of a tourist experience than a local tradition — Thais don’t usually snack on crickets or scorpions — but it’s certainly memorable. We wrote more about this in our article “Fried Insects: Exotic Delicacy or Daring Experience?”

Watch our video about Chillva Market to feel the unique atmosphere of this night market.

Just 100 meters from the main market, you’ll find Chillva Market 2 — a seafood market where you can buy not only fresh shrimp and squid but also giant lobsters, oysters, crabs, and all kinds of shellfish and crustaceans.

For those who love trying new things, Chillva Market is a must-visit. It’s also a creative space: two stages host live street performances, so people come here not only for dinner but also to enjoy the artistic vibe of Phuket’s nightlife.

Make sure to bring cash in Thai baht, as that’s the main form of payment. We also recommend carrying wet wipes or sanitizer to clean your hands before eating.

There is convenient parking next to the market, so you can easily come by car or motorbike.

Also, check out our article “Top Night Markets in Phuket by Area” to discover even more markets around the island.