Karon Night Market on the temple grounds

Night Market Karon isn’t just a night market. It’s a place where you can have a true culinary and cultural experience.

Here, you can taste authentic Thai cuisine and immerse yourself in the incredible atmosphere – the market is located right on the grounds of a Buddhist temple!🐲

Wat Suwan Khiri Khet Temple was built in the late 19th century and has remained an important spiritual center for the residents of Karon ever since. Having a market on temple grounds is a traditional practice in Thailand: such fairs help the temple earn funds for maintenance, while locals are able to trade in a blessed environment. That’s why the combination of the sacred and the everyday feels completely natural here.

Despite the noise and bustle of the market, the temple itself remains open to visitors. While the market is operating, you can calmly walk inside to admire the murals, statues, and the mythical Nagas decorating the entrance. However, it’s important to follow basic etiquette: speak quietly, do not walk in front of people who are praying, and remove your shoes when entering prayer halls.

The market itself is especially interesting for its goods. Pay special attention to handmade items, such as wooden tableware — plates, spoons, and salad bowls made from teak wood. To tell genuine handmade products from factory-made ones, look closely at the details: handmade pieces often have a natural texture, slight imperfections, and a unique wood grain pattern.

Fragrant oils, soaps, scented candles, and small works by local artisans are also highly valued here — all of them make excellent souvenirs made in Phuket.

When it comes to food, the temple market is one of the best places to try classic Thai dishes. You’ll find mini skewers of pork, chicken, beef, and seafood, freshly cooked Pad Thai, aromatic Tom Yum, smoothies and fresh juices made from mango, dragon fruit, and pineapple, coconut ice cream, mango sticky rice, and other desserts.

The market operates on Tuesdays and Fridays. Trading starts around 4–5 PM and stays lively until 11 PM, sometimes even later. The schedule doesn’t change with the seasons, and rain is not a problem.

Payment at the market is cash only, in Thai baht. If you run out of cash, there is an ATM near the temple grounds. Keep in mind that ATM withdrawal fees in Thailand are usually around 220–250 baht per transaction, regardless of the amount withdrawn.

Read more about other markets in the article Top Night Markets in Phuket by Area.