The Ultimate Guide to the Best Shopping in Phuket, Thailand
What’s a vacation without indulging in some retail therapy? From a luxury, Phuket shopping mall to buying trinkets at weekend markets, shopping in Phuket is an experience on its own.
So want to know where to shop in Phuket to splurge on your Thai holiday? Our ultimate guide to the best shopping in Phuket rounds up 10 of the best places to loosen your purse strings.
Easily book your transportation tickets to Phuket here.
1. Jungceylon Shopping Complex
This huge, colourful Phuket town shopping mall is home to some of the best global luxury labels. Jungceylon hosts two main stores, Robinsons and Big C, apart from other 200 retail outlets of course!
Known to be one of the largest shopping malls in Phuket, Jungceylon promises an entire days entertainment with its luxurious cinema, 16 lane bowling alley and delectable international cuisines. And just when you are tired of all the retail therapy, hop onto the Thai massage outlet here!
Must Buy: International labels and electronic gadgets
How to Reach: Located in the downtown, diagonally opposite Bangla Road
2. Walking Street
Thalang Road’s lively Walking Street is truly a world on its own. As you walk through the half-kilometre stretch, you can witness stalls with a mix of cultures like Chinese, Muslim, Thai and Indian. The weekly market lets you experience the best of the Thai traditions with its local handicrafts and culinary specialities.
And guess what! Wish to shop in peace without the tantrums of the younger ones? This Phuket town shopping market hosts a trampoline to keep your kids entertained while you catch a breather.
Must Buy: Custom made flip-flops, local handicrafts and fancy jewellery
How to Reach: It is located at a short 7 minutes’ walk from the Phuket Town Central Market. Phuket Town is also a great place to stay in Phuket for travellers looking to shop & experience the local Thai culture.
3. Chillva Night Market
This cool and trendy Phuket night market though small in size boasts an impressive selection of fashion and food. The market created using brightly coloured shipping containers exudes a strong Bohemian vibe making it the best shopping in Phuket for hipster travellers!
The light-hearted presentations and music in the amphitheatre, ups the already lively ambience. And if all of this wasn’t enough, the flea market sets up its tents here on every Thursday, Friday and Saturdays.
Must Buy: Fashion wear and accessories
How to Reach: Located along Yaowarat Road at a 10 minutes’ drive by taxi from Bangkok Hospital
4. OTOP Market
Standing for ‘One Tambon One Product’, OTOP market is a Patong shopping paradise for those who wish to witness the diverse traditions and handicrafts of the entire country at a single marketplace.
Each outlet in this market showcases products originating from its specific ‘tambon’ (subdistrict). It not only offers a simplistic shopping experience but is also an unusual and fun place to visit.
Must Buy: Traditional handicrafts and silk garments
How to Reach: Opposite Hard Rock Café Phuket on Rat-U-Thit Road
5. Indy Market Phuket
This full-of-life market is where the locals come to enjoy themselves with live performances and an entertaining mix of vendors.
The prices here are extremely low and the fun picks are unique to this market. If you fancy having customised souvenirs made for you or your loved ones, check out the artist booths here.
Apart from all the shopping, the market also sells delicious Thai delicacies. The must-try sweet treat being the Thai crispy pancakes topped with coconut cream and sweet toppings, the kanom buang, as the locals call it!
Must Buy: Customised handmade key rings and the single rice grain with your name stencilled onto it
How to Reach: Located at a short 10 minutes’ drive from the Rassada Pier
6. Premium Outlet
Why pay full when you can buy the same at 70% discounts! Yes, you heard that right. The Premium Outlet features 300 stores of the best high street brands selling their merchandise at throwaway prices. Of all the best shopping places in Phuket, this is a favourite amongst bargain hunters.
From Warner Bros for the younger ones to Pierre Cardin for the office goers, the outlet gives every visitor a reason to shop. Just don’t blame us if you spill your finances dry!
Must Buy: Fashion wear and accessories
How to Reach: Located at a 25 minutes’ drive by taxi from the Patong Beach towards the Phuket International Airport.
7. Central Festival Phuket
Lying on the outskirts of Phuket, Central Festival has remained a favourite Phuket shopping mall for those looking for a good day out shopping, eating and getting entertained. The complex features a number of luxury boutiques and over 120 retail outlets under one roof making it the best shopping in Phuket on a rainy day.
Note: Many stores here exercise the VAT refund policy for International tourists. So, it may be a good idea to save all your shopping receipts! To make VAT refund calculating easier, TravelPerk is always there to help!
Must Buy: Toys, sportswear and household items
How to Reach: Located at a 20 minutes’ drive by taxi from Karon Beach
8. Karon Bazaar
You know you are at Karon Bazaar when all you can see is flashy LED lights and neon coloured accents in every corner.
Some of the highly acclaimed stalls of the market showcase skillfully handcrafted items created from scratch by talented Thai artists. The vibrant iron-roofed market has an upbeat ambience and serves the tastes of every shopper.
Aside from that, you can relax and dine after shopping as there are diners around the place where you can enjoy their must-try food. You can also look for Phuket restaurant discounts around Karon beach through eatigo app. Being served with delicious food is a great thing to do after walking around Karon Bazaar.
Must Buy: Clothes and accessories
How to Reach: Located at a 10 minutes’ walk from the Karon Beach
9. Phuket Weekend Market
Not to be missed off this list of the best shopping in Phuket, the weekend market or as the locals call it, Naka Market is a well-known place for buying second-hand (yet in good condition) goods. The Naka Market never fails to amaze its visitors with its wide array of products right from trinkets to live animals.
Note: It’s better to put your bargaining skills to test here! The ideal price to be paid is usually as low as 40% of the quoted price!
Must Buy: Cane handbags and local foods
How to Reach: Located along the Wirat Hong Yok Road at a 7 minutes’ walk from the Naka Residence
10. Banana Walk
This beachfront shopping centre is the newest (and the most stylish) addition to the already buzzing dining and shopping in Phuket scene. Lifestyle brands, wine cellars and beer gardens, Banana Walk has all your Patong shopping needs!
The modern designing, high roofed glass ceiling and colourful lighting give you a feeling of entering a spaceship dock. Located amidst Phuket’s spirited party hotspots, Banana Walk is a popular pre-gaming hangout spot.
Must Buy: Fashion wear and cosmetics
How to Reach: Located across the road from the Patong Beach
Surely, by now, we’ve answered the question of where to shop in Phuket. We hope this roundup of the best shopping places in Phuket helps all you shopaholics shop till you drop on your Thai vacation.
Other useful Phuket resources:
Looking for some adventure in Phuket? Check out some Phuket adventure activities here.
Heading to Northern Thailand? Check out our Northern Thailand itinerary here.
I like that you mentioned that the Jungceylon shopping center is a global luxury. My wife and I love to roam in malls when we are on vacation. We would like a shopping expert to guide us when we visit Thailand.