Phuket shopping
If this is your first trip to Thailand, then you need not worry about Phuket shopping places. Believe me, there is no shortage of shopping spots. Not only is Thailand one of the best island holiday destinations, it offers an exquisite shopping experience. What makes it even more charming is the stunning batiks, hand paintings, beautiful batiks as well as antiques that you can carry home from your holiday.
As you plan your trip, take a look at some of the best shopping spots worth visiting.
Phuket Town is and always has been the prime centre of all commercial activities in Phuket. Ever since the historical district (Phuket Old Town) was built during the mid-19th century’s tin mining boom, it remains a popular shopping hub. The fast development of Phuket also catalyzed the development of several large shopping malls and supermarkets on the outskirts of the city. Discover the best places to shop in Phuket Town, below.
Best places to shop in Phuket
This article brings you list of Phuket town shopping spots which presents you with an out of this world shopping choices and opportunities. We will feature modern department stores, stylish boutiques as well as local markets that are not only popular, but also well stocked with variety of items to choose from at great bargains. Usually, most markets operate in the evenings as it can get pretty hot during the day. Plus, this is the time when tourists are free after their day tours and beach relaxations.
Discover some of the prime Phuket shopping spots below and don’t forget to check out the best things to do in Phuket article for more inspiration…
Central Festive Phuket
This is one of the largest shopping malls in Phuket. It is a one stop shop for most people who love shopping. The mall has about 120 stores so you can never run out of variety of things to shop for – fashion items and accessories, cosmetics, souvenirs, health products, jewelry, electronics and much more… So your only worry is being spoilt for choice. There is also a 3-storey department that is home to international fashion brands such as Levis.
While shopping, you can grab a bite at one of the 50 restaurants or take a break and catch a movie at an SFX Coliseum movie theatre. This is the best place to spend time when you get tired of the beach or when the weather isn’t favorable for island activities. Here, you can find almost everything. The prices are fixed though so no negotiating.
Location: Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Opening Hours: 10.30am to 10pm – Daily
Phuket weekend markets
This is a favorite and most fascinating spot for most people looking for places to shop in Phuket. As the name suggests, the place is in Phuket town and only operates on weekends. Much as this market offers a relaxing atmosphere, it is mostly under huge tarps hence making it quite a hot market. So when shopping here, make sure you buy lots of water so as to stay hydrated.
The market is divided into 3 main zones that on a 30,000-square-metre area. The biggest zone sells first-hand products varying from fashion items to souvenirs. They even sell live animals! The second area is mainly a food zone and is popular for Thai snacks, ready to eat dishes and cakes. The third one is for second hand items.
The good thing about this market is that it gives a person a feel of what that local markets are all about. They have friendly vendors who are very honest. Being ripped off should be the least of your worries and here, you can at least negotiate prices.
Operating hours: 4p.m to 11pm – Saturday and Sunday
Location: 7 Wirat Hong Yok Rd, Phuket Town, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Jungceylong shopping mall
This is a large shopping mall that is located in Patong. This mall is similar to stores such as Australia’s Myer and David Jones (in Australia) or Macy’s in America. Compared to the stores in America and Australia, Jyngceylong’s prices are similar so you won’t be getting much of a bargain shopping here. Plus, the prices are fixed too.
Much as there are smaller stores nearby where you can get a bargain while doing some Phuket town shopping, Jungceylon is better because it is a very safe shopping mall with polite security guards. This mall qualifies as the best shopping mall where you can get pretty much everything. Plus, if you are going for high-end labels, visit Robinson and Big C.
Chillva market
If you are looking for Phuket shopping markets that open till late, then the Chillva market is a cool trendy market to consider. This place is trendy with a bohemian vibe. It boasts of having an impressive Bohemian aura with an exemplary collection of clothes and accessories, as well as an impressive selection of food. If you have a flair for shopping, the moment you step in, you will admire this shopping paradise.
You will also find beautiful colorful upcycled shipping containers which are used in this Phuket town shopping spot as shopfronts that are a sight to behold too. Much as they are open on a daily basis in the evenings, the best days to visit are Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays when the flea market comes to town. During these days, they set up tents and hawker stalls. Besides shopping, you can enjoy presentation and music at the heart of the market where they set up a small stage with a pond behind and amphitheater in front.
Operating hours: 5pm to 11pm – Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays)
Location: Yaowarat Road, Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand
Phuket walking street
With the Phuket Walking Street available, you can never run out of places to shop in Phuket. It is a very lively shopping street affair which is set up on Sundays on Thalang Road at the center of Phuket Old town. If you are looking for a place to shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs, then this is your go-to street. They also sell local food and clothing.
The biggest advantage here is that shopping here is hassle-free. And in case you need to bring kids along, there are toy stalls as well as a trampoline to keep them busy while you shop.
The street was renovated and well-thought colour-changing lighting effects were added adding a modern feel to this historical street. This market is the perfect social spot to end a Sunday afternoon walkway where you can meet friends and grab a snack or drink. Its popular Phuket town shopping spot for both locals and visitors.
Operating Hours: 4 pm – 10 pm every Sunday
Location: Thalang Road, Talat Yai, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Premium outlet Phuket
If you want the premium kind of Phuket shopping experience that doesn’t dent your wallet, then this large shopping complex is your go to place. It is located on the Bypass Road in the northern part of Phuket Town. The place is home to about 50 boutiques where you can find over 300 brand names with most of them being famous international brands. One thing that makes this shopping complex popular is the bargain prices on these brands. You get fashion items at cheaper prices because they are left-overs from previous collections. The discounts can even go up to 70%. How’s that for a bargain?
Operating hours: 10am to 9 pm daily
Location: 888/1 Moo 2 Koh Gaew, Muang, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Wrapping Up
Basically, if you are looking places to shop in Phuket that offer great bargains on almost everything, this town definitely won’t disappoint you. Happy shopping. And don’t miss out on buying the precious handicrafts and souvenirs for yourself and people back home. Happy shopping.
Also, don’t forget to break up your shopping trips with some fantastic island getaways and what better way to achieve this than on a boat tour with Simba Sea Trips. Contact us today to book your seat!
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