Shopping in Phuket: Malls, Markets, What to Buy

Phuket isn't Bangkok, but the shopping here is excellent. Over four years I've explored every mall, crawled through dozens of markets, and know exactly where to buy cheaper, what makes the best gifts, and where not to bother. In this article -- a complete shopping guide for Phuket: from luxury boutiques to night markets.

Shopping Malls in Phuket

Central Phuket (Floresta + Festival)

The main and largest shopping center on the island. Consists of two buildings connected by an enclosed walkway: Floresta (premium) and Festival (mass market). Opened in 2018 and instantly became a hub for the entire island.

Floresta -- tropical interior with live trees inside, international brand boutiques (Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, Nike, Adidas, Levi's), Aquaria Phuket aquarium (one of the best in Asia), SFX Cinema with IMAX screens. The upper floor has a massive food court with Thai, Japanese, Korean, and European cuisine.

Festival -- the more democratic wing: Big C (supermarket), electronics stores (IT City, Power Buy), furniture, sporting goods. Also HomePro for those furnishing a home in Phuket.

Hours: 10:30-22:00, daily. Address: 74-75 Wichit Songkhram Road, between Phuket Town and Patong.

Jungceylon

The second-largest mall, located in the heart of Patong. If you're staying in Patong, this is your main shopping hub. Two wings: one with stores and restaurants, the other with entertainment and a food court.

Inside: Robinson (Thai department store with good clothing), SF Cinema, Tops Supermarket (excellent selection of groceries and alcohol), many clothing and souvenir shops. The lower floor has a big food court with prices from 50 baht per dish.

Hours: 11:00-22:00, daily. Address: Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road, Patong.

Big C and Makro -- For the Practical

Big C (inside Central Festival) -- a hypermarket for everyday shopping. Groceries, household goods, clothing (cheap, one-season quality), electronics. Best place to buy souvenirs in bulk: Thai spice sets, dried mango, coconut chips -- 2-3 times cheaper than in tourist shops.

Makro -- a wholesale hypermarket. Lowest prices on the island. Ideal for those living in Phuket long-term: groceries, drinks, household goods in bulk. Located on Thepkrasattri Road.

Phuket Markets: Atmosphere and Prices

Chillva Market

My favorite market in Phuket. Youthful, stylish, with great food and live music. Set up in a container village in Phuket Town. Here people buy experiences more than souvenirs: trendy Thai clothing, designer t-shirts, handmade jewelry, craft drinks.

The food is a story in itself: the street food here is some of the best on the island. Mini-burgers for 59 baht, Thai ice cream for 39 baht, fresh-squeezed juices for 40 baht.

Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday, 17:00-23:00. Address: Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town.

Naka Weekend Market

The biggest market in Phuket. A huge area with hundreds of stalls: clothing, shoes, electronics, souvenirs, food. You can find literally everything -- from knockoff Ray-Bans for 200 baht to genuine cold-pressed coconut oil for 150 baht.

Bargaining is essential -- the starting price for tourists is inflated by 30-50%. Start at half and settle at 60-70% of the initial price. I always come here for spices, Thai pants, and gifts.

Schedule: Saturday-Sunday, 16:00-23:00. Address: Chao Fa West Road (opposite Central Festival).

Sunday Walking Street (Lard Yai)

A Sunday pedestrian market on Thalang Road in Phuket Town's Old Town. The most atmospheric market on the island: you stroll along historic streets with Sino-Portuguese architecture, surrounded by food stalls, souvenirs, live music, and performances.

What to buy: handmade silver jewelry (300-800 baht), paintings by local artists (500-3,000 baht), Thai sweets (20-50 baht per serving), coconut ice cream (40 baht). Food here is pricier than at Naka, but the atmosphere is incomparably better.

Schedule: Sunday, 16:00-22:00. Address: Thalang Road, Phuket Town.

What to Buy in Phuket: Top 15 Items

Gifts and Souvenirs

1. Coconut oil -- cold-pressed, unrefined. At markets -- 100-200 baht per bottle (500ml). At Boots -- 250-350 baht. Great gift: natural, fragrant, versatile.

2. Thai cosmetics -- brands Mistine, Srichand, Beauty Buffet. Cheap and quality. Srichand powder is iconic, 150-200 baht. Aloe gels -- 50-80 baht. Best bought at Boots or Watsons.

3. Curry paste -- green, red, massaman paste in jars by Mae Ploy or Maesri. 30-80 baht per jar at Big C. Long shelf life, easy to cook -- toss into coconut milk with chicken, and you have Thai curry at home.

4. Tiger Balm and Thai ointments -- for muscle pain, headaches. 50-80 baht. Green balm Wang Prom -- a must-have, 30-50 baht.

5. Dried mango -- at Big C and 7-Eleven. 60-120 baht per pack. Better than any candy.

6. Thai tea -- the famous orange Cha Thai. Pack of tea -- 100-200 baht. Add milk and ice at home, and you get that iconic taste.

Clothing and Accessories

7. Thai fisherman pants -- lightweight, comfortable, one size fits all. 100-200 baht at markets. Perfect loungewear.

8. T-shirts -- from 100 baht at markets (quality varies) to 300-500 baht in Phuket Town shops (good cotton, designer prints).

9. Silk -- genuine Thai silk by Jim Thompson. At the flagship store (in Central Phuket) -- scarf from 2,000 baht, tie from 1,500 baht. Pricey, but genuine luxury.

For Yourself

10. Natural latex pillows and mattresses -- Phuket is near rubber plantations. Natural latex is cheaper here than anywhere. Pillow -- 800-2,000 baht, mattress -- from 5,000 baht. Buy in specialized stores, not at markets (fakes).

11. Cashews -- Phuket is famous for cashews. Freshly roasted, salted, with honey, with coconut. 150-300 baht per pack at Sri Phuket Cashew Nut Factory (Phuket Town).

12. Electronics -- iPhones and MacBooks are cheaper than in many countries (no VAT via Tourist VAT Refund). IT City in Central Phuket. Don't forget to claim your VAT Refund at the airport counter.

Duty Free

King Power Duty Free -- at Phuket Airport and a separate store in Patong. Alcohol, cigarettes, perfume, cosmetics, chocolate -- tax-free. Prices are 10-30% lower than regular stores. You can shop in advance at the Patong store and collect at the airport when departing.

Tip: download the King Power app and register -- you get an extra 5-10% discount.

VAT Refund

Tourists can reclaim 7% VAT on purchases over 2,000 baht at a single store in one day. Look for the "VAT Refund for Tourists" sticker. At the cashier, request form PP10 (you'll need your passport). At the airport -- go to the VAT Refund counter before passport control. Refund by cash or card.

Shopping Tips

Bargaining. At markets -- always. In malls -- no. In small shops -- you can try when buying multiple items.

Quality. Markets have lots of fakes -- branded bags, watches, sneakers. If you don't mind, prices start at 200 baht for "Nike," 500 baht for "Rolex." If you want the real thing -- malls only.

Best time. Markets -- in the evening when the heat subsides. Malls -- weekdays, fewer people. During New Year and Songkran (April) -- big sales.

Payment. Malls accept cards (Visa, Mastercard). Markets -- cash only (baht). At 7-Eleven you can pay via TrueMoney and PromptPay.

Read also

• Night Markets in Phuket: where, when, and what to try