Phuket markets
Patong Beach has the liveliest street shopping, with vendors packed along the beach road, Bangla Road and several small lanes off the beach. At Phuket markets, ready-to-wear clothing, beachwear, souvenirs and handicrafts are the main buys. Prices tend to start high, so be prepared to bargain. If you do it politely, and always with a smile, you'll probably get up to 50 per cent off the starting price.
Markets in Phuket can be scattered about the island. The Paradise Complex on Rat-U-Thit Road has a night market with similar goods for sale three nights a week. The streets of Kata and Karon beaches are also lined with vendors, though these areas tend to be less hectic than Patong.
In Phuket City there are no large markets catering to tourists but rather clusters of shops that are within easy walking distance. The ‘Old Phuket’ area, which encompasses Dibuk, Thalang, Phang Nga, Rassada and Yaowarat roads, has a number of quality handicraft, antique and textile shops, as well as local artist studios (mostly along Phang Nga Road) offering original works of art.
A good spot to pick up those last-minute souvenirs, sarongs, t-shirts and fishermen's pants is around Robinsons department store – lots of little shops along the road there, though the sales people tend to be a bit pushy. Robinsons itself, as well as the Ocean shopping centre beside it, also has a good selection of items to take home, including lots of locally produced food such as cashew nuts or dried bananas.
In every beach area there is at least one village market that may be open from one day a week to every day. These open-air Phuket markets are lively places, offering the chance to see a real Asian bazaar in action. Tropical fruits and vegetables, freshly-caught seafood and snacks are the usual fare. It's also common to see racks of clothing and accessories, handicrafts and CDs for sale. These markets are located well away from the hotels, so ask around to find out when and where to find one.
The Chatuchak weekend market on the east end of Phang Nga Road in Phuket City is probably the best place on the island to find clothes, accessories, shoes and other items at rock-bottom prices. It’s quite crowded in the evenings, but this is the best time to go to avoid the heat of the day.
