One of the best things we like to do at La Moet is to go shopping! That’s when we are not too busy organizing our Phuket snorkelling tours obviously. The island has shopping opportunities for everyone, whatever your budget.
Central Festival in Phuket Town and JungCeylon in Patong are perfect for those who prefer spending their money in air-con. These shopping malls are huge and it’s easy enough to spend the day here browsing, eating and even watching a movie.
Our favourite place to shop are the local Thai markets as they have a vibrancy and energy that we like. You will always find something different and unique at a local market and there are plenty of artists displaying their work, as well as young designers with one-off garments to snap up. You can always find something cheap and cheerful for your Phuket boat trip.
Take a Trip to The Weekend Market
Naka Market is just on the outskirts of Phuket Town and generally known as The Weekend Market, as it’s only open on Saturdays and Sundays. You need to get there around 5pm just as the day is cooling down. It’s enormous so you want to spend as much time there as you can to see everything, and its open until 10pm or so.
There’re all kinds of things for sale and it’s easy to lose yourself amongst the rows of small stalls. Everything from touristy t-shirts and novelty soaps to second-hand shoes and bric-a-brac can be found. It is a lot trendier than it used to be and there are some great finds to be had from local clothes designers, including handmade leather items and Thai-style artwork competing for your attention.
There is a pet section at the market that you might want to avoid. It’s too heart-breaking to see the puppies and kittens looking pitifully at you from their tiny cages.
Don’t eat before you go as the selection of food here is enormous. We like to snack as we walk around and it’s a great opportunity to try new things as everything is so cheap, and delicious.
Walking Street Old Town
Walking Street market in Phuket Old Town is every Sunday on Thalang Road, right in the centre of the historic Sino-Portuguese district. The street is an eclectic mix of Baba, Thai Muslim and Indian shops and with the added attraction of the market it’s an interesting place to visit.
Walking Street gives you the chance to discover southern Thai culinary specialties such as barbecued fish and squid, grilled chicken and pork, as well as traditional sweets. There’s also a unique collection of handmade gifts including printed T-shirts, tote bags, cards, and lots of cute products.
We often go down to one of the markets after an Boat Tour out on MV Phuket Champagne with our guests. They are open in the evenings until quite late and it’s a cool time to shop, eat, and hang out at one of the bars whilst catching up with friends.
