Phuket is the southern province of Thailand, which is adjacent to Krabi, but is a separate island and has no land borders. It is located off the West coast of Thailand and, in fact, is the largest of its islands. It is connected to the mainland by three huge bridges so that guests can easily visit it. For a long time, tin and rubber were mined here, which allowed trading with all the surrounding islands. Today, the province receives most of its income due to the tourist popularity of the island. But there is something that really strikes the imagination of a tourist who first came to Phuket. The market does not end here, no matter how much you go around it. The rows of fish pass into the vegetable ones, those into souvenir shops and so on ad infinitum.
Not a modern trading house, but an interesting place
Indeed, a city dweller is so used to shining supermarkets that he might find Phuket a little strange. The market here is quite chaotic, so you have to learn how to navigate in its bowels. There are a lot of people, there are colorful trays around, there are no fixed prices either, you have to bargain to get a discount. However, it is worth a visit if you are in Phuket. The market is ambiguous, trays with ready-made sushi set in the heat of 30 degrees are best avoided. But souvenirs can be typed for the whole family. I must say that there are stationary markets where a certain order prevails, and moving markets that open several times a week. Each of them is distinguished by its range of products.
Phuket Night Market
This is one of the most popular destinations for traders and buyers. In fact, he works not only at night. He works on weekends, from 16:00 to 23:00. It is easily accessible from the beaches of Kata, Karon and Patong. The easiest way to get there is at local pickups. And you can buy absolutely everything here, which is why the night market is so popular among visitors to Phuket. The weekend market is not the cheapest, however, there is everything that is generally possible to buy on the island, and besides, no one forbade bargaining. The most important thing is to be polite, smile and not buy before the seller doubles the price. And if we talk about things, then you can safely divide the initial price into three.
The night market in Phuket is very large, so reserve your strength to get around it. The quality of the clothes is very mediocre, however, if you need to buy summer clothes in order to comfortably wear them on vacation, then it is quite possible to find a suitable option. And what the market is really famous for is ready-made food. Huge rows, where directly with you they fry and bake vegetables and fish, meat in intricate sauce. You can eat right here. Judging by the reviews, the food here is fresh and tasty.
Seafood market
It is called Rawai. Phuket is located in the sea, which means that there are a lot of fish and various marine life here. And this is true, but here the fishermen share their prey with the buyers. This is the most exotic of all stationary markets, however if you want to enjoy the taste of fresh seafood, then be sure to visit Rawai (Phuket). It is located on the beach of the same name, and it works every day, from 14:00 to 19:00. To get to it, you will first have to overcome the rows with shells, pearls and souvenirs. It's hard to resist and not buy yourself a couple of little things.
For seafood lovers
But the most important thing awaits you further. Rawai (Phuket) conquers its guests with an abundance of fresh fish, lobsters, crabs, shrimps and other seafood. In megacities, they cost a lot of money, but here you can buy quite cheaply. For example, a kilogram of crab will cost you 200 rubles, shrimp - about 180 rubles. The market is small, only 10 trays. All marine inhabitants come here still alive and are equipped with price tags by which you can navigate. By the way, the baht to the ruble used to change 1: 1, now for 1 baht you will give 0.59 rubles. Immediately across the street from the stalls there is a small cafe where the cooks will prepare the catch you bought, taking into account your wishes. For the preparation of 1 kg they will take only 100 baht, which is a fairly affordable price. The fish market in Phuket is the most visited, which is not surprising, because not all tourists at home can see live lobster, not to mention preparing it for dinner.
On kata beach
Here, no beach is left without the attention of local residents. Since tourists are resting here, it means that they have money, and this is a way of earning money for local residents. The markets on Kata are stationary large bazaars with a wide selection of different products. There are two of them here, although they are located at some distance from each other. The clothing market is relatively small, with only two dozen shops with souvenirs and things for a beach holiday.
A little further is the grocery market. You will have to go along the second coastline to Karon Beach, at the crossroads turn inland, after which almost immediately you will find yourself in the market with groceries. There is a large selection of vegetables and fruits, fish and marine life, herbs. However, do not forget how the baht relates to the ruble so as not to pay too high a price, because local traders quickly figure out those who are not traded and pay as much as he was told.
On Karon Beach
If you forgot your summer clothes at home, you can upgrade your wardrobe inexpensively here. For this, the clothing market in Karon works. Phuket is the birthplace of the sun and golden beaches, which means you can buy a swimsuit, shorts and a pair of T-shirts, which will be enough until the end of the vacation. Near the Nilton hotel is located this clothing market, which includes about 30 shops. It works every day.
In addition, the Talat Nad market comes here twice a week. You can visit it on Tuesday and Saturday from 14:00 to 21:00. Fresh fruits are sold here, and various cocktails and necks are made from them.
On Patong Beach
Here you can walk and search for the right product on any day of the week. The fact is that Patong markets are considered the best on the whole island. Only three of them work here, as a result of which the entire strip adjacent to the beach is a colorful and vibrant trading platform where you can buy everything.
So, the first on our list is the central Bazaan Market. There is an indoor market on the second floor of which there is a self-service cafe serving Thai dishes. Near the covered pavilion there are open stalls selling fruit and greens, as well as various drinks. The main market is open from 7am to 5pm, and the trays can function at night.
The second market is called Malin Plaza. It appeared relatively recently and offers its guests things and souvenirs, cosmetics and accessories. In addition, there is a lot of prepared food and fruit at the best prices. He works from lunch until ten in the evening. OTOP market is the largest clothing market on the whole island. There is a huge selection of summer clothes, shoes and accessories. It opens at 10:00 and closes after midnight.
Indie Market
It is less popular among tourists, it is visited less often. However, it is worth visiting here to compile a complete picture of the culture of this amazing country. He works twice a week and is designed mainly for Thai creative youth. It sells shoes, toys and souvenirs, backpacks and bags made by apprentices, students and students. It is worth noting that the prices here are very low. But the presented goods are original and very high quality.
Moving markets
They can be found throughout Phuket. Traders come to their places in the allotted place and time and delight tourists with goods. These are mainly freshly prepared dishes. Often you can find on the counter kebabs of a wide variety of meat, shrimp and squid, as well as octopuses with a variety of sauces. Warm salads with catfish, tomatoes and green beans, sprouted beans and a unique sauce are very attractive from the point of view of tourists. Deep-fried dishes are also very tasty and satisfying. Tourists are offered freshly baked flat cake, in which fried shrimp and greens, various vegetables and rice are wrapped. The result is an amazing dish.
Separately, Thai sweets should be noted. These are candied fruits, natural juice jelly desserts, original cookies and chocolate. If you have a snack here, you will not deny yourself the pleasure of taking a delicate dessert with you to the hotel.
Instead of a conclusion
If you decide to visit sunny Phuket, then you definitely will not be able to pass all the markets. There are too many of them, they are bright and interesting, full of exotic goods and food. However, I want to give tourists advice: you should always ask for a price and compare it with the one requested by the owners of neighboring trays. Usually it can be easily knocked down at least twice. In addition, pay attention to the quality of the prepared food. If vegetables and meat are grilled directly with you, then you can take it without fear. But pre-prepared exotic dishes with unknown ingredients are best avoided.
In any case, you have only a short vacation to get to know this amazing country, so do not try to spend time at the hotel. You will find a sea of impressions, observations and positive emotions.