Festival and Floresta Shopping Guide
Central Phuket is the biggest shopping complex on the island, split into two wings on either side of a main road. The Festival Wing opened in 2004 and handles everyday shopping, food courts, the cinema, and a 24-hour gym. Floresta came later in 2018 with luxury brands, Aquaria aquarium, and better Thai restaurants.
A glass sky bridge connects both sides, so you don’t need to cross the street. We’ve been coming here for years, and honestly, the food has become the main reason to visit. But it’s also a practical stop for things you can’t easily find elsewhere, like sports gear, Apple products, or a late-night workout.
Which Wing Should You Visit?
Most people don’t realise the two wings serve different purposes. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide where to go first.
| Central Festival | Central Floresta | |
|---|---|---|
| Opened | 2004 | 2018 |
| Best for | Everyday shopping, sports gear, cinema, gym | Luxury brands, Thai food, aquarium |
| Food | International chains, food courts, Haidilao | Maimorn, Laem Charoen, Kaithong |
| Brands | Uniqlo, Zara, H&M, SuperSports | Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès, Chanel |
| Entertainment | SFX Cinema, Jetts Fitness | Aquaria, Trick Eye Museum |
| Parking | Often crowded | Easier, more space |
Our tip: If you’re short on time, Floresta has better food and easier parking. Festival is where you go for the cinema, sports shops, or when you need something specific from Uniqlo or Zara.
Central Festival Wing
The original building is still the busier side, especially on weekends. It’s built around a central courtyard that hosts car shows, sales events, and seasonal promotions. The layout loops around this central space, so you’ll naturally pass most shops as you walk through.
The third floor alone has over a dozen restaurants, from MK Suki to the new Sushiro conveyor belt sushi. This is also where you’ll find the SFX Cinema, one of the largest movie theatres in Phuket with multiple screens and VIP seating options. Downstairs, the Lanlom outdoor zone has become popular for evening meals, with Ginger Farm Kitchen and Wine Connection drawing a different crowd.
The top floor is dedicated to beauty and wellness. You’ll find hair salons, nail studios, skincare clinics, and slimming centres up here. It’s quieter than the rest of the mall and popular with locals who come specifically for appointments.
For fitness, Jetts 24 Hour Fitness operates in the Festival wing. It’s one of the few gyms in Phuket that never closes, which is useful if you’re adjusting to jet lag or prefer working out at odd hours. Day passes are available for visitors.
Highlights:
- SFX Cinema with VIP seating
- Jetts 24 Hour Fitness
- SuperSports and major sports brands
- Studio 7 Apple store
- Beauty salons and clinics (top floor)
- Haidilao Hot Pot (stays open late)
- Ginger Farm Kitchen (Michelin-recognised)
Central Floresta Wing
Floresta feels different the moment you walk in. The ground floor has flagship stores from brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci, and Chanel. These shops always seem quiet, and it’s a bit of a mystery how they stay open with so few customers. But they add a certain feel to the place that’s noticeably different from Festival.
Most visitors skip straight to the food. The Central Food Hall downstairs has branches of famous Phuket restaurants like Maimorn and Laem Charoen Seafood. Kub Kao’ Kub Pla is popular with locals and visitors from Bangkok who know good Thai food. Kaithong upstairs does Thai-Chinese cuisine in a surprisingly elegant setting with marble tables and soft lighting. This is where locals tend to eat when they visit the mall.
The lower level has Aquaria, a massive aquarium with a walk-through tunnel and an underwater restaurant called Su Va Na. Next door, the AR Trick Eye Museum is good for families with kids who want interactive photo opportunities.
Highlights:
- Aquaria aquarium (and Su Va Na underwater restaurant)
- AR Trick Eye Museum
- Jim Thompson silk shop
- Central Department Store
- Maimorn, Laem Charoen, and Kaithong restaurants
- Better parking (seriously, much easier)
Where to Eat at Central Phuket
Food has become the main draw for many visitors. The two wings offer completely different dining experiences. Festival leans toward international chains and familiar names like Haidilao, Sushiro, and Fuji. Floresta focuses on proper Thai restaurants with real kitchens and menus meant for sharing. Between both wings, there are over 30 sit-down restaurants plus food courts on multiple floors.
How to Get There
From Patong Beach: A free shuttle runs every hour from near Bangla Road. Leaves Patong from 11 am to 7 pm, returns from Central from noon to 8.30 pm.
By car: About 12 km from Patong, 32 km from the airport. Park at Floresta if you can; it’s much easier.
Note: Central Phuket is on the outskirts of Phuket Town, about 3 km from Old Town. You’ll need a second ride if you want to explore the old streets afterwards.
Central Phuket Information
Location: Phuket Town
Address: 74-75 Wichitsongkran Road, Phuket 83000
Open: 10.30 am – 10 pm
Phone: 076 291 111
Distance from Patong Beach: 12 km
Distance from Airport: 31.7 km
Central Phuket Map
If you are on mobile, add the map here: https://goo.gl/maps/JqF6P92vMdCXWQvU6.
