The largest shopping mall in Phuket
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Central Phuket Floresta sounds like another mall on the island but is just a massive extension of the good old Central Festival, and the two wings combined cover an immense surface on 3 and 4 levels. With an ever-growing population, Phuket Festival was just getting too crowded, parking was getting impossible, and weekends were seriously packed. As it is on the outskirt of Phuket town, it somehow addresses more to the locals than tourists.
The first year was a bit confusing because many of the original shops were relocated to the new building, and it was a little quiet initially. But Central know their customers well, and the balance is back, and both sides start to be busy. In addition, the new branch placed its bet on food and new ambitious entertainment venues.
Ground floor and luxury shopping
Like in all malls, the ground floor is mostly dedicated to luxury flagship brands with the usual names: Gucci, Hermès, Bvlgari, Prada, Dior, Balenciaga, Coach, Michael Kors etc. These big bright shops always seem to be empty, and it is always a bit of a mystery how they survive with so few customers. The ground floor is also where occasional car sales and seasonal events are held.
Central department store
Further in the back is the department store that moved from the original building. Here you can find all the cosmetic brands you are familiar with. Expect a lot of upmarket names but more mainstream names such as Armani Exchange, Calvin Klein, Diesel and a lot of fashionable bags. The far end is where all the household has moved to, and this area is quite interesting as it often addresses people living here.
Food Court and Central food hall
The lower floor is popular with a vast and very well-supplied supermarket, including a wine cellar, a food court, and a selection of excellent local restaurants (actually, these are branches of local restaurants).
Lower floor and entertainment
There are quite a few attractions on the lower floor of the mall.
Aquaria
Aquaria is a gigantic aquarium that even features Andasi, an excellent high-end restaurant. Next to it is an interactive 3D museum where you can take funny selfies.
Tribhum is what they call a walk-through adventure theme park. It’s an interactive and complicated mythical world built in front of the mall that should keep you busy for about an hour. It’s also quite expensive, starting at 1,275 baht per person.
Happy Kids Club
Central Floresta is also great for kids with the Happy Kids Club, just next to the aquarium, with plenty of playgrounds and activities designed for your children.
Getting there
You can access Central Floresta directly from Central Festival by crossing a vast indoor bridge above the main road. If you drive a car, we strongly recommend you to park in at Central Floresta, it’s a lot easier and has a lot of space (for now)
Central Phuket Floresta Info
Location: Phuket Town
Address: 199 Central Phuket Floresta, Unit No. 126 Moo 4, Tambol Vichit, Phuket, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000
Open: 10:30 am – 9 pm
Phone: 02 508 8988
Central Phuket Floresta Map
Get the directions on your phone: https://goo.gl/maps/mLHftCNrrFG3AJED7