A market open every night in Patong
Initially designed as a local market, OTOP Market Patong was created to promote the handicrafts and original products of each province of Thailand. Long ago, it became a night spot with those round bamboo bars that used to be so famous on Bangla Road twenty years ago. The front area is dedicated to local food in a food court style, with beer bars in the back and covered bazaars on each side.
The unusual word ‘OTOP’ serves as an acronym for ‘One Tambon One Product’ (which means ‘One District One Product‘). The location of this market is convenient, on the second road of Patong beach, just 750 metres from the famous Jungceylon shopping mall.
The market was meant to promote handicraft items, Thai fashion accessories, local pottery, household items, cotton products, silk garments, and food from each of these provinces. This interesting idea didn’t last very long in a city where most tourists are more interested in knock-off brands, copies of designer bags and cheap clothing. Today, OTOP Market Patont mostly sells a lot of those copies, fake stuff and tons of souvenirs you don’t even need.
Street Food
OTOP Market Patong is now more famous for its street food area. It’s relatively small but looks fun and decently good. You can order at little food stands and sit at any of the small tables in front of it. It’s good and cheap; it feels like being on holiday in Thailand. Enjoy fried chicken, grilled seafood and the much-loved Phad Thai.
The Hole Bar
The Hole is a big bar in the centre of OTOP Market Patong. It has all you need for fun, and the staff is ready to serve ice-cold drinks. Open daily from 10:30 am, enjoy colder beer during Happy Hour from 2 pm to 6 pm. They offer beer buckets, draft Guinness & Magners, pool tables, beer pong, foosball & darts, and live sports upon request. Find the main entrance opposite the Hard Rock Cafe.
OTOP Market Patong Beer Bars
In the back of the market is a long line of tiny beer bars. They have been there since day one and have had a lot of ups and downs, but a few of them are still around. They are the exact definition of ‘Same same but different’ since they all look the same: circular with a pointy thatched roof, hanging flags, stools around and the unmissable block of wood to play that nail and hammer game.
Popular names are The Hole Bar, Bombay Blue, Ronnie Kangaroo Bar, Bourbon Bar, Cockatoo Bar, True Blue Bar, etc. The staff there are friendly, and it’s a decent place to relax at the end of the day and watch some games in good company. The food and drinks are cheaper here than in other parts of Patong Beach, especially cheaper than at the busy Bangla Night Market.
Photos of OTOP Market Patong
OTOP Street View
OTOP Market Patong Information
Location: Patong Beach
Address: 237/15-20 Rat Uthit Road, Patong, Amphoe Kathu, Phuket 83150
Open: 10 am – 10 pm
Price: free
OTOP Market Patong Map
If you are on mobile, add the map here: https://goo.gl/maps/xgY5TkctZRCn4uCX8.