One of the oldest local markets in Phuket Town
Talad Kaset Market in Phuket Town
Talad Kaset is one of the oldest fresh markets in Phuket Town. It’s behind Robinson shopping centre, not far from the local bus terminal. This is where Phuket residents have been doing their daily shopping for decades.
I’ll be honest. Kaset Market can feel a bit overwhelming for first-timers. It’s darker than modern markets like Banzaan, the aisles are narrow, and the smell of fresh meat and fish hits you the moment you walk in. But that’s exactly what makes it interesting. This is a real working market, not a tourist attraction.
What You’ll Find Inside
The market is bigger than it looks from the outside. It’s housed in a large covered building with concrete floors that get wet and slippery, so watch your step.
The seafood section takes up a large part of the ground floor. Rows of vendors sell fish, prawns, squid, and shellfish from red plastic tubs filled with ice. Everything is fresh, often caught that morning. The meat section is nearby, with whole chickens hanging from hooks and butchers chopping pork on wooden blocks. It’s raw and unfiltered, but the quality is good.
One of my favourite areas is the spice and curry paste section. Vendors sell mountains of freshly made curry pastes in different colours, red, green, yellow, and the darker southern-style pastes. You’ll also find dried shrimp, chillies, pork crackling hanging in bags, and all the ingredients that go into proper Thai cooking.
The fruit vendors line the outer edges. Prices are clearly marked, mangoes for 60 Baht, longan for around 70 Baht per kilo, dragon fruit, pomelo, and whatever else is in season. It’s cheaper than supermarkets.
There’s also a flower section selling marigolds, roses, lotus buds, and jasmine garlands for temple offerings. And tucked in various corners, you’ll find egg sellers, vegetable vendors with fresh morning glory and Thai basil, and stalls selling dry goods and cooking supplies.
The Food Court
At the back of the market, there’s a simple food court with metal kettles lined up for hot water and basic tables and stools. It’s nothing fancy, but locals come here for cheap rice and curry dishes. A meal costs around 40 to 50 Baht. The food is authentic southern Thai, which means spicy.
When to Visit
Come early. The market opens around 5 am and is busiest between 6 am and 10 am. By midday, many vendors have packed up. It gets hot inside despite the roof, and the crowds thin out as the morning goes on.
Most vendors only take cash, so bring small bills. Don’t expect much English, but pointing works fine. People are friendly and used to customers who don’t speak Thai.
How It Compares to Other Markets
Kaset Market isn’t as clean or organised as Banzaan Market in Patong. It doesn’t have the tourist appeal of Ranong Main Market or the street food variety of Lor Rong. But if you want to see how local Phuket people actually shop, this is the place. It’s raw, it’s real, and it hasn’t changed much in years.
What Can You Find There?
Fresh Produce: A wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including local tropical items like rambutan, mangosteen, dragon fruit, and durian in season.
- Meat and Seafood: Locally caught fish, prawns, squid, and shellfish, plus pork and chicken sold at dedicated stalls.
- Prepared Food: Ready-to-eat meals such as grilled chicken, sticky rice, curries, fried snacks, and sweets like khanom krok.
- Dry Goods and Spices: Thai herbs, curry pastes, dried shrimp, chillies, and traditional ingredients used in Southern Thai cooking.
- Flowers and Offerings: Fresh jasmine garlands, marigolds, incense, and other items for Buddhist offerings.
Talad Kaset Market Photos
Talad Kaset Market Info
Location: Phuket Town
Address: Phuket Agricultural Market, Ongsimphai Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Phuket Town 83000
Talad Kaset Market Map
Phuket Shopping Directory
