Where are Phuket fresh markets and what to expect?
Fresh markets in Phuket are always a great way to get close to real, local life with minimal effort. Markets are everywhere around the island, every community and every village has one, small or large, permanent or occasional. Some are daily markets, often open until the end of the afternoon, and some are available only on certain days of the week. Only a few city markets are inside clean concrete buildings, such as the Banzaan Market, but most are just wood poles and plastic sheets in a field.
Local markets are more fun than city markets, and you’ll discover more unusual veggies and foods. Don’t let the ‘raw’ look of meat fool you; it is fresher than the meat sold in aseptic wrappings under shiny light at the supermarket. One section of the market sells fresh products, another part sells foods and condiments and a lot of dishes cooked on the spot. Further, you will find clothing, cooking and home accessories with mountains of colourful plastic containers and buckets. And even second-hand shoes! (Does second-hand apply to shoes?)
Phuket Markets
Banzaan Fresh Market
Banzaan Fresh Market is the cleanest and most accessible fresh market in Phuket. It’s right behind the Jungceylon Shopping Mall in Patong Beach, so it’s easy to find. The name ‘Banzaan’ means fresh market in Hokkien, the Chinese dialect spoken by many Phuket families. The ground floor sells fresh produce, meat, seafood, and tropical fruits. Everything is well organised and displayed. It feels more modern than other local markets, but the quality is excellent. Upstairs, there’s a food court and some clothing stalls.
The best part is the seafood. You pick your prawns, fish, or lobster from the stalls downstairs, then take it upstairs to be cooked however you like. Grilled, fried, steamed, with Thai sauces. It’s a fun way to eat.
At night, the car park transforms into a street food market with dozens of vendors. The market opens from 6 am until midnight.
Location: Patong Beach
Address: Sai Kor Road, Patong beach, 8315 Phuket
Open: 6 am – 9 pm
Phone: 099 619 9282
Ranong Main Market in Phuket Town
Ranong Main Market is the oldest and largest fresh market in Phuket Town. It’s on Ranong Road, right in the heart of the old town, opposite the former Thai Airways offices, in front of the local ‘blue bus‘ station. The market is open from midnight until noon, but the real action happens around 3 am to 7 am when farmers arrive from nearby provinces.
The market has two parts. The main building is a modern concrete structure that replaced the old market in 2010. Across the street, you’ll find an open-air section spilling into narrow lanes. Vendors sell fresh produce, seafood, meat, dried goods, and ready-made food.
This is where local restaurants and smaller markets come to stock up. Trucks arrive from Bangkok and even from China and Malaysia. It’s not a tourist market, but that’s exactly why we like it. You’ll see real Phuket life here, plus it’s right next to the blue bus station for local transport to the beaches.
Location: Phuket Town
Address: Ranong Road, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000
Hours: Daily 12 am – 12 pm
Talad Kaset Market
Talad Kaset is a traditional fresh market located near the heart of Phuket Town, behind Robinson shopping centre and not far from the local bus terminal (Bus Terminal 1). It mainly serves locals, but travellers interested in everyday Thai life often enjoy walking through it.
Lor Rong Market
Had enough tourist food and want to try real Phuket specialities? When visiting Phuket Town, if you have a bit of time and are curious about Phuket’s real local food, you have to stop by Lor Rong Market. This little food place might just look like any other, but it is, in fact, a very well-known and popular venue for Phuket people and very few long-time residents.
I drove many times in front of Lor Rong without paying much attention to it… until recently. I thought it was just a regular Thai food place, so like many, I just went on.
Kathu Fresh Market
Talad Kaset Market
Suksamran Fresh Market (ตลาดสุขสำราญ)
Suksamran Fresh Market is a popular local market on theside of the busy Luang Pho Chaem Road in Chalong. It opens daily from 5 pm to 8 pm. This is where Chalong residents do their evening shopping for fresh produce, meat, and ready-to-eat food.
The market is on private land and has become a favourite spot for locals over the years. You’ll find the usual Thai market fare here. Vegetables, fruits, pork, chicken, and plenty of cooked dishes to take home. It’s not a tourist market, so prices are fair and there’s no haggling needed.
Location: Chalong
Address: Luang Pho Chaem Rd, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000
Open: Daily 5 pm – 8 pm
Nai Yang Fresh Market
Nai Yang Fresh Market is a local evening market opposite Wat Mongkhon Wararam temple, about 10 minutes from Phuket Airport. It’s open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from around 4 pm to 7 pm. This is a proper local market, not a tourist one. You’ll find fresh produce, seafood, meat, and plenty of cooked food ready to eat. The coconut pancakes are worth the trip alone, crispy outside and soft inside. There are also a few stalls selling clothes and toys.
It’s walkable from most hotels near Nai Yang Beach. Come early for the best selection because vendors start packing up around 6 pm. Prices are cheap, and there’s no need to bargain.
Location: on the way to Nai Yang Beach
Open: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 4 pm – 7 pm
Kamala Market
Kamala Village Market is a small local market on the main road, about 100 metres from the southern entrance of Kamala. It’s open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from late afternoon until around 7 pm. This is a working market for locals, not tourists. You’ll find fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, meat, fish, and spices. There are also a few stalls selling clothes and ready-made food you can take away.
It’s not big or fancy, but if you’re staying in Kamala and want to see daily life rather than tourist markets, it’s worth a quick walk through.
Location: Kamala Beach
Address: Near Phuket Fantasea
Friday: 3.30 pm – 7 pm
Monday: 3.30 pm – 7 pm
Mae Somchit Kata Fresh Market
Location: Kata Beach
Address: Patak Rd, Mueang Phuket, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100
Hours: Daily 6 am – 9 pm
Phone: 090 065 8292
Fresh Market Map (in progress)
More Markets Photos
Night Markets and Weekend Markets
- Phuket Weekend Naka Market, aka Phuket Chatuchak, because of its resemblance to the giant Bangkok weekend market. This Market sells mostly clothes and fake brands, lots of things that can’t be described. Most people enjoy it and try lots of fun food at the same time. No fresh market in there.
- Chillva Night Market is the newest and most entertaining young market in Phuket Town
- Phuket Walking Street Market on Thalang Road, in the historical part of Phuket town
- Phuket Indy Market is also popular on weekdays in Phuket town
Where to Shop in Phuket?
