What to do at Naka Weekend Market?
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Phuket Naka Weekend Market (previously called Chaofa Variety Weekend Market) is an immense night bazaar near Central Festival on the outskirt of Phuket Town, driving south. Occasionally it’s even called ‘Phuket Chatuchak’ by reference to the giant Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, and Thais call it ‘Talad Tairod’, which means ‘Car Boot Sale’.
The Naka Weekend Market is big, crowded, hot, fun and almost overwhelming! You can walk in here for hours, looking at this vast bric-à-brac that makes this kind of night market fun, everything you don’t need is here, and most of it is fake!
You can divide the Naka Weekend Market into two sections: 1) the shopping and 2) the food, which is also a lot of fun. Don’t miss it!
What to buy at Phuket Weekend Market?
A lot of clothing, most displaying famous brands, but the low prices give a hint about their authenticity. If you enjoy this shopping, you’ll have tons of fun, but you might also realise sooner than later that material, shape, and quality don’t compare. Of course, bags, watches, accessories and even perfumes follow the same rule. You might find some excellent local designers if you look well, so there is hope.
Then loud music will irresistibly attract you to some of the biggest copy shops on the island… everything recent is here, some of them even before being out in theatres! Once again, quality doesn’t go well with cheap; these are smart guys and the demos they will show on their TV screen always looks good, but once home… surprise! When you see how much copy stuff is on sale in this weekend market and realise that no vendor seems particularly stressed, you get an idea of the efficiency of the anti-piracy campaigns. But, well, you know how it works, as long as the demand is strong enough.
Then comes one of the most surprising shops! The second-hand shoe shop! I always wondered if it should be called ‘ Second-foot shoe shop, but whatever… ask yourself: would you be wearing used shoes? I once had my shoes stolen long ago in front of my house, and I always thought how funny it would be to find them back in such a place. We even added it to the 16 Weird and Funny Things in Thailand.
The food at the Naka Weekend Market
Here is your chance to taste many fun things; all the classics are here, fried, deep-fried, boiled, steamed, crushed, chilled, rolled, sliced and fermented. Don’t be shy; try all you can, even the giant Jack fruits and durian, the much loved Sa-Tor, or the stinky bean!
Like most people, pick something and nibble as you walk, sit at one of the shop’s tables or eat at one of the back restaurants. There is a lot of seafood to enjoy, grilled right in front of you, and plenty of sweets and desserts, including the ever-popular mango sticky rice and banana pancakes.
Where is Naka Weekend Market?
From Central Festival Phuket, take the direction of Rawai Beach and turn left at the second traffic light, and it’s right there. There is ample parking in the back, but I usually try to park on the road; it gets jammed at night.
There are few other markets in Phuket Town. One is called ‘Phuket Indy Market‘, mostly young Thai designers trying to make a name or a bit of money. It’s small but pretty good and a lot more inspiring. If you like markets, read about Chillva Market Plaza and Phuket Walking Street Market, the many types of Phuket Night Markets, or even the Bangkok Chatuchak Market.
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Naka Weekend Market Info
Location: Phuket Town
Address: Thalang Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Phuket Town 83000
Open: 4 pm – 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday
Phone: 086 943 1140
Admission: Free
Fast Facts about Naka Weekend Market?
| 📅 Days open: | Saturday, Sunday |
| 🕗 Opening hours: | 4 pm to 10 pm |
| 🎟️ Admission: | Free |
| 🚙 Distance from Phuket Town: | 3 km |
| 🚙 Distance from Patong Beach: | 15 km |
| 🚙 Distance from Kata Beach: | 16 km |
| 🚙 Distance from Bang Tao Beach: | 24 km |
| ✈️ Distance from Phuket International Airport: | 34 km |
Naka Weekend Market Map
if you are on mobile, add the map here: https://goo.gl/maps/Jx4sBywQLQbnW2gXA
Other Night Markets in Phuket
More about Phuket Town
Phuket Town – A Walking Guide to Old Phuket Town