Phuket has a great variety of shopping experiences. These include daily and weekly markets, including fresh markets like Banzaan Market or Kata Market and bustling open-air local food markets, such as Phuket Walking Street in Old Town.
They also include Western-style department stores and upmarket specialist shops, such as Central Festival Phuket. You have many opportunities to choose souvenirs for your family, friends, and colleagues. These include handicrafts, paintings, Thai silk, pearls, antiques, and even cashew nuts to remind you of your warm holiday experiences in Phuket.
Highlights
- Traditional handicrafts, beautifully-designed clothing, jewelry, antiques, and housewares are items you can choose to buy as souvenirs from Phuket.
- You can find good quality Thai silk fabrics in Jim Thompson, unique handicrafts in Phuket Old Town Market, and fresh food in Banzaan Market.
- The prices from street stalls and in local markets is negotiable so feel free to bargain with market vendors to get the best offers.
- The only thing you'll regret about shopping in Phuket is that you didn't take a bigger suitcase with you. But don't worry, you can buy a new one while you're there.
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Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
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Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
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Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
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Jul 2023
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Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
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Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
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Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
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Jul 2023
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Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
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Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
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Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
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Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
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Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
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Jun 2023
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Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
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Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
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Jun 2023
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Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
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May 2023
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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Souvenirs to Shop For
From roadside stalls to shopping centers, Phuket has shopping opportunities to satisfy all but the most fanatical shopaholic. For guidance, let's start with the five most famous souvenirs to buy in Phuket.
Thai Silk
This handwoven fabric is the most sought after and can be recognized by the small imperfections found in the weave. The safest way to get genuine Thai silk is to go to a reliable shop, such as Jungceylon mall, Central Festival Phuket, or Jim Thompson.
Gems and Jewelry
Jewelry shops are mainly found in Phuket Town and at Patong Beach. There are good jewelry shops in Montri Road, Phuket Town and you can find more in Ratsada Road and Ranong Road. The best purchases are items made with local gems, such as rubies and sapphires.
Pearls
As one of Phuket's best items to purchase, the cultured pearls offered to you are of good quality and available in large quantities. They are available individually, as a strand of pearls, or as part of an ornament.
Produced in the warm waters around the island, Phuket pearls come in a variety of shades from black to cream or white, and in a variety of sizes. There are plenty of jewelers in Phuket who can make elegant settings for you. If you are interested in pearls, consider a trip to the pearl farm on Naka Noi Island.
Thai Antiques
Thai, Chinese, Burmese, and Khmer antiques are excellent purchases to make. The best area for antiques and art shops is Phuket Old Town. If you wander along Dibuk Road and Thalang Road, you will find many interesting antique and art shops.
It is also a chance to admire the Sino-Portuguese architecture of the oldest buildings in Phuket Town. However, you must have a permit from the Fine Arts Department to export real antiques from Thailand. Any reputable vendors will be able to advise you on the restrictions and any necessary documentation.
Cashew Nuts
Cashew nuts are grown locally in Phuket and other provinces of southern Thailand. They are of better quality than those grown elsewhere in the world and are relatively cheap compared to the prices in Western countries. Many kinds of cashew nut are sold, such as roasted cashew nuts with salt, cashew nuts fried with garlic, cashew nuts coated with chocolate, honeyed cashew nut brittle, and cashew apple juice.
When consumed, they can aid the body to treat inflammations and infections of the respiratory tract, and help to reduce the symptoms of dysentery, gastric ulcers, and chronic stomach disease. They can even increase resistance to the common cold and allergy symptoms.
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Local Markets to Shop Around
Phuket has an impressive number of local markets that sell all sorts of goods, souvenirs, and foods. The markets can be differentiated between based on their type, such as daily markets, weekly markets, fresh markets, and modern markets.
Fresh Markets
Fresh markets are a very important aspect of Phuket and the Thai social life. You can find fresh fruits and vegetables, clothes, and souvenirs there.
Banzaan Fresh Market in Patong Beach
‘Banzaan' means ‘fresh market' in Hokkien, a Chinese dialect. Inside this market you will find fresh food, seafood, vegetables, flowers, Thai sweets, and the most bizarre-looking fruits at reasonable prices. The food is fresh and all the products are well arranged to give the place a very exciting look.
The building that hosts Banzaan Market has modern décor and style. There is a big food court upstairs, which consists mainly of Thai food, as well as many kiosks selling clothes, children's toys, and gifts.
Location: Patong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150
Opening hours: every day, 6am–9pm
Kata Fresh Market in Kata Beach
Kata Fresh Market is quite simply one of the most vibrant fresh markets on Phuket's west coast. This all-in-one market offers you many things, such as religious artifacts, health juices, skin products, electronics, jewelry, and much more.
The list of items you can buy at Kata Fresh Market is endless so just amble along and take it all in. Don't eat anything before you go to Kata Fresh Market because you'll be sorely tempted by the spring rolls, Thai sausages, and fresh tropical fruits and vegetables that are on offer. The best time to go is after 5pm when the market is not so crowded.
Location: Kata Road, Chang Wat Phuket 83100
Opening hours: Mondays and Thursdays, 11am–9pm
Central Festival Phuket
Central Festival Phuket is the place to shop for everything. This one-stop shopping mall is located just outside of Phuket Town. The shopping mall is divided into different sections:
- Central Store for clothes, toys, and household items
- The B2S for books and stationery
- Super Sports for sport related items
- Power Buy for electronic goods and home appliances
- Office Depot for office equipment
If you visit Central Festival Phuket, don't forget to go to Jim Thompson, which specializes in silk fabrics on the ground floor. You can buy high-quality and fashionable silk clothing, accessories, bedding, and shirts. You'll be able to delight those back home with a few scarves and some knickknacks for children.
Location: Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000
Opening hours: every day, 10:30am–11pm
Phuket Walking Street in Old Town
This is the best weekend market that offers a taste of southern Thailand with gift stalls and handicrafts. Phuket Walking Street is around 350 meters long and is locally referred to as Lard Yai. You can buy anything from T-shirts, hats, and flip-flops to toys, paintings, and trinkets. You can also taste uniquely-flavored ice creams, fresh fruits, and tangy barbecued meats.
The street is decorated with a row of vintage Sino-Portuguese houses that are lit up with pink, blue, green, and yellow neon lights so as to emanate a party-like atmosphere. It's also quite famous for its Thai Muslim and Indian shops.
Location: Thalang Road, Phuket Old Town, Chang Wat Phuket 83000
Opening hours: Sundays, 4pm–10pm
Explore Phuket's Markets with Us
Phuket has shopping opportunities to satisfy all but the most fanatical shopaholic. Feel free to contact our professional staff to ensure you get the best shopping experiences. We'll gladly give you the best recommendations to meet your individual needs.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
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