A Bargain Hunters Guide to Phuket!
While the main tourist areas in Phuket may offer a variety of goods, the best bargains can be found away from these areas, specifically in and around Phuket Town, particularly in the Old area of Phuket Town. Here, you’ll find an interesting array of shops with traditional Thai Crafts, Asian decor, and textiles. Whether you’re looking for clothing, textiles, handicrafts, ceramics, gold, silver, pearls, Thai silks, art, Asian décor, or Thai souvenirs, Phuket has something to offer every shopper. To experience Thai shopping at its best, make your way to one of the many markets found throughout the island, where you can haggle and barter! You can find a variety of fresh food, clothes, CDs, sunglasses, shoes and much more. So, if you want to shop like the locals and find the best bargains, make your way to Phuket Town, and enjoy the experience.
The Phuket Weekend Night Markets
One of the most popular markets in Phuket is the Phuket Weekend Night Markets. These markets are held every Friday and Saturday night in Saphan Hin Park, just outside of Phuket Town. The markets are great places to find a wide range of goods at great prices, including clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and traditional Thai handicrafts. The prices at the Phuket Weekend Night Markets are very reasonable, and haggling is expected. As you walk around the market you will find a variety of vendors selling different items, from traditional Thai silk scarves to handmade beaded jewellery. The market is also a great place to pick up a wide variety of souvenirs to take back home.
The Chillva Markets Phuket
Another great market to check out in Phuket is the Chillva Markets. This market is held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening in the Samkong area of Phuket Town. It features a mix of local vendors selling handmade crafts, fashion, and food. Chillva markets also have a good selection of street food and live music, making it a great place to spend an evening. The market is known for its unique and fun atmosphere, with vendors selling everything from handmade clothing to unique home decor. The market is also a great place to find unique handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind gifts to take back home.
The Sunday Night Market in Phuket Old Town
If you’re in Phuket on a Sunday evening, be sure to check out the Sunday Night Market in Phuket Old Town. This market is held in the heart of Phuket Town and features a wide range of goods, including clothing, accessories, and traditional Thai handicrafts. The market is a great place to find traditional Thai goods such as silk scarves, handmade jewellery, and traditional Thai clothing. The prices at the Sunday Night Market are very reasonable, and haggling is expected.
The Indy Markets
For a unique shopping experience, be sure to check out Indy Markets. These markets feature a mix of local vendors selling handmade crafts, fashion, and food. The Indy Markets are held in various locations around the island, so be sure to check the schedule to find out when and where the next market will be held. The markets are known for their unique atmosphere and unique vendors. They are a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and handmade crafts that you won’t find anywhere else.
The Malin Plaza Patong
If you’re looking for a more traditional shopping experience, be sure to check out the Malin Plaza Patong. This shopping centre is located in the heart of Patong and features a wide range of shops selling clothing, accessories, and traditional Thai handicrafts. The mall is a great place to find a wide variety of traditional Thai goods such as silk scarves, traditional Thai clothing, and handmade jewellery. The prices at the mall are very reasonable, and haggling is expected. It’s also a great place to find a wide range of fashionable clothing and accessories at great prices.
Tips when Haggling
Haggling is an important aspect of shopping in Phuket, but it’s important to keep in mind a few key points to make the experience enjoyable and successful. Here are five things to keep in mind when haggling in Phuket:
- Know the value: Research the prices of the products you are interested in buying, so you have an idea of the fair market price.
- Be respectful: Bargain shopping is a common practice in Phuket, but be respectful and courteous to the vendors.
- Smile and be friendly: Being friendly and smiling can help build rapport with the vendors, making it easier to negotiate a better price.
- Be willing to walk away: If you can’t agree on a price, be willing to walk away. Sometimes vendors will come back with a lower price after you’ve left.
- Don’t overspend: Remember to stick to your budget, and don’t overspend. After all, the whole point of haggling is to save money.
- Time and Place: Remember there is a time and place for haggling, if you go into a shop or a store and you start to haggle on prices, you are likely to cause serious offence.
By keeping these six points in mind, you’ll be able to successfully haggle and get the best deals while shopping in Phuket.
In conclusion, Phuket is a great place for bargain shopping, with a variety of markets and shops offering a wide range of goods at great prices. From the Phuket Weekend Night Markets to the Chillva Markets Phuket, there’s something for every shopper on the island. Be sure to check out the Sunday Night Market in Phuket Old Town, the Indy Markets, and the Malin Plaza Patong for a diverse shopping experience. With the wide range of options, you are sure to find something to suit your taste and budget. Happy shopping!