Thalang Road’s colourful rows of Sino-Portuguese shophouses are reason enough to roam the area. But locals and tourists alike also come to this part of the old town for the businesses that occupy the heritage structures, which include boutiques along with hotels, restaurants and museum that offer respite from the heat. If you’re wondering where you can find the best shopping in Phuket, start here.
The clothing selection at Bulan lets you dress head to toe in tie-dye. 37 Thalang Road
This family-owned shop has been selling traditional Chinese herbal medicines and spices for more than 110 years. 16 Thalang Road
Look for the perfect souvenir T-shirt at Non Lang , one of the oldest clothing shops on the island. 26 Thalang Road
An eclectic mishmash of Asian souvenirs and clothing await in this quirky emporium near Thalang Road. 15 Yaowarat Road
From one corner of the island to another, Phuket is chock full of homegrown luxury brands, chic boutiques and premium shopping villages.
Any list of where to shop in Phuket ought to include Jim Thompson , the luxury brand of gorgeous silk clothing and accessories that has become synonymous with Thailand. 1/F Central Mall
Exquisite silk and cottons from tribal villages, along with handcrafted sandals, bags, lacquerware and jewellery, await at Ban Boran Textiles. Phang Nga Road
Conveniently close to Marriott and Anantara’s five-star beach resorts, this village of premium boutiques sells upmarket fashion, souvenirs, spa products and jewellery. 889 Moo 3, Mai Kao
Get your fine art fix at Soul of Asia , with paintings, ceramics and antiques sourced from the region, plus a special collection of Chagall, Dali, Picasso and Warhol lithographs. 5/50 Moo 3, Cherngtalay
Admire the craftsmanship of wooden, bronze, marble and stoneware Buddha figurines, alongside lacquerware, furniture and decorative pieces at Chan’s . 99/42 Moo 5, Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Road
When the sun goes down, the streets of Phuket come alive with sprawling night markets. These are lively affairs, with local delicacies and live entertainment that add a festival-feel to the shopping experience.
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Phuket’s largest night market runs the gamut from fast fashion and souvenirs to crafts, electronics and plenty of tasty snacks to fuel your bargain hunting. 7 Wirat Hong Yok Road
A cool bohemian night market pops up here from Thursday to Saturday evenings, while upcycled shipping containers host independent stalls during the days. 141/2 Yaowarat Road
Don’t miss the night market on Thalang Road every Sunday, with local food, handicrafts, gifts and musical performances. Thalang Road
There are numerous shopping malls in Phuket that offer up a host of options to please you and your travel companions, whether you’re looking for premium brand labels, outlet bargains, local fashions or entertainment options.
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Families could spend a full day at Jungceylon , bouncing between the trampoline park, cinema, bowling alley, spa, escape room, various dining outlets and, of course, the shops – mostly big-name brands such as Esprit, Levi’s, Quiksilver and Samsonite. Patong
This gleaming complex counts 15 luxury brands, 500 lifestyle shops, 300 places to eat and drink plus an aquarium, a theme park, spas and a calendar of regular events. 74-75 Wichitsongkran Road
Where to shop in Phuket for deep discounts? You might score up to 70 per cent off international brands including Levi’s, Nike, Adidas, Timberland, Le Coq, Lacoste and Guy Laroche at this outlet mall . 888, 888/1 Moo 2 Koh Gaew
Limelight , a funky, modern lifestyle mall, features up-and-coming local designers, craft centres and a range of eateries. 2/23 Talat Yai
This story was originally published in February 2019 and updated in September 2020
Hero image: Benoit Ricard