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Hello, travel lovers! Are you looking for a Thai market? Nothing to worry about! You will find our travel planner easy to use. Naka Weekend Market is a popular attraction in Phuket, Thailand. You may need at least two hours to survey every path, shop, and stall in the market near Phuket Town. You will find a variety of food stalls ranging from local style to Japanese style to Western style. Here you will find the best street food, handmade items, souvenirs, fashion, streetwear, and cute pets to take home with you. For more information, stay tuned to Go Plan Ready.
Overview of Naka Weekend Market
- Address: 63/671 Wirat Hong Yok Road, Wichit, Phuket, 83000 Thailand
- Opening Hours: Fridays to Sundays from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Duration: 6 Hours
- Best time to Go: Fridays tend to be less crowded than Saturdays and Sundays
- Bargaining: Bargaining is expected
- Payment: The market is mostly cash-based
History of Phuket Weekend Night Market
The Phuket Weekend Night Market, known locally as Naka Market, has a rich history as a vibrant and bustling bazaar. It’s also occasionally referred to as Phuket Chatuchak, echoing the famous weekend market in Bangkok. The market is renowned for its vast array of goods, from clothing and accessories to local food and snacks.
Originally, night markets in Phuket were small gatherings where locals sold homemade food and crafts. As tourism in Phuket flourished, these markets expanded in size and variety, becoming an integral part of the local culture and economy. The Phuket Weekend Market is particularly noted for being immense and crowded, offering a fun and sometimes overwhelming shopping experience.
What to do at Phuket Weekend Night Market
The Phuket Weekend Night Market, also known as Naka Market, is the largest in Phuket and is a must-visit for any shopper or foodie. Here are things you can do at the Phuket Weekend Night Market:
- Shop for Souvenirs: The market is packed with stalls selling everything from clothes and accessories to handicrafts and souvenirs. You can find everything from t-shirts and trinkets to hand-painted silk scarves and elephant pants.
- Sample Local Thai Food: There are countless food stalls at the market, selling everything from pad thai and curries to fresh seafood and barbecued meats. Be sure to try some of the local specialities, like masaman curry or tom yum soup
- Enjoy Live Entertainment: There is often live music playing at the market, as well as street performers and dancers.
- Get a Massage: There are several massage stalls at the market, offering traditional Thai massages and other treatments.
- Have Your Nails Done: You can get a cheap and cheerful manicure or pedicure at one of the many nail stalls at the market.
- Get a Henna Tattoo: Henna tattoos are a popular souvenir from Thailand, and you can get a temporary tattoo done at one of the market stalls.
- Ride the Ferris Wheel: The market has a large Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Best time to Visit Phuket Weekend Market
- Friday evenings (After 6 PM): The market starts coming alive with vendors setting up and crowds gathering. You’ll have a good variety of options to choose from and the energy will start building.
- Early Saturday or Sunday Afternoon (4-6 PM): Fewer crowds allow for comfortable browsing. This is especially good during the cooler months (November to April), as Phuket’s rainy season is from May to October.
- Saturday and Sunday (4 PM Onwards): These are the peak hours with the biggest crowds and the most vibrant atmosphere. All vendors will be open and live music will be playing.
Important Note: The Naka Weekend Market is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
What to Eat at Phuket Weekend Market
The Phuket Weekend Market, also known as the Naka Market, is a great place to try a variety of Thai street food. Here are some of the must-eats:
- Pad Thai: A classic Thai dish of stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, vegetables, and your choice of protein, such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
- Khao Pad Sapparot: This pineapple fried rice is another popular dish, made with shrimp, eggs, vegetables, and pineapple chunks.
- Moo Satay: Skewers of marinated pork grilled to perfection and served with peanut sauce.
- Gai Yang: Grilled chicken that is marinated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices
- Tom Yum Goong: A spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and mushrooms.
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How to Reach Phuket Weekend Market
- Taxi: This option offers the highest convenience, yet it comes at the greatest cost. You can hail a taxi from anywhere in Phuket and ask the driver to take you to the weekend market. The fare will typically be around 200-300 baht, depending on your distance from the market.
- Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks are a fun and affordable way to get around Phuket, and they are a great option for getting to the Phuket Weekend Market. You can usually find them waiting around tourist areas, or you can flag one down on the street. The fare will typically be around 100-200 baht, depending on your distance from the market.
- Songthaew: Songthaews are red pick-up trucks with benches in the back that function as a kind of public transportation system in Phuket. They are a very affordable way to get around, and they can take you to the Phuket Weekend Market for a few baht. Just flag one down on the street and let the driver know where you want to go.
- Motor Bike: If you are comfortable riding a motor bike, this is a great way to get around Phuket and it will give you the most flexibility. You can rent a motorbike for the day for around 200-300 baht, and then you can drive to the Phuket Weekend Market at your own pace.
Naka Weekend Market Tips for Visitors
- Please ensure you carry cash, as the majority of vendors do not accept credit card payments
- Be prepared to bargain for prices
- Point at what you want to order, as many vendors may not speak English
- There is usually seating available at the food stalls, but you can also take your food to go
- Be sure to try a variety of dishes to get the full experience!
- The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 4 pm to 10 pm
- It is located near Central Festival Phuket in Phuket Town
- The market can get very crowded, so be prepared to shop shoulder-to-shoulder with other shoppers
- Be sure to bargain for the best price on souvenirs
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I find at the market?
There are a variety of items for sale at the market, including:
- Clothing and accessories
- Souvenirs and handicrafts
- Secondhand goods
- Electronics and gadgets
- Local Thai street food and delicacies
What are some things to do at the market?
- Sample the delicious street food
- Browse the stalls and find unique souvenirs
- Enjoy live entertainment
- Relax at one of the many bars
Is bargaining expected?
Yes, bargaining is expected in the market. Don’t be afraid to haggle to get a good price on your purchases.
How do I get to the market?
You can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to the market, or it’s about a 4km walk from the centre of old Phuket Town.
Is there anything nearby I can visit?
Experience Old Town Phuket, admire the views from Promthep Cape, and relax on pristine Kata Noi Beach. Engage with gentle giants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, take a day trip to the breathtaking Similan Islands, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Patong Beach.
What are some distinctive experiences to be had at Naka Weekend Market?
Taste exotic Thai street food, listen to live music, bargain with vendors, discover hidden treasures like hand-painted clothes or vintage items, and soak up the cultural atmosphere.
