Shop 'til You Drop in Phuket, Thailand! a Shopping Guide Written by a Local

Gifts, Souvenirs, Boutique Clothes & Jewelery
It can be fun to wonder along Surin Beach road  to discover the small souvenir shops and boutiques clothing stores.  As you walk down Surin beach road there is a small gallery where you can buy paintings, and a lovely boutique clothes shop Dharma bum.  You could also visit Twinpalms Hotel, and the 'Island Shop',  on the ground floor near to the juice bar, selling beautiful bikinis, necklaces and bags, and Palm Spa sells interesting teas, essential oils, and candles. At Palm Spa you could treat yourself to a fantastic steam and massage, you will emerge feeling a million dollars!  As you continue walk towards the end of the road there is a fascinatingly shop - Soul of Asia, which is great for browsing.

If you are visiting Royal Phuket Marina you may want to purchase some home-made chocolates and pasteries to die for. Royal Phuket Marina has a lovely furniture store with various items you could take home with you and spa.

Surin Plaza, and Canal Village are also great places to explore.  For example, Ginger (ground floor, Surin Plaza) has some interesting trinkets, jewelery, and gift items.

Within Canal Village you can find Jim Thompson Thailand's famous producer of silk products including cushion covers, purses and other luxury items.  There is also a good coffee shop, clinic, travel agent, and souvenir shops.  It has an ATM and parking.

Local Thai Markets
The best local Thai markets is the Sunday market in Cherntalay, at the intersection by the Police station, every Sunday afternoon.  If you want to purchase everyday Thai style clothing, shoes and food this is the place to shop, beware buying toys for small children as the Thai products do not adhere to international safety standards.

Western Style Super Markets
Tesco Lotus is open from 9am to 10pm everyday, it has an ATM and parking, and it is located about 10 minutes from Club Lersuang.  Tesco Lotus is the nearest western style Super Market, it sells most grocery items including fresh milk, drinking water, fruit, vegetables, suncream, music, books, and newspapers; as well as a bakery and pharmacy. 

Carrefour in (Jungceylon mall) Patong is much larger Super Market and it's about 20 minutes away.  Other Super Markets such as Big C, and Tops can be found in the center of Phuket Island.  Local shops, grocery stores and Seven-Eleven convenience stores are on every main road.

Shopping Malls
There are two main shopping malls, Central Festival and Jungceylon. 

Jungceylon in Patong is the nearest mall, and it has a large variety of shops, including Robinson's department store, sports shops, a diving shop, food center, cinema, nail and beauty salons.  You can park underground but you may need to pay a small fee depending on how long you stay (show your shopping receipts).  It also has an excellent indoor market called That's Siam, perfect for souvenirs such as Thai Silks, Pearls, Shells and local items. 

Central Festival is located in the center of the island and is about a 30 minute drive, it has some designer brands like Guess, and everyday shops as well.  Its a great place to buy good quality items, ask for a 5% tourist discount card.

ATMs can be found at all shopping malls and large super markets, the nearest ATM's are at Tesco Lotus and Surin beach road, near to the Tuk Tuk stand.

For more information on shopping, restaurants and things to do in Phuket, Thailand see our websites:
Phuket Vacation Apartments and Royal Phuket Marina Apartments