A Family Guide to Phuket’s Rich Culture and Must-Visit Local Markets – An Experience Like No Other

With beaches, greenery, culture, and history, Phuket invites curious travellers to come and explore its many wonders. If you’re an adventure-loving family, you’ll find Phuket to be a true haven. 

Best Time to Visit Phuket 

For an experience uninterrupted by weather changes, find the best time to visit Phuket. Many consider the time between November and April to be the best time to visit. It’s the dry season, characterised by sun-soaked beaches, gleaming calm seas and rain. 

• Peak season: December to January is the peak season, or the tourist high season. You find the best weather during these months, but the accommodation prices go up a bit. 
• Shoulder season: October, November, and April are the shoulder months. They promise a balance between good weather and affordability. 
• Low season: From May to October is the monsoon season. It brings heavy rains, which may disrupt outdoor travel plans. However, accommodation is incredibly cheap. If you’re an indoor person, you can enjoy the snug comforts of a resort without breaking the bank. 

Here are some recommendations from experts: 

• Visit between December and March for beach fun. 
• November to March is the best time for diving. 
• Surfers will find optimal conditions between May and September. 

Chillva Night Market

Some might say this is the best market in Phuket for young people, and you might agree once you visit Chillva Night Market. It’s an excellent place to try local food, get a feel for local life, and do some shopping into the bargain. 

With live music adding more joy and cheer to the atmosphere, Chillva asks for at least a couple of hours of your time. From t-shirts and accessories to hats and perfume, the array of merchandise on offer is quite diverse. 

Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market

Also known as Lard Yai Market, Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market in Phuket Old Town is among Phuket’s top attractions. Every Sunday from 4 pm to 9 pm, the market springs to life on Thalang Road. 

The road is fringed with shops selling delicious Thai food and inexpensive clothing. The background of live entertainment makes shopping and eating at the Walking Street Sunday Night Market all the more fun.

Phuket Old Town 

There’s much more to Phuket Old Town than the Walking Street Market. It’s a haven of culture, history, and beautiful architecture. Streets are lined with old colonial buildings, adding a rustic charm to the atmosphere. Among them are cafes and eateries selling coffee and delicious food. 

Here are some ideas for exploring Phuket Old Town:

• Explore the Sino-Portuguese architecture.
• Visit Wat Mongkol Nimit and Jui Tui Shrine.
• Enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the quaint cafés.
• Visit museums and galleries.
• Join a guided walking tour.

Bring your camera because you’ll find plenty of photo-worthy moments.

Phuket Indy Night Market 

Another market you can visit with your family is Phuket Indy Market, situated on Limelight Avenue. It’s only a short distance from Thalang Road in Phuket Town. It’s not as popular as it once was because of contenders like Chillva taking its place, but the Indy Market still does hold onto its magic. 

It was the first to focus on creative arts and music. Other markets that followed, like the Walking Street Market, took their inspiration from it. A visit is a must if you’re in the area on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 pm to 10.30 pm.

Fun Friday Avenue Market 

Every Friday evening, Boat Avenue in Bang Tao, Phuket, gets busy, hosting the Fun Friday Market. It’s not the largest market by any means, but the fun and cheerful atmosphere attracts people of all ages week after week. 

What can you find here? Like most other street markets, the Fun Friday Market offers plenty of delicious Thai dishes such as Som Tam and fried noodles. 

A Day Trip to Khao Lak

If your family is up for a little adventure beyond Phuket, Khao Lak makes for an excellent day trip. Just an hour’s drive away, it offers a calmer atmosphere with unspoilt beaches, lush forests, and family-friendly attractions. You can take the kids to see waterfalls such as Lam Ru or Ton Chong Fa, spend time at the Tsunami Memorial Park, or hop on a boat to the Similan Islands for snorkelling. It’s a refreshing change of pace that adds variety to your Phuket holiday.

Even if you don’t want to visit the night market, Boat Avenue should be part of your itinerary. The area features numerous shops and restaurants loved by expats living nearby.

If you’re looking to indulge a little while staying close to the beach, letting your kids have fun at the kids’ club and having your furry friends around, consider a five-star family-friendly option like Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, especially if you have a mind to explore the range of things to do in Khao Lak as well.