Shopping

SHOPPING MALLS and SUPERMARKETS:

There are two main, "western" Shopping Malls in Phuket, look out for the first one, CENTRAL FESTIVAL (housing the Central Food Hall), as you transfer from the Airport to The Villas on arrival, on the right hand side, at the major crossroads in the centre of the Island, about 30 minutes after leaving the airport, and about 20 minutes prior to your arrival at The Villas. For further details visit their website.

Alternatively, the second shopping mall is JUNGCEYLON, located on the road running parallel to the beach road, one road behind, in Patong. This mall is about 30 minutes north of The Villas. Again for further details visit their website.

Both complexes comprise of a large western supermarket, a department store, pharmacies and a selection of international shops and boutiques, all complemented by a variety of local stalls selling souvenirs and products produced from all over Thailand. Additionally, as an entertainment centre, both malls boast multi screen cinemas, a selection of fast food, western and Asian restaurants, electronic interactive games machines, massage shops and or course Starbucks! You could be in any shopping mall any where in the world once you walk through the front doors, so you will easily find what you are looking for and feel at home.

The other two Supercentres located close to Central Festival are, TESCO LOTUS and BIG C. Again both complexes have large supermarkets supplying western and local produce, and many smaller local outlets, pharmacies and restaurants. Considered cheaper than the preceding two shopping malls, Tesco Lotus and Big C are frequented more by locals.
For more information on shopping in Phuket see: Phuket Shopping Centers.

Additionally, VILLA MARKET is western supermarket, one of three on the Island. This chain of supermarkets is the most popular with local ex-pats and tourists requiring western produce. It is conveniently located less than 10 minutes away at "Home Pro Village" at Chalong Circle. Villa Market offers a wide selection of western produce, excellent meat for BBQs, good quality fresh fruit and vegetables, a bakery and an extensive wine shop.

On TUESDAYS there is a Thai Food Market in the open air area next to Villa Market offering a tantalising selections of popular Thai dishes. It is a great experience to walk around trying the local favourite dishes and buying a selection of take-away options to be enjoyed back in your villa.

MARKETS:

A large number of "markets" are located throughout Phuket, they are found on every main beach road, and in the towns, usually looking more like permanent shops than portable markets, these shopping areas offer a variety of souvenirs and locally produced merchandise. There are also a number of shops offering copies of designer tee shirts, bags, watches, jewellery and of course you will find DVD, music and game copies. It is usual to be escorted into a back or "hidden" room to view the full range of merchandise as supplying and buying fake or copy goods is illegal. Although it is common practice throughout Asia, you must take into consideration you are buying illegally produced goods if you decide to go ahead with your purchases.

With all market purchases the stall owners expect to be negotiated with, so often start at ridiculously high prices, particularly if they presume you are a tourist and have no idea of the actually cost of the item. In general you should aim for a price of 25% – 33% of what you are originally asked for, and it is recommended not to start negotiating with a vendor unless you actually intend to purchase the item (if you reach a mutually agreeable price), because if you agree on a price it is you will be expected to buy it and if you change your mind the stall holders can consider it rude and be upset that you do not complete the deal. Prices will vary from vendor to vendor, and by location, time of the day and season, but in general are merchandise is of the same quality, which may or may not last or work in time, but that is the chance you take when buying cheaper goods or fake merchandise.

Located across from the carpark are a selection of local stalls, selling a variety of souvenirs including ornaments, sea shells, batiks, beachwear and casual clothes, sarongs, snacks, drinks and toys.

For more details on markets and shopping on Phuket Beaches visit this web site.

WEEKEND MARKET:

Jatujak Weekend Market is open every Saturday and Sunday from around mid–afternoon until 21:00 and sells a variety of inexpensive souvenirs, clothes and shoes, spa products, crafted soaps and candles, plus the not so touristy items of puppies and kittens and second hand shoes! There is a huge selection of local food to try out and seasonal Thai fruit to purchase at a fraction of the imported price back at home.

Location:
Heading towards Central Festival from Chalong Circle and The Villas, the market can be found down the right hand turning, at the last set of traffic lights before reaching Central Festival.

PHUKET TOWN SHOPPING:

For those guests who wish to investigate the eclectic mix of shops that offer a range of goods not found along every main beach road then you may enjoy exploring the shops hidden in the back streets of Phuket Town. Here you can find antique stores, book shops, boutiques, silk shops, art galleries and more, supplying artifacts, ornaments, figurines, lacquer work, table runners, silk cushions, Chinese herbs, textiles, Buddha Images, silver ornaments and art works not found anywhere else on the island. We recommend booking a driver and vehicle who knows his way around, or joining with a tour of Phuket town to get the most out of a visit and not get lost!

For more details on the shops in Phuket Town, visit this web site.

The number and variety of shops in Phuket can be a little overwhelming, so we advise guests to consider what they really wish to purchase and consult the following guide to help you decide on the area and products you are interested in, this "First Time Shopping Guide" will give you an invaluable overview of what is available and handy hints on making purchases, check out the First Time Shopping Guide.

Further to the previously listed link, we also suggest reading the following page which will give you an insight into the products available and worth buying while you are in Phuket on holiday, check out Further Suggestions.

NAI HARN SHOPPING:

Within close proximity to The Villas is Nai Harn Beach and Village, where you find a selection of shops to supply your daily needs. Firstly at the beach you see market stalls selling beachwear, summer clothes and footwear, beach accessories, hats, sun cream, toys and cheap souvenirs. There are also minimarts to be founds for drinks and snacks, and vendors selling fresh fruit, so you will find everything necessary for a day at the beach.

Away from the beach, at Promthep Cape, half way between Nai Harn and Rawai there is a stretch of around 30 market stalls selling many locally produced clothes, ornaments, silk cushions and bed runners, tee shirts with souvenir writing and slogans, hats, sunglasses and a range of inexpensive items you may need while you are here, or wish to take home. As Promthep cape also offers a great viewpoint for stunning sunsets and a cheap restaurant for Thai meals, it is a very popular destination at sunset, so if you wish to pop up there for some shopping we recommend a visit mid-morning.

In Nai Harn Village itself, there are other shops selling clothes and ornaments, and a couple of fabulous art shops (that will disassemble and pack any painting for you to transport safely home), plus a variety of minimarts and small supermarkets to purchase day to day groceries and essential items from. Nai Harn has several "7 Eleven" stores, in addition to the "Family Mart", "Tesco Express" and "TOPS Daily" small supermarkets. A larger "Tesco Lotus" and "Wine Connection" with a fresh bakery, are located at the Tesco Rawai shopping complex only a few minutes away towards Chalong Circle.

GENERAL GUIDE TO SHOPPING IN PHUKET:

Further to the above link, we also suggest reading the following page which will give you an insight into the products available and worth buying while you are in Phuket on holiday: Further Suggestions.

If you would like some guidance on where to shop, how much to pay for goods, or specific locations for particular items, please contact The Villas Manager for more information.