Weekend Market at Phuket Town Thailand

Situated in the heart of Phuket Town, near Jui Jui temple, is Phuket's weekend market that is named Jatujak. This market is the only place to go if you want to experience what shopping in Thailand is really like. This not so little gem is open on Saturday from 5pm and on a Sunday at 4pm both days. The market stays open until around 8pm or when the last customer leaves.

Here you will find anything you could ever wish for at a fraction of the price of what stores or markets charge near in the tourist areas and the beach resorts. There are approximately 10 rows of market stalls creating walkways of around 200 meters in length.

Arriving early means you can walk more freely but that is not to say that arriving later is a bad thing. When it starts to get dark, the mixtures of colored and clear lights of each market stall lights up. Music is played by locals and the aromas of delicious Thai food and effervescent atmosphere fills the air. This is a slice of real Thai life, which makes a trip to the market so exciting and insightful.

There are 4 or 5 rows of stalls, all selling tasty Thai snacks and meals freshly prepared and served by locals. Noodles, seafood and Thai curries such as Massaman and Penang can be found here. Dishes may be cheap in price but they are priceless in terms of quality. Do as the locals do and eat on the move or sit side by side with other market-goers as is the norm in Thailand. Stalls sell an array of goods such as designer clothing, toys, pet lizards, snakes, puppies and kittens, jewelry and even antiques.

As you make your way from stall to stall, you are greeted by smiling happy faces of the local sellers who are always happy to engage in conversation. The great aspect of the market is that it is the ritualistic destination of the locals, every single weekend.

The organized chaos of a Thai market is one experience you have to see, smell and feel for yourself, at least once in your lifetime. As the weekend market is frequented by locals, the prices are set to reflect that, therefore you are guaranteed to pick up a bargain – although if you want to really get into the market mood then haggling is common practice and a great way to enjoy your time here. As you make your way towards the center of the market, there is a large tree which has been used as the base for the market’s open bar area.

As it gets darker and the stars brighten in the sky, on come the tree's multi colored lights. Take a seat either at the carved teak bar, which is shaded by the market's large tree and order a cold drink. Sitting there is another attraction in itself, especially for people-watching. Guests can enjoy a range a cool Thai beers, soft drinks and cocktails and absorb the hustle and bustle of a truly amazing Thai market.