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It's a great time find bargains as consumer goods are often 20
to 50 per cent cheaper at night when sold on the streets. There
are various night markets around Phuket Town. The best way to find
them all is to hire a tuk tuk or taxi driver who can show you around.
The weekend market now stretches into the week. It's located on
a side street off Phang Nga Road just a short distance from the
Royal Phuket City Hotel. This market was started after the 1997
economic crash when local rich merchants were forced to sell their
Mercedes car and expensive jewelry to the highest bidder.
This market evolved into a "car boot" sale where those
needing a little cash would spread their valuables on the ground
for sale.
Popular items include handcrafted leather boots, ceramics, carvings,
clothing, and music. Most recently, the success of this market has
spread and now vendors with merchandise to sell from around Thailand
arrive to Phuket for the island's weekend market.
Ever wondered where your hotel or resort gets their fresh produce?
The chef sends cooks and their helpers to the fresh market every
night around 03.00 to 05.00 hrs to find the best local vegetables
and fruits.
The market operates at these hours because it is cool and the produce
doesn't wilt or become damaged in the heat. It's always great to
stroll around the fresh market. The vendors are friendly when not
trying to sleep while selling out of the back of their pick up trucks.
Finally, after the clubs close, most Phuket residents head to town
to eat at one of the many food stalls located behind Robinson's
Department Store. This is the new fresh market that was built by
the city.
Local residents decided they didn't want to move in as they prepared
the old fresh market so the new fresh market was left for food vendors
to sell their tasty noodles, soups, and foods from different regions
around Thailand.
It's very informal with plastic chairs and rickety metal tables
set up in the streets. There's nightclubs like Gitano Music Café
and the Candy Pub nearby so there's always time to explore.
A long night can turn into an early morning while enjoying the
open markets of Phuket Town. Before heading back to the comfort
of your resort, try a cup of freshly brewed coffee and sweet roti
offered at any of the Muslim coffee stands.
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