My original plan for this trip was to do absolutely nothing. Lounge by the pool, read, swim, repeat. Which was lovely for a while. But after a few days, even the best pool starts to feel a little repetitive, so on Saturday afternoon I decided to get dressed and head out to the Phuket Weekend Market.
The market is outside Phuket Town, and the taxi ride there was terrible. Traffic was heavy and it took more than an hour to get there, so what was supposed to be a casual evening outing turned out to be quite a long trip. Still, once I arrived, I was glad I made the effort.
The market reminded me a bit of a smaller, cleaner version of the big Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok. Plenty of stalls, but less chaotic and easier to navigate. A lot of the stands sell the usual things you’d expect such as souvenirs, T shirts, fake designer goods and random knick knacks. Not all that exciting, but if you take your time and look properly, there are some nice finds mixed in.
I bought a few coconut shell bowls like the ones my mom had been eyeing earlier this year when we were in Karon Beach. She’s getting them for Christmas. Don’t tell her. I also stumbled upon a small independent brand selling handmade bags, and ended up buying a drawstring bag made from waterproof fabric that turned out to be perfect for beach days. Exactly the kind of thing I like bringing home from trips.
As always, though, the food section was the main draw for me. It’s what I head for first at any market, and this one did not disappoint. There are small open air restaurants as well as endless food stalls, so it’s easy to turn the visit intoa multi-course dinner without committing to anything too heavy.
I started with a light meal at one of the casual restaurants, then wandered through the food area tasting along the way. Spicy Thai sausages straight from the grill, smoky and juicy with just the right amount of heat. Later, I gave in to dessert and ordered banana crepes with ice cream and chocolate sauce, which felt slightly over the top but what can you do, when the cravings call?
One of the nicest things about going to night markets is the temperature. Cooler, breezier and much more comfortable than during the day. The market felt lively without being overwhelming, and it was the kind of place where you can take your time, snack a little, shop a little, and just wander without a plan.
