The wildly beautiful, turquoise paradise of Phuket, nestled along Southern Thailand’s Andaman Sea, isn’t just a destination for warm dips in the ocean and sunbathing on sparkling sand. The island also has a tangle of busy streets paved with terrific—not to mention, affordable—shopping spots. Whether you’re seeking the cool retreat of an air-conditioned mall in Phuket Town or looking to score bargains at a night market in one of the smaller villages on the island, you’ve got plenty of options.
PatongWhen travelers speak of Patong, they often do so with the words “beach” and “nightlife” in the same breath. Yet this resort town also charms shoppers with its selection of malls and open-air markets. In fact, Patong may just offer the best shopping on the island. The best-known shopping destination in Patong is the Jungceylon Shopping Complex, which has everything from brand-name shops to electronic goods stores. You’ll also find great and varied shopping at OTOP Shopping Paradise and Malin Plaza.