GOING LOCAL

Of all the local markets in Phuket, none are more engaging than the Lard Yai Walking Street along Thalang Road in the heart of Phuket Town. Every Sunday evening, the section of Thalang Road from Yaowarat Road to Phuket Road is closed to traffic and vendors set up on site. The range of foods and items available are that good the market is a hit with Phuket Town residents, already long used to standard markets and tourist traps. True local dishes and sweets, all home cooked, are available, along with quality-made items including clothing of original non-brand-name designs made by local residents, hand-made jewellery and more. Even the virgin fruit cocktail stall has made a name for itself, serving original combinations of freshly fruit juice mixes to tickle the taste buds. Lining both sides of the street is door after door of local cafes and shops catering to local residents and tourists alike, highlighting the essence of Lard Yai – it’s a point of pride for Phuket Townies, it’s not what you do, but how you do it. Well worth visiting. South of Phuket Town, the Naka Weekend Market is huge and offers almost anything at bargain prices amid a maze of stalls in a more traditional Thai-style open market, while in Patong the Banzaan market located behind Jungceylon and the OTOP Plaza further south on Rat-UThit 200 Pi Road are both perfect for bargain hunters looking for those quintessential souvenirs at the right prices. There are of course a variety of large duty-free stores dotted across the island for those visiting from abroad. Don’t forget to ask for your “tax receipt” in order to claim your VAT refund at the airport before leaving the country.