Royal Paradise Night Market

Around 100 stalls sell everything from smartphone covers and sunhats to bedcovers, lamps, and beachwear at Phuket's Royal Paradise Night Market. This night bazaar 'begins' outside the Royal Paradise Hotel on the busy Rat-U-Thit Road and snakes through the middle soi ('alley) of the hotel's three entranceways. The majority of the stalls at the Royal Paradise Night Market sell traditional souvenirs such as carved soap ornaments, candle holders, and polystyrene-labeled beer coolers. There are also some unusual trinkets for sale, such as sandalwood ornaments and essential oils; there are even a stand selling handcuffs.

Before branching out into bric-a-brac, Royal Paradise Night Market only sold jeans. If you're looking for casual wear and jeans, this is one of the best places to shop in Phuket. If you need to rest your feet, go to the "Dr. Fish" stand and dip your toes into a tank filled with small flesh-nibbling fish. They assist in the removal of excess and dead skin from your lower legs and feet. It's a ticklish but entertaining experience.

Shopping at Royal Paradise Night Market is an entirely open-air experience; bring light clothing as there is no cooling ventilation other than the evening breeze. Unless prices are clearly marked, most vendors will judge your purchasing power based on how you appear. The language barrier is not as prevalent because many traders are fluent in English. They frequently assist when dealing with a non-English-speaking vendor. When bargaining, always be polite and smile. Many of the bars and pubs in Soi Paradise are within walking distance of the Royal Paradise Night Market. On Rat-U-Thit Road, diagonally opposite the market, there are some excellent seafood restaurants.

Google rating: 4.1/5

Recommended for: people staying nearby

Address: 143/6 Thanon Ratuthit Songroipi Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand

Opens: Daily from 6pm to 10pm