If you are looking for a night market that is hip, cool, and fun, then you should not miss Chillva Market Phuket, the trendiest night market in town. Chillva Market Phuket is a relatively new night market that opened in 2016. It is located on the side of Yaowarat Road, near Tesco Lotus and Naka Temple, in Phuket Town. It is open from Monday to Saturday, from 5 pm to 11 pm.
The market is famous for its distinctive look and feel, as it is made out of colorful shipping containers that house various shops, stalls, bars, and restaurants. The market offers a variety of food, fashion, art, and live music, catering to the tastes and preferences of young and creative locals and tourists.
In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Chillva Market Phuket, including what to eat, what to buy, what to see, and what to do. We will also give you some tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your visit to this amazing night market.
Food
The market has a wide range of food options to suit every palate and budget. You can find everything from traditional Thai dishes, such as pad thai, som tam, and tom yum, to international cuisines, such as pizza, burgers, and sushi. You can also try some exotic snacks, such as fried insects, grasshoppers, and silkworms, if you are feeling adventurous.
Some of the best and most popular food stalls and vendors at the market are:
- The Bug Box: A stall that sells fried insects, such as crickets, scorpions, and beetles, with different sauces and seasonings. If you are looking for a crunchy and protein-rich snack, this is the place to go. Fried insects are a delicacy in Thailand and are said to have many health benefits. You can get a bag of fried insects for as low as 20 THB.
- The Seafood Zone: A stall that sells fresh and grilled seafood, such as squid, prawns, and fish, with various dips and spices. If you are a seafood lover, you will love the variety and quality of the seafood here. You can choose your own seafood and have it grilled or fried to your liking. You can get a skewer of grilled seafood for as low as 50 THB.
- The Dessert House: A stall that sells sweet and delicious desserts, such as ice cream, crepes, and waffles, with various toppings and flavors. If you have a sweet tooth, you will be spoiled for choice here. You can indulge in some creamy ice cream, crispy crepes, or fluffy waffles, with fruits, chocolate, nuts, or whipped cream. You can get a cone of ice cream for as low as 30 THB.
Fashion
The market has a great selection of fashion items and accessories to suit every style and occasion. You can find everything from trendy and casual clothes, such as t-shirts, jeans, and dresses, to unique and local products, such as jewellery, bags, and souvenirs. You can also find some vintage and second-hand items, such as shoes, hats, and sunglasses, if you are looking for a bargain.
Some of the best and most popular fashion shops and vendors at the market are:
- The Container Shop: A shop that sells fashionable and affordable clothes, mostly made by young and independent designers. You can find some cool and stylish clothes here, such as graphic t-shirts, denim jackets, and floral dresses. You can also customize your own clothes with patches, stickers, and pins. You can get a piece of clothing for as low as 100 THB.
- The Handmade Shop: A shop that sells handmade and creative jewellery, bags, and souvenirs, mostly made from recycled and natural materials. You can find some unique and beautiful products here, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, backpacks, and keychains. You can also support the local and eco-friendly community by buying these products. You can get an item for as low as 50 THB.
- The Vintage Shop: A shop that sells vintage and second-hand items, such as shoes, hats, and sunglasses, mostly from the 80s and 90s. You can find some retro and nostalgic items here, such as converse sneakers, fedora hats, and aviator sunglasses. You can also score some rare and collectible items here, such as vinyl records, posters, and magazines. You can get an item for as low as 20 THB.
Art
The market has a fantastic display of art and creativity, showcasing the talents and skills of local artists and craftsmen. You can find everything from graffiti and paintings, to sculptures and installations, to tattoos and body art. You can also join some workshops and classes, such as painting, pottery, and origami, if you want to learn something new and have some fun.
Some of the best and most popular art shops and vendors at the market are:
- The Graffiti Wall: A wall that is covered with colorful and impressive graffiti, done by various local artists and graffiti writers. You can admire the art and take some photos here, or even try your own hand at graffiti with some spray cans and markers. The graffiti wall is free to view and take photos, and you can also buy some graffiti supplies here.
- The Art Gallery: A gallery that exhibits and sells paintings, sculptures, and installations, done by various local artists and art students. You can appreciate the art and buy some pieces here, or even commission your own custom-made art. The art gallery has a range of styles and prices, from abstract and modern, to realistic and traditional. You can get a piece of art for as low as 500 THB.
- The Tattoo Studio: A studio that offers tattoos and body art, done by various local tattoo artists and body painters. You can get a tattoo or a body painting here, or even design your own. The tattoo studio has a variety of designs and colors, from simple and minimal, to elaborate and colorful. You can get a tattoo or a body painting for as low as 300 THB.
Live Music
The market has a lively and vibrant atmosphere, thanks to the live music and entertainment that is featured on some nights. You can enjoy various genres and styles of music, such as rock, pop, jazz, and reggae, performed by local bands and singers. You can also dance and sing along, or just relax and watch, depending on your mood and preference.
Some of the best and most popular live music venues and performers at the market are:
- The Stage: A stage that is set up in the middle of the market, where live bands and singers perform on some nights, usually from 8 pm to 10 pm. You can listen to some awesome and energetic music here, from rock and pop, to jazz and reggae. You can also join the crowd and dance and sing along, or just sit back and enjoy the show. The stage is free to watch and enjoy, and you can also tip the performers if you like.
- The Bar: A bar that is located near the stage, where you can enjoy a drink and listen to the live music, or join the karaoke and sing your favorite songs. You can choose from a variety of drinks, such as beer, wine, and cocktails, and also snack on some nuts and chips. You can also have some fun and show off your singing skills, or just cheer on the other singers. The bar has a range of prices, from 50 THB per drink, and also has some happy hour deals and discounts.
- The Cafe: A cafe that is located on the side of the market, where you can enjoy a coffee and listen to some acoustic and jazz music, or play some board games and chat with your friends. You can choose from a variety of coffee, such as espresso, latte, and cappuccino, and also munch on some cookies and cakes. You can also relax and enjoy some soothing and smooth music, or have some fun and challenge your friends to some board games. The cafe has a range of prices, from 30 THB per coffee, and also has some free wifi and charging stations.
Tips and Recommendations
Here are some tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your visit to Chillva Market Phuket:
- The best time to visit the market is on Friday and Saturday nights, when the market is at its busiest and most lively. You can enjoy the full range of shops, stalls, bars, and restaurants, as well as the live music and entertainment. However, if you prefer a quieter and less crowded experience, you can visit the market on weekdays, when the market is still open but with fewer vendors and visitors.
- The market is easily accessible by car, taxi, or bus from various parts of the island. You can also rent a motorbike or a bicycle and explore the nearby areas, such as the old town, the Naka Temple, and the Tesco Lotus. There is a parking lot near the market, where you can park your vehicle for a small fee. You can also find some tuk-tuks and songthaews outside the market, if you need a ride back to your hotel or another destination.
- The market is a great place to shop for some souvenirs and gifts, as you can find some unique and local products that are not available elsewhere. You can also bargain and negotiate with the vendors, as they are usually friendly and flexible. However, be respectful and polite, and do not offer too low or too high prices. You can also ask for a discount if you buy more than one item or pay in cash.
- The market is a safe and family-friendly place, as there is a security guard and a CCTV camera at the entrance, and the vendors and visitors are mostly locals and tourists. However, you should still be careful and vigilant, as there might be some pickpockets or scammers in the crowd. You should also keep an eye on your belongings and children, and avoid any suspicious or shady people or places.
Conclusion
Chillva Market Phuket is a night market that is worth visiting if you are looking for a fun and exciting experience in Phuket Town. You can enjoy a variety of food, fashion, art, and live music, while also supporting the local and creative community. You can also find some great deals and bargains, as well as some unique and memorable souvenirs.
