CHILLVA MARKET

              Chillva Market Phuket is a cool, trendy night market with a somewhat bohemian vibe and an impressive selection of food and fashion stalls. Hard to miss by the side of Yaowarat Road (which runs by Tesco Lotus, on the way towards Phuket Town), it has a distinctive look created by the use of colorful shipping containers as shopfronts.

           The stores in the upcycled containers are open every day, but the best time to visit is on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, when the flea market comes to town, setting up in tents and little hawker stalls to fill up this 6,400-square-metre marketplace. At the heart of the market is a small stage with a pond behind and amphitheater in front, both of which host live performances when the market is in full swing.

         Chillva Market Phuket is more popular among locals than tourists. Everything happening on stage is completely incomprehensible to anyone not fluent in Thai. Many of the goods on sale are suitable for hip local teenagers.

        On the upside, it gives you a much more local experience than other Phuket markets. Prices are generally more reasonable, with quality and fashionable t-shirts from around 130 baht, sunglasses from 100 baht, and handmade beauty products from 30 baht.