Phuket · MARKETS
Good market tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 7 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Spend nine hours exploring southern Phuket with an English-speaking guide such as Bam Bam, Kimmy, Mossy, or Creamy. Visit Wat Chalong, viewpoints, Phuket Old Town, a cashew factory, and Chillva Market. Big Buddha is currently closed because of road access, so confirm the latest stop plan before booking.
“Great tour to visit the most iconic places of Phuket”
Spend six hours touring Phuket by air-conditioned vehicle, from Karon and Windmill viewpoints to Wat Chalong, a cashew factory, Phuket Elephant Care, Khao Rang Hill, and Old Town’s night market. English or Thai guides, hotel pickup in selected areas, and small-group options are available.
“My guide was Pat (I hope I'm spelling that right I should have asked). She was wonderful. There are many different activities and places to see. The elephants were obviously the best part but everything else was great too. I wanted a good tour of some of the sights on land in Phuket and this really delivered. Thank you so much Pat, you were awesome.”
See Phuket beyond the beaches with an English-speaking guide, from Sino-Portuguese Old Town and Wat Chalong to Karon Viewpoint, Khao Rang Hill, and Sunday Walking Street Market. The 5 to 6 hour small-group trip costs $16, but check for shopping stops and pickup fees.
“Wouldn’t recommend this trip. While you do see some cultural sites and temples, the tour includes mandatory stops at a honey shop and a cashew shop, which aren't mentioned in the itinerary. Although mildly interesting, these stops felt like a waste of time. As a result, there’s less than an hour at the night market, which isn’t enough to properly explore. That time would have been much better spent at the market or the temples (the main reason we booked this tour). If you have no other way to get around Phuket, this tour might be useful, but otherwise you’re better off saving your time and using Grab.”
You’ll visit Phuket’s night markets with an English-speaking guide, starting with a food and shopping stop such as Jatujak Market, then Lad Yai on Sunday. Guides including Pat and May have helped explain local dishes, from grilled seafood to mango sticky rice with ice cream. Hotel pickup is included from Patong, Kata, and Karon.
“The driver and representative were very friendly and professional. Great day all round. Thanks for the experience.”
Start at 1 p.m. from The Royal Paradise Hotel in Patong for a five-hour Phuket tour with an English-speaking guide and round-trip transfer. Visit Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Old Town, a cashew factory, and two markets. Guide Mawin is noted for clear updates and punctual pickup.
“I am traveling the world with my wife and have taken countless tours in numerous countries, and this is the very 1st time I felt it necessary to leave such a negative review. I showed up early to the meeting point, sent the tour company several Read more”
Spend about four hours visiting Karon View Point and Promthep Cape before heading to Chilva Market or JJ Market. An English-speaking guide such as Nurse or Sexy leads the outing, helps with local food choices, and returns you to your hotel.
“It was a Great tour out guide Sexy were a fantastic guide, she really took care of us. We are so satisfied”
This private Phuket outing pairs sunset at Promthep Cape with Old Phuket Town, monkey spotting at Khao Rang, and street food at Chillva Market. Your English-speaking guide handles the driving and photos, with pickup from Patong, Karon, or Kata. Food and drinks cost extra.
“Not as expected! A long drive to Cape. Was dropped there and left to watch sunset. Was very tired and requested to return to our hotel. They appeared annoyed with us.”
Pick an island, a jungle track or a kitchen.
