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The Ultimate Guide to Chillva Market in Phuket

The Ultimate Guide to Chillva Market in Phuket

| Last Updated: February 2024

Chillva Market, with its bustling atmosphere, is one solid reminder of the thriving business Phuket has become. From chic fashion items to out-of-this-world exotic street food, this place that blooms into the night can surprise you in more ways than one.

To ensure you don’t miss your way to this lively spot, we’ve created the ultimate travel guide to Chillva Market Phuket. So buckle up, we’ll share the best ways to get there, including must-try activities, exotic foods, and more!

Things to Know

Time Zone: Indochina Time (UTC/GMT+7)

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: +66

Location: 141/2, Yaowarat Road, Ratsada, Phuket

Nearest Airport: Phuket International Airport (30 km)

Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 5 PM to 11 PM

Best Time to Visit Chillva Market Phuket

Although Chillva Market opens all year, it’s best to visit when the monsoon season in Phuket is over, from November to April. During this time, the humidity is low and perfect for enjoying the lively outdoor atmosphere without worrying about rain.

As for the best time of day to visit Chillva Market, 7 PM is your best bet since this is when all shops are already open but you’ll still have ample time to explore. 

Still, if you want to beat the crowds, arriving early at about 6 PM is recommended. Most people are still having dinner by then, but stores are already open, so you can have a first look and bargain hard. 

Pro Tip:

Try visiting Chillva Market on different days to experience everything it offers. You can find various secondhand items on Mondays and Tuesdays, while new item arrivals are the highlights from Wednesdays through Saturdays.

How to Get to Chillva Market 

Phuket Town is a famous hotspot in Phuket Island, so it’s unsurprising when tourists head here upon arrival. Chillva Market is north of the town, between Tesco Lotus Phuket and the Chinese Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine on Yaowarat Road.

Here’s how to get there via various modes of transport:

Taxi: Because taxis are everywhere in Phuket, booking one to Phuket Town is easy. You can stop a metered taxi on the side of the road or use the taxi booking service, Grab, to bring one to your location and have the driver drop you off at Chillva Market.

Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks in Phuket can take you anywhere a taxi can, minus the high rates. But because tuk-tuks are unmetered, it’s wise to negotiate ahead so you won’t be shelling out hard-earned money more than you have to. 

Car: Phuket Island is a famous travel destination, so you can find various car rental companies all over the island province. You can rent a car from Phuket International Airport to drive to Chillva Market and back to your hotel room afterward. 

Follow Thep Krasattri Road from the airport and turn right to Chalermprakiat Ratchakan Thi 9 Road. Keep following this road and turn left to Yaowarat Road to reach Chillva Market after a final 600-meter ride.

Motorbike: Like cars, motorbikes are popular rental vehicles in Phuket because they’re affordable, and you can traverse various terrains with them. If you rent a motorbike to Chillva Market, follow the same route previously discussed.

What to Do on Chillva Market

Hunt for the best bargains

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The most significant highlight of Chillva Market is the vast collection of trendy shops lining the area’s busy streets. The market area isn’t as spacious as other Phuket night markets, so you can navigate these shops quickly. 

Take time to look around as various fashion items, from stylish clothing and accessories await you. Plus, souvenir shops in Chillva Market sell traditional display items, cool artworks, and local crafts, among other things.

The night market is split into different sections, and shops selling similar items belong in the same area. This way, you don’t have to go back and forth between two sections trying to look for specific items you want to look for and buy.

Pro Tip:

Like most night markets in Thailand, the prices of goods in Chillva Market are negotiable. Be ready to strike a bargain but don’t bargain too hard so small businesses can still thrive. 

Try exotic street food

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Ah, you may frown at exotic foods, but getting a taste could be all that you need to order some more. Chillva Market boasts of seemingly endless food options to try, from classic Thai snacks to Western delights and exotic street food.

Take a hint from the locals and feast on insect skewers and stir-fried bugs, like crickets, grasshoppers, silkworms, and even crocodile meat. Doing so will make for an unforgettable experience—and it might impress some people you tell!

Listen to live bands

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Live bands are popular attractions at Chillva Market on Wednesdays, and they contribute to the market’s lively atmosphere and trendy vibe. It also makes for a popular hangout for teens who flock to check out singers and acts they follow.

These bands are also one of the biggest reasons young adults frequent this night market on this particular day, enjoying drinking with their friends while listening to live music. 

Watch special performances/events

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Aside from live bands, Chillva Market often holds special performances and events, typically with companies or celebrities promoting various products and services.  

Promotional events may happen on different days, but you can catch the performances on Saturdays.  

What can you expect here, you say? Mainly entertaining acts filled with fun and exciting tricks, or even competitions. Who knows, you’ll probably chance upon fire dancers! 

Relax with a massage

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If you need to relax and take a breather from the lively crowd and bustling market, then getting a massage is the perfect activity!

Thankfully, you can get your needed therapy right at Chillva Market!

Just one catch: the massages are done right at the open-air retro area.

Get a haircut

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Surprisingly, Chillva can also get you the best version of yourself—hairdo-wise. We’re talking about barbershops and salons around the area that can provide a timely break away from the noisy chatter and get you in proper form. 

If you’ve been dying to get a haircut but haven’t been able to zero in on a good barber, you’re in the right spot! 

Pro Tip: 

Although most shops aren’t ready at 5 pm, you can visit Chillva Market this early to see as many stores and attractions in one night. Otherwise, you can return in the following days to experience more things in this night market.

Where to Eat

Market Area Food Stalls

A heap of food stalls line the streets in Chillva Market, so food adventuring in the market area is enough to fill your belly for the night. You can indulge in classic Thai street food, grilled seafood, barbeque skewers, and assorted refreshments.

With many food items available, you can fill your share in two or three food stalls alone. Of course, doing so isn’t ideal because you want to experience and try as much variety of food as you want whenever you visit Chillva Market.

The Bars

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Unlike the food stalls around Chillva Market, this area stands out because it’s made from upcycled shipping containers stacked to form a two-story structure. 

With this creative setup, spaces for two bars and a small restaurant were created, plus a dining space with roofing!

As for the food choices, the vendors here may occasionally change since it’s like a food park, but you can expect the usual Thai and Western fare.

Chillva Market Retro Area

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Another section that serves as a retreat from the bustling front market is the Chillva Market Retro Area. This peaceful location at the back is the perfect spot to escape from the busy streets of the main market area.

In the Chillva Market Retro Area, you can access dining chairs and tables surrounded by various food stalls and restaurants. These establishments serve different food items, including snacks, classic Thai dishes and Western dishes.

The market goers head to this area to enjoy a nice meal in a more peaceful environment. After a quick rest and a full meal, you’ll regain enough strength to venture into the bustling sections of Chillva Market.

Where to Stay near Chillva Market

Mee Tang Nang Non

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Address: 429, Yaowarat Road, Ratsada, Phuket

Contact Number: +66972414153

Operating Hours: 9:00 p.m. (Check-in) to 12:00 p.m. (Check-out)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meetangnangnon

Costs: $

Mee Tang Nang Non is a humble inn offering cheap accommodations across the street from where Chillva Market begins. 

It’s not, by any chance, a luxurious hotel, but the place has clean rooms that should be sufficient for a one-night stay.

Homa Phuket

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Address: Soi Sam Kong 1, Ratsada, Phuket, Thailand

Contact Number: +6676540799

Operating Hours: 2:00 p.m. (Check-in) to 12:00 p.m. (Check-out)

Website: https://www.homa.co/

Costs: $$

If you prefer a more sophisticated accommodation, you can book a room at Homa Phuket Town. This hotel is only 580 meters away from Chillva Market, beyond the Chinese Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine.

Homa boasts the longest rooftop pool on Phuket Island, including various facilities like a fitness center, rooftop bar, and restaurant. 

Plus, they have a co-working space with fast WiFi, meeting rooms, and soundproof video conferencing pods-–useful if you’re a digital nomad!

Apps to Download

  • Grab App – Grab is a quick and comfortable way to get around Phuket. 
  • Line and Whatsapp – These apps are your lifeline to Thailand’s businesses, like hotels, restaurants, and attractions. 
  • Google Maps – Enjoy street views and get driving directions to help you get around Phuket in a jiffy. 
  • Google Translate – Should you be at a loss for words as you don’t know what a native speaker is saying, Google Translate on your phone can be a lifesaver. Just make sure you have connectivity. 
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