Markets play a big role in Thai life: people stock up on food there or go out to eat, preferably with friends or family. The markets in and around Khao Lak are not just for tourists. There are fresh food markets, evening markets, Sunday markets and seasonal markets (around holidays). In general, if you really want to get to know a place in Thailand, you should visit the local market.
Here are our top ten markets in and around Khao Lak: (there are a few more…)
The Bang Niang Market
The Bang Niang Market is Khao Lak’s most famous market and a tourist hotspot. Lots of food stalls, grocery stalls, souvenir and clothing shops, as well as bars and restaurants. The market is located next to Highway 4, the main road through Khao Lak, right at the traffic lights in Bang Niang.
The market is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. However, many shops start to close after sunset.
Alive Market
There is a new market in town since 2023: the Alive Market in La On, close to the beach, with a beautiful view on the sunset. Food specialties, fresh drinks, seasonal attractions and small shops for souvenirs and handicrafts. There is also an open-air cinema – a first for Khao Lak.
Location: near the beach in La On. Open daily from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m. – except Wednesday.
Ruam Jai Nightmarket (Roumjai)
The market has been around since 2019 and has already become a local institution for many locals. At the entrance there are food stalls with cooked food, further back there are stalls with basic foodstuffs. Very untouristy, but with a relaxed atmosphere and more lively than the morning markets. The stalls are covered.
The market is in Khuek Khak behind the PTT petrol station. It is open daily from around 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Khuek Khak Fresh Market
The Khuek Khak Fresh Market is the place in Khao Lak where locals (and restaurant owners) stock up on fresh vegetables, fruit, fish and meat. A place for visitors to look behind the tourist facade of Khao Lak and experience a bit of local life.
The fresh market is located about 3km north of Bang Niang, set back from the main road by the bus station. It is open daily: early in the morning until around noon.
Sunday market Takua Pa
The old town of Takua Pa is always worth a visit with its Sino-Portuguese house fronts and street art. The Sunday market also takes place there on Sundays. It is now a popular tourist destination (Takua Pa is 30 km north of Khao Lak) and offers an authentic Thai atmosphere with a clear Chinese influence. Lots of food stalls and a few stalls with handicrafts/souvenirs.
Open every Sunday, now also outside of the main season, which runs from November to April.
Bangkan Sunday market near Phang Nga
A Sunday market near Phang Nga that is very popular with Thais. You can shop on the small Chai Klong river, which is crossed by picturesque wooden bridges, eat local specialties and relax on and in the river. An interesting excursion destination for families: there are bamboo rafts or inflated tires for rent. Tourists are still rare here.
Location: below the Kathatong golf course on road 4090. The market is open every Sunday lunchtime (from around 2 a.m.)
Seasonal market at Thai Mueang – Turtle Festival
If you are in Khao Lak at the beginning of March, you should visit the annual Turtle Festival here. At Thai Mueang on the road between the town and Turtle Heaven, a large annual fair takes place with many stalls for food and shopping (all covered). There is also a mini Ferris wheel and information stands about sea turtles and environmental protection.
Kapong Morning Market on Sundays
On a side street in the village of Kapong, the Kapong Market or Nai Mok Market takes place every Sunday morning. It is open from 5am until about 9am. The early morning time should not put you off if you want to experience some truly authentic Thai culture… plus, there is often fog in the mornings, which makes it an interesting ambiance.
Walking Street – Sunday market Phuket
The market that takes place every Sunday in the old town of Phuket is called Walking Street. During the week, the 350 m long Thalang Street with its many shops, restaurants, bars and guesthouses is well attended, but the peak is reached at the weekend event. The market is also known as Lardyai (means: large market).
Opening times 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays
Build Market
The Build Market is back – opposite the water reservoir and next to the Build Factory, you can shop in containers and enjoy local specialties. An alternative to the Bang Niang Market, usually open on alternate days.
Fresh Market at the Takua Pa Bus Station
You will mainly see the market if you stop off on a tour or change at the bus station here. It is a classic local market with only food. How fresh the fish is is sometimes questionable based on the smell. Behind the market is a skate park with graffiti by the well-known Thai street artist Alex Face.
Even more tips and information can be found in our travel guide Discovering Khao Lak Compact. It is regularly revised and kept up to date. The book is available from amazon and bookstores (ISBN 978-3033075955) and as ebook.
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