Lard Yai Sunday Walking Street Market in Phuket: Hours, Street Food and Tips

Updated on October 19, 2026

Every Sunday late afternoon, Thalang Road in Phuket Old Town is closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian market: the Walking Street Market, also called Lard Yai (“big market” in Thai). Craft stalls, clothes, souvenirs, street specialities and music line the colourful shophouses. It is the island's most pleasant evening market, far from the beach markets, and one of the best moments to see the old town alive.

Highlights

Thalang Road on Sunday

The street of about 360 metres becomes pedestrian, with stalls lined up in front of the pastel façades. On weekdays the same street is a quiet avenue of cafés and shops; the contrast is worth seeing.

The shophouses

Sino-Portuguese architecture forms the backdrop to the market. Look up at the upper floors, arched windows and covered walkways before the crowd gets dense.

The street food

Skewers, desserts, juices and stir-fried dishes are eaten standing or at small tables. Try what is cooked in front of you, and watch for queues of Thai customers, a good sign of a good stall.

Practical info

Tips

According to several travel and press sites, the market runs on Sundays from about 4pm to 10pm, with free entry. Come around 4.30pm to avoid the crowd: it is busiest from 6pm. Bring cash in small notes, as not every stall takes QR-code payments; see money, payment and tipping in Phuket. The market sometimes extends towards Phang Nga Road. Keep bags and phone close in the crowd, and read our scam-avoidance tips. Combine the evening with a visit to Phuket Old Town in the early afternoon. These hours do not come from an official market website and may change: check before you come.

How to get there

The market is on Thalang Road, in the old town of Phuket Town. From the beaches take a taxi or ride-hailing app to the area: as the street is pedestrian, get out at a cross street. Parking is hard in the evening; avoid coming by car or scooter. See getting around Phuket.