38points · on 4 of 7 lists: Tripadvisor, Pin and Travel, Bridges & Balloons and With the Blinks
Old Phuket Town is a grid of restored Sino-Portuguese shophouses painted in bright colors, where children can wander lanes like Soi Romanee while their parents look into cafes and batik shops. Ice cream stops break up the walk. On Sunday evenings Thalang Road turns into the Lard Yai walking street, with food stalls, music and family crowds until late, so that is the night to bring the kids.
“The atmosphere is festive and family-friendly, with plenty of halal options and unique souvenirs.”
Wanderlog
“The restored buildings showcase exquisite Italian floor tiles and antique furnishings.”
Wanderlog
- Price
- Free to walk
18points · on 2 of 7 lists: Tripadvisor and BKK Kids
Central Phuket is the biggest shopping complex on the island, two wings on either side of a main road in Phuket Town with a glass sky bridge between them. Festival, the older wing, is for everyday shopping at chains such as Uniqlo and Zara, and Floresta across the road holds the luxury flagships, from Louis Vuitton and Hermes to the Thai silk label Jim Thompson. A free shuttle runs from Patong during the day, and the Aquaria aquarium in the Floresta basement gives children something to enjoy.
“Central Phuket is a huge mall and really easy to get around once you’re inside.”
a Google reviewer
“an incredible mix of luxury brands, local boutiques, delicious restaurants, cafés, and entertainment all under one roof”
a Google reviewer
Naka is the island's big weekend night bazaar, near Central Festival, and it keeps going long after you expect it to end. Rows of stalls sell clothes, souvenirs, local products and secondhand finds, and haggling is part of the deal. At the far end the street food center does grilled skewers, seafood, Pad Thai and desserts cheaply enough that people come just for dinner and stay the whole evening.
“The energy is electric, with a buzzing atmosphere and a massive layout that keeps you exploring for hours.”
a Google reviewer
“I really liked the salmon, and the desserts were good as well.”
a Google reviewer
Google ratings from Google on 3 October 2026. Quotes are from the published lists and reviews named beside each one.
Honorable mentions
Named on only one list we found, so it cannot be ranked under the two-list rule.
“They have a lovely cool garden and the house is nicely preserved.”
a Google reviewer
Named on only one list we found, so it cannot be ranked under the two-list rule.
The lists we counted
- Tripadvisor · 2026
- Girl Eat World · March 2026
- The Working Traveller · September 2025
- Pin and Travel · September 2023
- Bridges & Balloons · September 2025
- With the Blinks · June 2026
- BKK Kids · April 2024
How the points work
We read every independent published best-of list we can find for the question. Each list gives 10 points for first place, 9 for second, down to 1 for tenth, and 5 points to each place on a list with no order. Points are added up. A business must be in the top 10 of at least two lists to be ranked. Rankings are never sold. Full method.
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