Naka Weekend Market is Phuket Town's big Saturday and Sunday night market, open from late afternoon, free to enter, and packed with food stalls, clothes, souvenirs and live music. It is also the stage where Phuket teenager Nene Royal played before she won America's Got Talent in September 2026. If you are in Phuket for a weekend, it is one of the easiest local evenings you can plan.
Naka Market at a glance
Opening times at Phuket markets can change, so check before you go, especially around festivals and public holidays.
Who is Nene Royal?
Nene Royal is a 16-year-old rock singer and guitarist from Phuket. She began playing guitar at seven, learning mostly from online videos, and she studies at an international school in Phuket on a music scholarship. On 24 September 2026 she won America's Got Talent, reported as the first Thai winner of the show. Her final performance was alongside the American band Linkin Park, and the prize was US$1 million.
Her route to the final started close to home. On 16 August 2026, days before she left for the United States, Nene gave a 90-minute farewell concert with the Ozone band at The Naka Market. Local news reported thousands of fans, residents and tourists packed the market, and fans brought bouquets to the stage. She played popular international songs from past decades.
After the win, Phuket gave her a hero's welcome. She flew home on 27 September, and the province held a public celebration with a motorcade through Phuket Town. We cannot say if she will play at Naka again, so treat any live music as a bonus rather than a promise.
What to eat at Naka Market
Food is the main reason locals come. Stalls cook on the spot and you eat at shared tables or take it away. Expect grilled, fried and steamed Thai street food, grilled seafood, tropical fruit and plenty of sweets and drinks.
- Go hungry and graze. Share a few dishes rather than ordering a full plate at the first stall.
- Look for the queues. Short lines at popular food stalls are a good sign, and they move fast.
- Dessert. Mango sticky rice and banana pancakes are the usual favourites. A dessert shop next to the market is open daily if you are visiting midweek.
If you want to try the dishes Phuket is really known for, read our guide to Phuket local food before your trip. Most of the classic breakfast dishes are an Old Town morning job, while Naka is your evening spot.
What to buy
Non-food stalls sell clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, souvenirs and household items. Prices are low and you can usually bargain, though not for food. Many branded goods at Thai night markets are copies, so go for the atmosphere and buy things you like for what they are, not for the label. If you buy elephant pants or a T-shirt, check the size, the stitching and the pockets before you pay.
How to get to Naka Market
The market is on Wirat Hong Yok Road in Wichit, on the southern edge of Phuket Town and close to Wat Naka. Most visitors arrive by car, taxi or motorbike. From Patong the drive is about 15 km, and from Kata around 16 km, though evening traffic can slow you down. Nearby parking fills quickly at peak hours, so arrive before about 6 pm, or take a taxi or ride-hailing app instead. For where to base yourself on the island, see our guide on where to stay in Phuket.
Naka Market tips
- Come on a Saturday or Sunday. The market does not run on weekdays.
- Bring cash in small notes for stalls.
- Arrive around 4 to 5 pm to find parking and seats, then stay for sunset and the evening crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The aisles are long and can be crowded.
- If you want something smaller and more historic, try the Sunday Walking Street in Old Town. Our local food guide covers what to eat there.
Pair Naka Market with a day on the water
A weekend evening at Naka fits well after a day at sea. Our Phi Phi Island and Bamboo Island speed catamaran tour is 8 hours, with hotel pick-up between 08:15 and 09:15, and it costs 3,900 baht for adults and 2,900 baht for children aged 4 to 11. Our guests rate us 5.0 from 607 Tripadvisor reviews. See the Phi Phi Island and Bamboo Island tour, read what to expect on a speed catamaran tour, or check the best time to visit the Phi Phi Islands. Return times vary, so check your tour's schedule before you plan a market evening.
