Shopping isn’t always about digging out those exceptional bargains on luxury goods inside fully air conditined shopping malls. Simpler shopping pleasures are to be had, and Banzaan Market fits this niche nicely.

Banzaan Market is a food market, with almost every stall selling fresh organic produce from all over Thailand. The highlight is without a doubt the locally caught seafood. The waters around Phuket are teaming with life, and the freshly caught fish and shellfish are some of the best to be found anywhere in the world. Of particular note are King Mackerel (Kingfish) and Tiger Shrimps.

Fruit is also a good buy at Banzaan Market, with many exotic varieties available fresh, and at a very cheap price. Fruits such as coconut and mango, which we never see fresh in the western world, and at a fraction of the cost you would pay for imported varieties back home.

Even if you are not buying, Banzaan Market is a great place to explore. The sights, sounds and the smells are uniquely Thai. Be sure to take your camera along, Thai food markets are incredibly colorful and photogenic.

Banzaan Market is located directly opposite the Bangla Boxing Stadium and the Jungceylon Shopping Mall.