The Central Festival string of shopping malls are well known in Thailand, you will find one close to every large tourist area including Bangkok and Pattaya. The Phuket Central Festival is the newest, and arguably the best. Although not actually in Patong, there is a free shuttle bus operating three times a day from Patong.

Central Festival is also the only Phuket mall which contains such a huge range of well-known western retail outlets, including Marks & Spencer, the only one on Phuket and possibly in Southern Thailand.

A full range of goods are offered within the mall, with a focus on designer wear, although most other product types can be found. Designer clothing is often discounted, and some good bargains can be found if you are happy to spend time looking. This is actually no hardship, it can be very pleasant exploring Central Festival, with its excellent air conditioning, when the temperature is pushing 35 degrees outside.

Carrefour Hypermarket is very popular with the expat community and carries a whole range of western foods and items which cannot be found elsewhere in Thailand. Quite often these imported goods will be on special offer, making them exceptional value.

If you like your shopping to be quite simple, no confusing layout, no dramatic scenery to distract you and limited entertainment options, with just a huge range of retail outlets, then you will love Central Festival Phuket.