Lard Yai Market – Sunday Nights on Historic Phang Nga Road
If you’re only in Phuket Old Town for one night, make it a Sunday — and head to Lard Yai Market. This vibrant evening street market takes over Phang Nga Road every Sunday from 4 PM to around 10 PM, transforming the quiet, colonial street into a pedestrian zone filled with food, music, and warm energy.
Often compared to the more tourist-heavy Thalang Road (Sunday Walking Street), Lard Yai feels more balanced. It’s local, photogenic, and welcoming — with just enough buzz to feel festive, without becoming overwhelming.
What Is Lard Yai Market?
Lard Yai is a weekly Sunday market held on Phang Nga Road, one of Phuket Old Town’s most atmospheric streets. Surrounded by Sino-Portuguese buildings and lit by string lights and paper lanterns, the street becomes a slow-moving stream of people browsing food stalls, handmade crafts, art, and live performances.
Unlike many other Phuket markets, Lard Yai was created to preserve the town’s heritage while supporting local vendors — and it shows. Many of the stalls are run by long-standing Old Town families, offering snacks, souvenirs, and regional specialties that aren’t found elsewhere.
The word “Lard Yai” means “big market” in Southern Thai dialect, but in tone, it’s gentle — more community street fair than commercial circus.
What Makes Lard Yai Worth Visiting?
The real appeal of Lard Yai is the setting. Phang Nga Road is narrower, quieter, and more visually striking than nearby Thalang Road. Old Town’s colorful shophouses, vintage signage, and carved facades are fully visible as you stroll past — and many make perfect photo backdrops.
You’ll also hear more local music here — buskers with flutes, violins, or acoustic guitars. Children perform dance routines. Food vendors explain their dishes. There’s room to stop and talk, not just rush through.
It’s the perfect market for people who care more about ambiance and street culture than aggressive shopping.
What Can You Eat and Buy at Lard Yai?
Lard Yai has a strong food lineup — not as huge as Naka, but thoughtfully curated. You’ll find grilled meats, mango sticky rice, shrimp pancakes, Thai teas, fried snacks, fresh fruit, dim sum, and handmade desserts. Most dishes are 40–100 baht.
Other stalls sell local souvenirs, T-shirts, herbal soaps, postcards, and small handmade gifts. Many products are produced by artists or families from the surrounding area — not mass-imported goods.
The layout encourages slow browsing, and there’s often a cultural performance or public art project happening nearby.
When to Visit Lard Yai Market
Lard Yai runs only on Sunday evenings, from about 4 PM to 10 PM. The crowd builds steadily from 5:30 PM onward, with the best time to visit being around sunset — when the lanterns glow and the air cools down.
The market rarely feels packed, especially compared to Thalang Road. It’s a relaxed, elegant Sunday evening experience, ideal for couples, families, or anyone looking to see Phuket at its cultural best.
A Soft Sunday Ending in the Old Town
In a city of busy night markets and loud tourism, Lard Yai offers a softer kind of Phuket. It’s a reminder of the island’s heritage, its quieter charm, and the value of simply strolling a beautiful street with music in the air.
If you want to end your Phuket weekend with grace, this is the place to do it.
How to Find Lard Yai on Google Maps
Lard Yai Market takes place along Phang Nga Road in Phuket Old Town — between the old Post Office and the Museum Hub.
👉 Lard Yai Market (Phang Nga Rd)
📍 View on Google Maps
You can walk from Thalang Road in under 3 minutes. If arriving by car or Grab, ask to be dropped near Soi Rommanee or Phuket Philatelic Museum.
No ticket, no barrier — just wander in and follow the rhythm of the street.