Phuket’s shopping tours go beyond typical souvenir hunting to deliver authentic Thai experiences. The most rewarding options combine market visits with hands-on cooking classes, where you’ll learn to select local ingredients and prepare traditional dishes. Outstanding choices include the morning market tours that pair nicely with city exploration, and the rural farm visits that showcase Thailand’s agricultural heritage.
I especially appreciate the small-group market walks – they’re intimate enough to ask questions and connect with local vendors. The organized van tours to multiple markets are efficient for seeing more in less time, though less personal.
Check out these tried-and-tested shopping tours that consistently earn top marks from travelers:
Good To Know
- Phuket City and Shopping Tour offers a personalized experience with an English-speaking guide providing insights into local history and culture.
- Old Phuket Farm Ticket provides a well-rated opportunity to explore a local farm and scenic surroundings, with a price of $24.24 per person.
- Aquaria Phuket – INTER MARKET is a highly-rated aquarium attraction, with an entry policy for children under 90 cm and advance booking required at least 3 hours prior.
- The Street Food Market offers a chance to immerse in local delicacies and cultural exploration, complementing the shopping experience.
- Combination tours like the All Inclusive Zipline and Local Floating Farm Tour provide a mix of activities, starting at €239.93 per person, with moderate fitness required.
Phuket Thai Cooking Class Half Day Local Market Tour Thai Fruit Tasting
For travelers looking to enjoy the vibrant local culture of Phuket, the Phuket Thai Cooking Class Half Day Local Market Tour Thai Fruit Tasting offers an unparalleled experience.
During this 4-hour hands-on class, you will visit a local market to select fresh ingredients before learning to prepare classic Thai dishes like Tom Yum Gung, Green Curry, and Pad Thai.
The class includes a garden tour and personalized instruction from friendly, English-proficient chefs. With a maximum of 20 travelers and a 100% recommendation rate, this class provides an intimate, informative, and delicious introduction to Thai cuisine.
Participants leave with newfound cooking skills and a course handout to recreate the dishes at home.
Read our full review: Phuket Thai Cooking Class Half Day Local Market Tour Thai Fruit Tasting Review
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Phuket Easy Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour
What better way to take in Phuket’s vibrant local culture than through the Phuket Easy Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour?
This small-group experience offers a chance to learn authentic Thai dishes under the guidance of expert instructors. Participants can choose from a variety of menus, each featuring five classic Thai specialties.
The class also includes a visit to a local market, where guests can interact with vendors and learn about Thai produce. With a maximum of 12 participants, the class ensures personalized attention.
Transfers from select areas are included, making it a convenient and enriching culinary adventure in Phuket.
Read our full review: Phuket Easy Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour Review
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Phuket Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour With Lunch
The Phuket Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour with Lunch offers an immersive culinary experience, allowing participants to explore the vibrant local culture.
Hosted by the knowledgeable Woody, the class includes a visit to a local market, where students learn about authentic Thai ingredients.
The menu rotates weekly, covering classic dishes like tom yum shrimp, chicken green curry, and pad thai. Participants have access to private cooking stations, recipes, and secret tips.
The class concludes with a shared lunch or dinner, where students savor the fruits of their labor.
With convenient pickups from select zones, this hands-on cooking adventure is a must for foodies visiting Phuket.
Read our full review: Phuket Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour With Lunch Review
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Blue Elephant Thai Cooking Class With Market Tour in Phuket
Enjoy the vibrant Thai culinary culture with the Blue Elephant Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket.
This hands-on experience takes you through the local market, followed by an expert-led cooking class. With a 5-star rating from 12 reviews, the class covers a variety of authentic Thai dishes, from crispy fish cakes to roasted duck curry.
The inclusive package provides all ingredients, cooking aprons, and even hotel pickup and drop-off. Enjoy the beautiful restaurant setting as you savor the fruits of your labor.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, this class offers an unforgettable taste of Thailand.
Read our full review: Blue Elephant Thai Cooking Class With Market Tour in Phuket Review
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2 Dishes Thai Cooking Class Garden Farm Tour Around the Class
Travelers on the Dishes Thai Cooking Class Garden Farm Tour Around the Class can expect an immersive culinary experience that goes beyond the kitchen.
For $75.74 per person, they’ll cook and eat two famous Thai dishes in Phuket. The experience includes all ingredients, seasonings, drinking water, and a digital recipe book.
While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate, excluding those with back problems, pregnant women, or serious medical conditions.
With 100% positive reviews from 11 travelers, this hands-on cooking class offers an authentic taste of Thai cuisine.
The class accommodates a maximum of 2 travelers and includes accident insurance, though hotel transfers aren’t provided.
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Thai Cooking Class With Market Tour in Phuket by VJ
A hands-on culinary adventure awaits at the Thai Cooking Class With Market Tour in Phuket by VJ.
Located in Phuket, Thailand, this class starts at 11:00 am and costs from $85.90 per person. Groups of 2-10 travelers can participate in this experience, which isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for young children.
Participants will learn to make authentic Thai dishes like curries, Pad Thai, and more. The class includes a market tour, complimentary refreshments, and hands-on instruction in making curry paste from scratch.
Free pickup is offered for groups of 2 or more. With 5-star reviews, this class is a must-try for those seeking an immersive Thai cooking experience.
Read our full review: Thai Cooking Class With Market Tour in Phuket by VJ Review
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Phuket Lookouts Tour With Lunch at Organic Farm
The Phuket Lookouts Tour with Lunch at Organic Farm transports guests to some of the island’s most breathtaking vantage points.
This tour is highly recommended, with 100% of travelers endorsing it and an impressive 5.0 overall rating from 12 reviews.
The experience includes all taxes, fees, hotel pickup and drop-off (for selected hotels), beverages, a delicious lunch, and the services of a knowledgeable driver/guide.
To join, guests can choose a direct meeting point or opt for hotel pickup, though fees may apply depending on location.
Moderate physical fitness is required, and dietary needs can be accommodated.
With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, this is an intimate and personalized exploration of Phuket’s stunning lookout points.
Read our full review: Phuket Lookouts Tour With Lunch at Organic Farm Review
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Phuket Cooking Course Half Day Class and Market Tour
Phuket’s Cooking Course Half Day Class and Market Tour transports participants to the vibrant local markets, where they’ll uncover the secrets of authentic Thai cuisine.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the class offers hands-on instruction in preparing signature Thai dishes like Tom Yum Kung, Pad Thai, and Chicken Green Curry.
The package includes a market tour, recipes, cooking video clips, and a certificate souvenir. Transfers are available from major hotels, with additional charges for those outside the main areas.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cook, this immersive experience promises to elevate your culinary skills and appreciation for Thai flavors.
Read our full review: Phuket Cooking Course Half Day Class and Market Tour Review
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Testy Street Food Weekend Market Phuket Old Town
On the weekend, visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Testy Street Food Market in Phuket Old Town.
This tour offers the chance to explore Phuket’s rich cultural heritage, with Sino-Portuguese architecture lining the streets. Guests can sample local delicacies from the Lad Yai market and enjoy live music over lunch.
The air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide, and included insurance and boat transfer make for a seamless experience.
With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour and free cancellation available, this is a convenient and highly-rated option for those seeking an authentic taste of Phuket.
Read our full review: Testy Street Food Weekend Market Phuket Old Town Review
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Phuket Sunset Tour : Phromthep Cape, Monkey Hills, Chillva Market
This sunset tour in Phuket takes visitors on a journey to some of the island’s most picturesque locations.
Over 4 hours, the private tour covers the Windmill viewpoint, Rawai Beach, Chillva Market, and Bangla Road.
The tour includes an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, and bottled water.
Guests can enjoy the sunset over the beach and an unlimited Thai dinner.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller friendly.
It’s SHA Plus certified, with 70% of employees fully vaccinated.
Free door-to-door pickup is available within a 3 km radius of Patong, Kata, and Karon beaches, with an additional charge for farther pickups.
Read our full review: Phuket Sunset Tour : Phromthep Cape, Monkey Hills, Chillva Market Review
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Beautiful Phuket City Tour Sightseeing & Weekend Market
Travelers exploring the island’s vibrant cityscapes can indulge in the Beautiful Phuket City Tour Sightseeing & Weekend Market.
Although the tour boasts a 2.5/5 rating based on 3 one-star reviews, it offers an opportunity to visit Phuket’s top attractions. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, complimentary coffee/tea, and round-trip transfers.
However, the reviews criticize it as a “forced shopping trip,” with more time spent at shops than at sights. Plus, the tour requires a minimum of 10 participants, making it challenging to run.
Prospective travelers should weigh the pros and cons to determine if this tour aligns with their Phuket sightseeing preferences.
Read our full review: Beautiful Phuket City Tour Sightseeing & Weekend Market Review
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All Inclusive Zipline and Local Floating Farm Tour in Phuket
What does the All Inclusive Zipline and Local Floating Farm Tour in Phuket entail?
This full-day private tour provides an exciting mix of activities.
You’ll start with a zipline package, then head to Intara Farm for a tie-dye T-shirt experience, kayaking, and the chance to release baby fish and crabs into the sea.
You’ll also get to feed black salmon and black tip sharks, and visit a pearl farm.
Included are air-conditioned transportation, all activities, lunch, and an English-speaking guide.
With moderate physical fitness required, this tour offers an immersive look at Phuket’s natural wonders and local culture.
Priced from €239.93 per person, it’s a great way to explore the area.
Read our full review: All Inclusive Zipline and Local Floating Farm Tour in Phuket Review
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Aquaria Phuket – INTER MARKET
Aquaria Phuket – INTER MARKET is an aquarium attraction located in Phuket, Thailand.
With a total of 2 reviews and an overall rating of 4.0/5, it offers an experience for visitors of all ages.
Children under 90 cm can enter for free, while those between 90-140 cm pay the child rate. Adults 141 cm and over pay the adult rate.
Tickets must be booked at least 3 hours in advance, and the mobile or printed voucher should be presented at the ticketing counter to exchange for physical tickets.
The attraction isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation, and most travelers can participate.
Read our full review: Aquaria Phuket – INTER MARKET Review
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Full Day Phuket Easy Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour
Set out on a captivating culinary adventure with the Full Day Phuket Easy Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour. This small-group experience allows you to learn how to prepare 8-9 authentic Thai dishes under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Begin with a market visit to gather fresh ingredients, then head to the open-air kitchen to master techniques in an intimate setting. The menu rotates daily, covering classics like Tom Yam Kung, Pad Thai, and Green Curry.
Inclusive of hotel transfers, cooking supplies, and a delicious meal, this class is a must-do for foodies visiting Phuket. With a maximum of 12 participants, you’re guaranteed personalized attention throughout the experience.
Read our full review: Full Day Phuket Easy Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour Review
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Cooking Class and Market Tour in Patong, Phuket
Travelers seeking an authentic Thai culinary experience can enjoy a Cooking Class and Market Tour in Patong, Phuket.
Participants will learn to prepare classic Thai dishes like chicken satay, Thai fish cakes, and pad thai under the guidance of expert chefs. The small group size ensures personalized instruction, and a market tour lets guests shop for fresh ingredients.
The class provides a recipe book for continued home cooking, and round-trip transfers are available from various locations around Phuket.
With an all-inclusive price of €82.13 per person and a 5-star rating, this cooking class is an excellent way to explore Thailand’s vibrant food culture.
Read our full review: Cooking Class and Market Tour in Patong, Phuket Review
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The Best Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket
For those seeking an immersive culinary experience in Phuket, the Cooking Class and Market Tour at Pum Thai Restaurant & Cooking School stands out as a top choice.
Offering hands-on instruction in classic Thai dishes, the class includes a market visit and a delicious lunch. With a choice of menus on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, participants can learn to prepare curries, soups, salads, and more.
The experience includes free hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all cooking ingredients and individual workstations. While not wheelchair accessible, the class welcomes vegetarians and vegans.
With a minimum of 2 and maximum of 10 participants, the intimate setting ensures personalized guidance from the experienced instructors.
Read our full review: The Best Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket Review
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5 Hours Seafood Market and Sunset View Tour in Phuket With Dinner
The Hours Seafood Market and Sunset View Tour in Phuket With Dinner offers visitors a chance to explore the vibrant Phuket seafood market and witness the stunning sunset over the Andaman Sea.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a seafood dinner with a drink.
Though the tour has received some disappointing reviews, the host has acknowledged the feedback and committed to improving the experience.
The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, with a maximum of 8 travelers per group.
Read our full review: 5 Hours Seafood Market and Sunset View Tour in Phuket With Dinner Review
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Home Style Cooking Class With Fruit Carving & Market Tour in Phuket
Those seeking an immersive culinary experience in Phuket will find the Home Style Cooking Class with Fruit Carving & Market Tour a delightful opportunity.
The class offers a choice of 2 dishes from over 10 options, ranging from classic Thai favorites like Pad Thai and green curry chicken to regional specialties.
The experience includes a local market tour, recipe book, and English instructions.
Extra transfer charges apply for pickups outside Patong.
The class has a maximum of 12 travelers, with child tickets available for ages 6-11.
Participants are responsible for ensuring their booking matches the group size and age requirements.
Read our full review: Home Style Cooking Class With Fruit Carving & Market Tour in Phuket Review
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Market Tour and Southern Thai Cuisine Cooking Class With a Local Culinary Expert
Dive into the vibrant flavors of Southern Thai cuisine with a hands-on cooking class led by a local culinary expert.
You’ll learn to prepare two authentic dishes from scratch, such as an appetizer like Egyptian noodle soup and a main course like the stuffed vegetable dish Mahashi.
Opt for the market tour to shop for fresh ingredients at the bustling Souq El Ghamrawy.
Vegetarian meals are available upon request.
This private, personalized experience offers insights into local culture and culinary traditions.
Priced from $80 per person, the class is accessible by public transportation and includes hotel pickup if you select the transport option.
Read our full review: Market Tour and Southern Thai Cuisine Cooking Class With a Local Culinary Expert Review
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Learn 5 Thai Dishes and Visit a Local Market in Phuket
With a hands-on cooking class, travelers can learn to prepare five authentic Thai dishes from scratch. The class includes ingredients for cooking, English instructions, and a recipe book.
Participants can choose from a variety of main dishes, including rice, noodles, snacks, fish, salads, soups, curries, and stir-fries. For dessert, there’s the classic mango with sticky rice.
The school offers round-trip transfers from various locations in Phuket, with additional charges for further destinations. Guests should arrive 10 minutes early, as the class may be considered a no-show if they’re late.
The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but children aged 6-11 can participate by sharing a cooking station with their parents.
Read our full review: Learn 5 Thai Dishes and Visit a Local Market in Phuket Review
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Cooking Class and Market Tour Basic Carving in Phuket
The Cooking Class and Market Tour Basic Carving in Phuket offers travelers a hands-on experience to learn authentic Thai cuisine and traditional craftsmanship.
Located in Phuket, Thailand, the class includes a cooking lesson, market tour, and basic carving, with a maximum of 10 participants.
The class starts at 11:00 am, and confirmation is provided upon booking.
Travelers can choose from a variety of menu options, including Thai hot and sour prawn soup, curries, and desserts.
The class includes all cooking ingredients, bottled water, tea, and coffee.
Pickup options are available from various locations in Phuket, with additional charges.
Child tickets are available for ages 6-11.
Read our full review: Cooking Class and Market Tour Basic Carving in Phuket Review
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Small Group Phuket City and Shopping Tour
Explore the vibrant heart of Phuket on this small-group city and shopping tour. Priced from $37.29 per person, the 10am tour offers an air-conditioned ride to key shopping destinations.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and bottled water. An English-speaking guide will provide insights into Phuket’s history and culture.
The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, with infant seats available. Most travelers can participate, though the tour is non-refundable.
It’s the perfect way to discover Phuket’s best shopping spots while learning about the city. Book now to take advantage of the Lowest Price Guarantee.
Read our full review: Small Group Phuket City and Shopping Tour Review
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Phuket City and Shopping Tour
Phuket City and Shopping Tour offers a chance to take in the vibrant heart of Phuket. Priced from $37.29 per person, this small group tour accommodates up to 15 travelers.
It includes bottled water, coffee/tea, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking guide. The tour departs from the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa at Nai Yang Beach.
Accessibility features include wheelchair and stroller access, infant seats, and transportation suitable for those with limited mobility.
While non-refundable, this tour is convenient for those seeking a comprehensive shopping and city experience in Phuket.
Read our full review: Phuket City and Shopping Tour Review
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Old Phuket Farm Ticket – Countryside Local Life Culture
For those seeking a glimpse into Phuket’s local countryside culture, the Old Phuket Farm Ticket – Countryside Local Life Culture tour offers a compelling experience. Priced at $24.24 per person, this tour accommodates up to 10 travelers and provides full insurance coverage.
While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, most travelers can participate. Reviewers praise the great experience but note that the buffalos’ nose piercings elicited sympathy.
With a 4.5/5 rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews, this tour promises to immerse visitors in Phuket’s rural way of life. Flexible booking and cancellation policies add to the appeal of this cultural exploration.
Read our full review: Old Phuket Farm Ticket – Countryside Local Life Culture Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Guided Tours for Non-Cooking Related Activities?
There are plenty of guided tours for non-cooking activities in Phuket. These include island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, and cultural tours to explore temples, markets, and more. Travelers can find a range of options to suit their interests and preferences.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Cooking Classes?
The cancellation policy for cooking classes varies by provider, but generally allows for full refunds with notice of at least 24-48 hours before the scheduled start time. Participants should check the specific policy when booking.
Can I Request a Specific Menu or Customize the Dishes?
Yes, you can usually request a specific menu or customize the dishes for the cooking classes. Many providers are happy to accommodate special dietary needs or preferences to ensure you have a personalized culinary experience.
Are Vegetarian/Vegan Options Available for the Cooking Classes?
Most cooking classes in Phuket offer vegetarian and vegan options for participants. Chefs are usually happy to customize menus to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. Inquiring about specific options when booking the class is recommended.
Do the Tours Include Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off Services?
Many tour companies offer hotel pick-up and drop-off services to make the experience convenient for travelers. This is a common feature included with most tours, allowing you to easily get to and from your destination.
The Sum Up
Phuket offers a variety of shopping tours and cooking classes to suit all interests. From local market visits and Thai fruit tastings to full-day cooking classes, there’s something for all. Whether you’re looking to learn about the local culture or simply want to bring home some unique souvenirs, Phuket’s shopping tours provide an authentic and enjoyable experience.