The Phuket Walking Street market is a more recent phenomenon as it was started in 2013 in the heart of this Thai beach resort’s Old Town. Locally referred to as ‘Lard Yai’, this shopping avenue is around 350 m long and has some excellent souvenirs and lip-smacking street food up for grabs. You could buy anything from t-shirts, hats and flip-flops to toys, paintings and trinkets at throwaway prices. Uniquely flavoured ice-creams, fresh fruit and tangy barbecued meat are other exciting offerings of the Walking Street.

With a row of vintage Sino-Portuguese houses that are lit up with pink, blue, green and yellow neon lights so as to emanate a party-like atmosphere, this place is chock-a-block with shoppers and revellers, especially at night. The total absence of electric cables that otherwise dot practically every street of Phuket and are absolute eyesores, is noteworthy. Visitors can even enjoy some lively street performances while shopping. Giving these budding artists a small tip as a token of your appreciation is always encouraged. If you have a car with you, parking near the street can be a bit of a problem. Ditch your vehicle and rely on your feet instead.