The name Lard Yai which literally means 'Big Market', derives from it's location in the administrative sector called Tambon Talad Yai. Around 16.00pm every Sunday they close Thalang Road to traffic and start to set up their stalls.
For anyone that loves street markets this is a must because it's not just a market but a kind of mini festival with street performers as well as food, clothes and souvenirs. Things start to get going around 16.30pm but things really happen after dark when the street performers start to play! There really is something for all the family here!
As the sun goes down the street immediately fills up with local and visiting Thais as well as curious tourists looking to try out some of the typical local food.
Many of the shops stay open so this is not just a street market but a good place to shop for gifts and clothes. The Torakhan Store (to left of photo) is somewhere I've been visiting for years to buy deckchairs and tablecloths but it is a good place to buy sarongs and cheap bed linen. There are some fun shops to visit selling fancy dress and hobby stuff too!
I often stop at Nonlang's to buy a few Phuket t-shirts, although there are many stalls selling t-shirts I like the shop as it has a wide variety of colours and sizes. It is a family run business and they design and print the t-shirts in the back of their shop house and are willing to take orders too.
Phuket is one of those places that, despite the large number of people living here or passing through, has that village feeling where you can be sure to meet someone you know wherever you go, so I wasn't surprised to find one of the girls from Meung Tong Nalika watch shop having her nails painted!
Each week will see different groups of entertainers and visiting exhibitions so you will find something new every time. The women below make bags and mats from pandanus leaves, you can find them in Kamala as part of the OTOP local produce project there, call them at 087-0284337 to get the exact location.
One of my favourite moments at Lard Yai was watching the school children performing the Southern Thai Manorah Dance they were collecting money to pay to enter a competition - hope they won!
One thing I haven't done is had my portrait painted - I'll leave that one for you to try!
See you there next Sunday!
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