Shopping in Phuket: the biggest BIG C on the island

When planning a shopping trip in Phuket, many tourists first head to the island's shopping centers. One of the most popular shopping destinations is Big C (BIG C Supercenter, or its new name after rebranding, BIG C PLACE), located next to the largest shopping complex Central Phuket. Here you can buy groceries, cosmetics, household chemicals, clothing, souvenirs, home goods, and much more at prices lower than in tourist shops.

For many travelers, BIG C becomes a must-visit during their Phuket vacation. This is where they come for Thai fruits, gifts, cosmetics, snacks, and goods that are convenient to take home.

Where is BIG C in Phuket located?

The largest BIG C store is located in the Wichit area, next to the Central Phuket shopping center. Thanks to its central location, it's easy to get here from almost any part of the island, whether by car or taxi.

Many tourists combine their visit to BIG C with a stroll through Central Phuket and Decathlon. In one trip, you can accomplish several tasks: buy groceries, purchase souvenirs, update your wardrobe, and have lunch.

What can you buy at BIG C?

BIG C Supercenter is not just a supermarket, but a full-fledged hypermarket offering a vast selection of goods for daily life and leisure.

Thai-produced goods are the most popular among tourists. Here you can find fresh exotic fruits, vegetables, seafood, ready-to-eat meals, spices, rice, noodles, sauces, coconut milk, various snacks, dried fruits, and sweets. Many come here specifically for the famous dried mango, coconut chips, curry paste, and other products that are convenient to take home.

supermarket at Big C shopping center in Phuket

Cosmetic stores are of particular interest:

EVEANDBOY — one of Thailand's largest cosmetic stores. It offers thousands of products: Korean, Japanese, Thai, European, and American cosmetics, perfumes, skin and hair care products, professional cosmetics, and accessories.
Watsons and Boots — the largest chains of beauty and health stores in Asia. Their assortment includes Thai and international cosmetic brands, facial, hair, and body care products, decorative cosmetics, vitamins, and personal hygiene items.
Oriental Princess - features one of the most famous Thai skincare and makeup brands.

In addition to specialized stores, the BIG C hypermarket itself has a large cosmetics department where you can buy products from popular Thai brands such as Cathy Doll, Mistine, Srichand, Baby Bright, Pond's, Nivea, Vaseline, Smooth E, Hada Labo, Biore, Mizumi, Dentiste, Twin Lotus, and many others. You'll also find famous Thai balms, coconut oil, sunscreens, and skincare products, which tourists often buy as souvenirs.

Additionally, the shopping center houses Pure Pharmacy, where you can buy medicines, vitamins, medical cosmetics, Thai balms, inhalers, first aid supplies, and receive pharmacist consultation.

Pure pharmacy chain in Big C shopping center in Phuket

Beyond groceries and cosmetics, the hypermarket offers a wide selection of clothing, footwear, luggage, beach accessories, toys, electronics, home appliances, home goods, dishes, and textiles.

Prices at BIG C

One of the reasons for BIG C's popularity is its affordable prices. Many items are significantly cheaper than in tourist shops in Patong, Kata, or Karon.

Regular promotions and special offers allow for additional savings. For tourists, it's especially cost-effective to buy groceries, drinks, household chemicals, and cosmetics here if their vacation lasts several weeks.

Moreover, the assortment is so wide that most necessary purchases can be made in one place, saving time on trips to different stores.

Where to eat at BIG C Place Phuket

If you get hungry while shopping, BIG C Place Phuket offers several options for every taste. On the ground floor, there's a food court with Thai cuisine, noodles, rice, soups, snacks, and drinks at affordable prices. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

food court with Thai and European dishes at Big C shopping center

On the first floor, you'll find popular chain restaurants, including MK Restaurants, specializing in the Thai version of hot pot, KFC, as well as other cafes and restaurants. There's also a coffee shop where you can grab a coffee, order desserts, or take a short break between purchases. Thanks to the variety of establishments, BIG C Place Phuket is suitable not only for shopping but also for a full breakfast, lunch, or dinner with the whole family.

coffee shop at Big C shopping center local coffee

Thai fruits at BIG C

If you want to try seasonal fruits from Thailand or take them home, BIG C is one of the best places to buy them. Here you'll find a wide selection of mangoes, mangosteens, rambutans, lychees, dragon fruit, pineapples, papayas, passion fruit, bananas, and other fruits depending on the season.

Fruits are regularly replenished, so they are usually of good quality and freshness. In addition to fresh fruits, you can purchase dried fruits, natural juices, and fruit snacks.

What to buy as a gift at BIG C

Before leaving, many tourists return to BIG C specifically for gifts and souvenirs. Here you can buy tea, coffee, Thai spices, coconut oil, cosmetics, balms, natural soap, essential oils, sweets, snacks, latex products, kitchen accessories, alcohol, and other Thai-made goods.

Prices are fixed, so there's no need to bargain. This makes shopping more comfortable compared to markets.

VAT Refund for Tourists

Some goods purchased at BIG C may be eligible for the VAT Refund for Tourists program. If the purchase amount meets the specified requirements, you can fill out the necessary documents at the time of payment to claim a portion of the tax back at the airport before departing Thailand. Before making a purchase, it's advisable to check with store staff whether the program applies to your chosen items and what documents are needed for processing.

Children's entertainment

BIG C Place Phuket is suitable not only for shopping but also for family recreation. On the ground floor of the shopping center, there is a small children's play area with arcade games, where children can have fun while their parents shop.

On the second floor, there's a table tennis area, popular with both children and adults.

table tennis in Big C shopping center

On the second floor is 50Fly, one of Phuket's most famous trampoline parks, offering trampoline arenas, a foam pit, and various sports and entertainment zones for children and teenagers.

trampolines at Big C shopping center in Phuket

Nearby is the KID BOX by Kidzoona play area, designed for toddlers and young children. It features a trampoline, slides, a ball pit, playhouses, and developmental play areas. Thanks to this variety of entertainment, a visit to BIG C Place Phuket easily transforms into a complete family outing, where both children and adults will find something enjoyable.

small children's play area in Big C shopping center

Educational centers for children

In addition to shops and entertainment, many families with children visit BIG C Place Phuket because of the educational centers located here. On the second floor is Yamaha Music School — an international music school with a long history, offering classes in piano, guitar, drums, vocals, and other musical disciplines. Classes are designed for toddlers, school-aged children, and adults, with programs developed using modern music education methods.

music school and dance school in Big C shopping center in Phuket

Also located here is PIDA (Phuket International Dance Academy) — one of Phuket's most renowned dance schools. The academy offers classes in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, acrobatics, and other dance styles for children of various ages. Throughout the year, students participate in concerts, competitions, and theatrical productions. Thanks to this, BIG C Place Phuket is not only a shopping destination but also one of the centers for extracurricular education for children residing permanently on the island.

Banking services and ATMs

For those who need to withdraw cash, exchange currency, or use banking services, Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) — one of Thailand's largest banks — has a branch at BIG C Place Phuket. ATMs are located next to the bank office, where you can withdraw cash with international bank cards (if supported by the respective payment system).

SCB bank office in Phuket at Big C shopping center

Additionally, more ATMs from several Thai banks are located on the mezzanine level between the ground and first floors. This allows visitors to quickly withdraw cash or use other banking services without leaving the shopping center, which is especially convenient for tourists.

Additional services and stores

BIG C Place Phuket is not only a shopping destination but also a convenient shopping center where you can handle many everyday tasks in one visit. On the second floor, there are massage chairs, allowing you to relax after a long shopping spree, as well as the Happy Corner massage salon, offering traditional Thai massage, foot massage, and other relaxing treatments.

relaxation area with massage chairs in Big C shopping center

On the ground floor, there's a hairdresser offering haircuts, styling, and other hair care services. There's also a wide selection of electronics and mobile technology stores. The retail sections feature smartphones, tablets, accessories, headphones, chargers, smartwatches, home electronics, and other digital goods. Thanks to this, BIG C Place Phuket is popular not only with tourists but also with locals who find it convenient to combine shopping, recreation, and solving household issues in one place.

electronics stores on the ground floor of Big C shopping center

When is the best time to visit?

The hypermarket is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, including weekends and holidays. The largest number of shoppers can be observed in the evenings and on weekends, when locals come to visit. If you want to stroll through the store calmly and avoid queues, it's best to plan your visit in the morning on weekdays.

A visit to BIG C usually takes from one to several hours.

Is it worth visiting BIG C in Phuket?

BIG C Supercenter near Central Phuket is rightly considered one of the best shopping destinations in Phuket. Thanks to its convenient location, wide assortment, and affordable prices, the hypermarket is equally popular among locals and tourists.

If you plan to shop during your vacation in Phuket, want to bring home Thai products, cosmetics, or gifts, BIG C near Central Phuket will be one of the most convenient and advantageous places for shopping.