Central Phuket Announces $836 Million Expansion Into a Luxury Shopping Destination

Phuket Is Getting a Massive Shopping Upgrade

Central Phuket, already one of southern Thailand's biggest malls, is about to get a whole lot bigger. Central Pattana (CPN) announced in late February 2026 that it will invest a total of 26 billion baht (roughly US$836 million) to expand the complex by approximately 40 percent, pushing the total area to around 500,000 square metres of gross building space.

The project is designed to position Phuket not just as a beach destination, but as a global luxury living and shopping hub. If you are planning a Phuket trip in 2026, here is what to expect.

What Is Coming

The expansion rolls out in three phases:

• Central Phuket Floresta (Q4 2026): The existing Floresta wing will double its luxury retail footprint. Expect flagship boutiques from global luxury houses, making it the island's primary downtown luxury district.
• Central Phuket Festival (Q1 2028): A new wing housing more than 250 fashion and bridge-line brands, including Southeast Asia's largest ZARA flagship alongside stores like COS, H&M, Lululemon, Orlebar Brown and Uniqlo.
• Attractions Zone (Q3 2028): A 5.5-acre entertainment and culture zone featuring a purpose-built arena designed to host concerts, events and immersive experiences aimed at international visitors.

Why It Matters for Tourists

Central Phuket already draws an average of 50,000 visitors per day — roughly 30 percent more traffic than before the pandemic. With the expansion, it aims to become a full-day destination rather than a quick air-conditioned stop between beach visits.

For travellers who love combining shopping with a tropical holiday, Phuket is closing the gap with Bangkok. The Floresta wing upgrade in late 2026 means you will find high-end brands that previously required a trip to Siam Paragon or ICONSIAM. If you are still deciding whether the island is right for you, our honest guide to Phuket in 2026 covers the full picture.

Beyond shopping, Phuket Old Town is a short drive away and well worth an afternoon of wandering — check our Phuket Old Town walking guide for the best routes. At night, Bangla Road remains the island's entertainment epicentre, now undergoing its own digital makeover. For daytime beach escapes, Patong Beach is the closest major strip to the mall, while Kata Beach and Karon Beach offer quieter alternatives — see our roundup of Phuket's best beach clubs for a full list.

How to Get There

Central Phuket sits on Wichit Songkhram Road in Phuket Town, roughly 30 minutes from Patong Beach by car or taxi. Most hotels can arrange a shuttle, and local songthaew buses pass by regularly. Browse the best hotels in Phuket to find somewhere convenient for both the beach and the mall.

Worth a Visit Already

Even before the expansion completes, Central Phuket Floresta and Festival are open and packed with dining, shopping and entertainment. If you are on the island, it is already one of the best places to escape the midday heat while browsing hundreds of shops — and it will only get better from here. Take a look at the top 10 attractions in Phuket to plan the rest of your stay, and if you need inspiration beyond the island, Krabi is just a short ferry or drive away with its own stunning beaches and beach clubs.