Phuket City

Usually referred to as “Phuket Town”, Phuket City is well worth taking time out from the beach for its shops and markets, its Sino-Portuguese buildings, its temples and its many restaurants.

Most visitors to Phuket head straight for the beach and rightly so, but if you want to take a break from the sand and catch a peek of a more ‘real’ side of the island, then Phuket Town has much to offer. The town is about 30 mins away from Patong by car and is easily reached by songthaew (beach-bus) or tuk tuk if you don’t have your own transportation.

Phuket’s administrative centre was only recently given city status and is still commonly referred to as Phuket Town, even on road signs around the island. As a living, breathing Thai city it is not as touristy as other areas of the island. However, if you are willing to make the effort there are some delightful ways to spend your time shopping and sightseeing.

You can get a glimpse of the island’s history by taking a walk along Dibuk, Krabi and Thalang roads in the ‘Old Town‘. Here you can see many of the beautiful colonial mansions built in the Sino-Portuguese style by the Chinese tin barons (see Phuket history) over a century ago. In this area there are also plenty of ornate shop houses that are built in the same style as those found in coastal towns all along the Malay Peninsula. These old buildings were in danger of being torn down but their historical value has now been recognised and many have been restored. While you are in this area, visit a few of the town’s Chinese shrines, such as Put Jaw and Jui Tui which are just off Ranong Road (near the fresh market).

For a great view of the city, jungle and sea, go to the top of Khao Rang, a hill on the northwest edge of the city. There you will find a couple of good restaurants where you can enjoy the view with a pleasant meal, as well as a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit (also known as Ratsada Korsimbi Na Ranong), a famous governor of Phuket.

Map

See Phuket Town map.

Accommodation

Hotel rates here are less than by the beach though the range of hotels is slightly limited. Staying in town is also a good option for those heading straight to Phi Phi after their arrival, as it is between the airport and the ferry pier at Ao Makham.

For more information see Phuket City hotels.

Dining

Phuket City is well known for its excellent dining options and it is worth the effort to go there for a meal. Prices are very reasonable as establishments tend to cater to locals and expats, as opposed to tourists.

If you want to sample authentic Thai cuisine, go where locals go and head for the city. If Thai food isn’t to your taste, or if you fancy a change, you will also find cuisines from all over the world.

For more information see eating out in Phuket Town.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Phuket City is oriented towards local Thais and to a much lesser extent, western expats.

For more information see nightlife in Phuket City.

Shopping

Phuket City is the best place to go for shopping on the island. There are several department stores where you can purchase brand-name goods. You can also find cheaper items at the various markets around town. There are a number of small boutiques and galleries along Thalang, Yaowarat and Phang Nga roads in the “Old Town” selling antiques, home decorations, ceramics and paintings among other items.

For more information, see shopping in Phuket City.