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Stately Sino-Portuguese mansion on Thanon Krabi

Phuket Town (เมืองภูเก็ต Mueang Phuket) is the provincial capital of Phuket Province.

[edit] Understand

Phuket Town is the largest town in Phuket Province. It has a population of 63,000 and is the economic hub of the island. For the most part just an ordinary, scruffy provincial Thai town, it's hardly a major tourist attraction, but the Chinatown area is worth a quick look and there are some great Thai-style shopping opportunities too. Overall, accommodation and food in the town is cheaper than near the beaches, and can provide a refreshing change of pace.

[edit] Get in

Buses and songthaews connect Phuket Town to major beaches around the island, and start from Thanon Ranong at the Ranong market. The most popular service is the one to Patong Beach (20 baht, 45 minutes) which leaves every 30 minutes between 07:00 and 18:00. Fares to other beaches range from 15 to 30 baht. If you miss the last bus back a taxi will cost 200-400 depending on your bargaining skills.

Phuket International Airport is 30 km to the north of Phuket Town, about 30 minutes by taxi (500 baht) or 45 minutes by shared minibus (100 baht).

[edit] Get around

Phuket Town is just a little too big to be covered comfortably on foot. There's little organised public transport as such, but motorbikes and four wheel tuk-tuks whizz about looking for fares.

[edit][add listing] See

Detail of door relief, Put Jaw Temple

Phuket Town's low-key attractions are mostly related to its colourful Chinese history and heritage, found in the Chinatown area on the north-western side of the city around Thanon Thalang.

• Old Phuket (ย่านเมืองเก่าภูเก็ต). The beginning of the tin boom in the 19th century led to construction of many fine mansions and shops that are still well preserved. The architectural style, typical of the region, is described as Sino-Portuguese and has a strongly Mediterranean character. Shops present a very narrow face onto the street but stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk Road, have old wooden doors with Chinese fretwork carving.

Other streets, forming what might be called "Old Phuket", with similar structures are Phang-nga, Yaowarat, Thalang, and Krabi, and a walking tour of the area is easy and delightful. Some other old European-style buildings of note are the Provincial Hall, the Phuket Courthouse, and Siam City Bank.

• Jui Tui and Put Jaw Temples, corner of Thanon Ranong and Soi Phuthon (just west of the Ranong bus terminus). Put Jaw is the oldest Chinese Taoist temple in Phuket, first built over 200 years ago and dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy (Kwun Im), while the adjacent and connected Jui Tui is its larger, more modern annex. If you have a question that is puzzling you, ask it and throw the two red mango-shaped pieces in front of the altar in the air: if they land the same side up the answer is "no", while if they land on different sides the answer is "yes". Free entry but donations welcome.

• Wat Mongkol Nimit, Thanon Dibuk. A classical Thai-style temple with a soaring roof and lots of colourful glass tiling.

• Phuket Culture Museum, at Rajabhat University. It's free and very informative. Phuket's history is told in pictures and still scenes.

• Khao Rang (เขารัง) A great view of Phuket Town, the southern part of the island, and some of the offshore islands, can be obtained by going to the top of Khao Rang Hill, on the town's northwest border. There are also several restaurants featuring spectacular views of the city, a health park for exercise enthusiasts, and a comfortable, expanse of grass at the top with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit, the model Governor of Phuket during King Rama V's reign.

• Saphan Hin (สะพานหิน). A land reclamation project provided abundant new land now used for parks and public facilities at Saphan Hin, located where Phuket Road meets the sea in Phuket Town. In the circle is the Tin Mining Monument, shaped like a large drill bit, dedicated to the memory of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australian who brought the first tin dredge to Phuket in 1909. The monument was built in 1969 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of tin dredging in Phuket. There is a sport center in the park.

• Phuket Butterfly Farm (สวนผีเสื้อและโลกแมลงภูเก็ต). 3km from town via Yaowarat Road and the Sam Kong intersection. It has a fascinating collection of such tropical creatures as butterflies, insects, marine life all arranged in natural surroundings. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Admission is 300 bath for adults and 150 baht for children. Tel: 0 7621 0861, Fax: 0 7652 3609

• Phuket Cultural Center (ศูนย์ศิลปวัฒนธรรมจังหวัดภูเก็ต). Located in the area of the Phuket Rajabhat University on Thepkrasattri Road. It displays history as well as the arts and culture of Phuket, such as houses, ways of life, and utensils of the city of Thalang in ancient times. Furthermore, the library collects books on Phuket’s history and culture. The center is open daily for free from 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m., except public holidays. For a group of visitors who needs a guided tour, please address a letter of request to the Phuket Cultural Center at 21 Thepkrasattri Road, Tambon Ratsada, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Phuket, or call Tel. 0 7624 0474-6 ext. 148, 0 7621 1959, 0 7622 2370, Fax: 0 7621 1778.

• Thai Village and Orchid Farm (หมู่บ้านไทยและสวนกล้วยไม้ภูเก็ต). Located on Thepkasattri Road about 3km from town, serves daily a typical southern Thai lunch that is followed by a spectacular cultural show including Thai dances, Thai boxing southern customs and elephants. Handicrafts are also on display. The complex also houses a dining hall decorated with over 20,000 varieties of orchid and tropical trees. Digestion is aided by the lilting sounds of Thai classical and folk music played on tradition instruments. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m.-9.00 p.m. Cultural shows are performed daily at 1.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. Admission is 650 baht for adults and 330 baht for children. Call 0 7621 4860, 0 7623 7400 for details.

• Phuket Zoo (สวนสัตว์ภูเก็ต) Located on the way to Chalong Bay, the zoo contains a collection of Asian and African mammals and birds. Elephant and crocodile shows are performed every day. The zoo is open daily from 8.30 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. Admission is 500 baht for adults and 300 baht for children. Call 0 7637 4430, 0 7637 4424 for details.

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit][add listing] Buy

Shopping seems to be the main reason for visitors to come to Phuket Town. In addition to local markets and a slew of malls and departments stores, Chinatown's Thanon Thalang offers a large selection of boutiques and galleries retailing traditional handicrafts as well as antiques from the region. Phuket Night Bazaar is a large area, where you can get local stuff (though you might find the same things much cheaper at the Big C supermarket!).

[edit] Markets

• Ranong Market, Thanon Ranong, is the largest local market. A warren of stalls selling anything and everything, it can be a hot, sweaty and chaotic but an interesting experience if you've not been to one before. However it is closed (2008) as they are constructing a new building.

• Weekend Market - endless stalls with the cheapest of Thai souvenirs.

[edit] Shopping malls

• Ocean and Robinsons are next to each other on Tilok Uthit 1 Road. Robinsons is a big department store, and there is a Tops supermarket, as well as McD's , KFC etc.

• Central Festival, Thanon Chaloem Phra Kiat - Phuket's branch of the Thai department store chain, also selling anything and everything but now in air-con comfort and a zero added to the price tag. It's still probably cheaper than the street markets at the beaches.

• SuperCheap claims to be the biggest and cheapest mall in Phuket, a cross between a Metro Market, Walmart, a Bazaar, and a normal local market for nearly everything from groceries to motorbike and car supplies and electronics. The best time to visit is in the evening. Take a small dinner in the nearby Thai restaurant (all you can eat for 69 baht - but when you leave something on the plate it costs 100 baht!) and afterwards join the Thai people at the market. SuperCheap is situated on the road to the airport, about 5 km out of Phuket Town centre, just behind the Esso site. Open until midnight.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• All You Can Eat, at Super Cheap. But you have to empty your plate - otherwise it costs double. That's not a joke, but very useful in keeping guests eating things they really like to eat and not wasting food. If you order water with ice, the ice costs extra!  edit
• China Inn Cafe & Restaurant, 20 Thalang Road, T.Talad Yai, A.Muang, Phuket, ☎ 076 356239. Dinner in beautiful historic Sino-Portuguese building in Phuket old town with romantic atmosphere. Thai and European food. Open: Monday-Wednesday 11AM-6PM Thursday-Saturday 11AM-11PM Closed on Sunday  edit
• Circle Cafe, On the Ranong circle, between Rasada and Yaowarat. Great mix of Thai and International food, and a very friendly, young owner who will offer you great advice on what to see and do while in Phuket.  edit
• Farang Restaurant, next to Index (Chaloem Kiat Rd, next to Index, Phuket City), ☎ 086-9463142. Italian and Thai Food  edit
• Ruam Jai Restaurant, 215 Th Ranong, ☎ 076-222821. 6.00 - 16.00.  edit
• Siam Bakery, 13 Thanon Yaowaraj (north of the Ranong traffic circle). French-run bakery offering pastries and drinks (~50 baht) in pleasant air-con surroundings.  edit
• The Living Room Restaurant, Dibuk Road just past Montri Road.. 80-200 baht per dishes.  edit
• Weekend market, Opposite Wat Naka..  edit
• La Romantica, 70 Phang-Nga Road, across from the On-On Hotel.  edit
• Chaiyo Seafood, ☎ 0 7639 3124.  edit
• Fuji Japanese Restaurant, Central Festival Phuket 3 rd Fl., ☎ 0 7624 9861-2. Fine Japaneses restaurant with reasonable price  edit
• Kra Jok See, 26 Takua Pa, ☎ 0 7621 7903.  edit
• Khrua Chamnong, Soi Ao Ke, ☎ 0 7622 0021.  edit
• Laem Hin Seafood (แหลมหินซีฟู้ด), 90/11 Mu 7 Ko keaw, ☎ 0 7623 9357, [1].  edit
• Laem Thong, Chana Charoen Road, ☎ 0 7622 4349.  edit
• Limoncello Italian FINE Restaurant, 63/202 Moo 2 Royal Phuket Marina, Thepkasattri Road, ☎ 0 76360869, [2].  edit
• Mai Pai Restaurant, 168/1-2A, Phuket Road (opposite The Books & Imperial Hotel), ☎ 089 6455359, [3]. Thai, European Food and German Food. German Bundesliga and Premierleage Live, very friendly People.Open at 7.00 AM till 02.00 in the Morning. Motorsbike for rent.  edit
• Mee Sapam, 58/6 Thepkrassartri Rd, [4].  edit
• Natural Restaurant, Soi Phutorn, ☎ 0 7622 4287, [5].  edit
• N C Bakery and Food, 183/6 Phang-nga Rd.  edit
• Nai Yao, Phuket Road, ☎ 0 7621 2719.  edit
• Phuket View Khao Rung, Ko Sim Bi, ☎ 0 7621 6865, [6].  edit
• Raya, New Dibuk Road, ☎ 0 7621 8155.  edit
• Siang Sian, Nimit Road, ☎ 0 7621 5928.  edit
• Stek Sam Kong (สเต็กสามกอง), 367/26-28 Yaowarat Rd, ☎ 0 7621 7190 -1.  edit
• Thainaan Restaurant (ไทนาน), 16 Wichit Songkhram Road, ☎ 0 7622 6164-7.  edit
• Thung Kha Café (ทุ่งคา คาเฟ่), Khao Rang.  edit
• Watermark Bar Restaurant, Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina 22 /1 Thepkrassartri Rd, ☎ 0 7623 9730.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

• China House, 43 Thanon Yaowaraj. Chinese tea and other drinks in an impeccably tastefully restored shophouse that doubles as an art gallery. On the expensive side though, with drinks 50-100 baht.

• Coffee Max, on the roundabout where Thanon Ranong meets Thanon Yaowarat. Small, friendly coffee shop offering hot and cold coffee and tea drinks and a selection of pastries and cakes. Free Wi-Fi for customers.

• Michael's Bar, 12 Takua-Pa Road. Owned by a British expat, a friendly, low-key place to grab a few drinks at a reasonable price. Has Wi-Fi or a solitary PC for customer use, free for the first 20 minutes.

• Smile Cafe Newly opened cafe near the junction of Thanon Montri and Thanon Phang-Nga, run by a friendly young Thai couple who make a great ice-blended coffee or green tea.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• All Seasons Naiharn Hotels (Formerly Sabana Resort), 14/53 Moo 1, Naiharn Beach, T. Rawai, A. Muang, Phuket 83130 Thailand. Set in the lush green hills only a few metres from the peaceful beachfront, All Seasons Naiharn Phuket offers a glimpse into the peace and calm of modern-day Phuket. The hotel's low-rise compound opens out to an expansive panorama, with coconut palms and manicured greenery evoking a rustic feel.

• Ban Raya Resort and Spa, 7/26 Moo 3, Tumbol Rassada, Muang District, Phuket 83000, Thailand. Ban Raya is a resort on the Island of Racha Yai which is situated 12 nm south of Phuket Island on the south west coast of Thailand. Our Resort is situated 2 minutes walk away from a lovely snorkeling & diving beach and 20 minutes walk away from the main beach and boat anchorage.

• Ban Nai Inn, 22/98 Luang Poh Cham Rd, Soi 1 A. Muang, Phuket 83000. Tel 076-214907-9, Fax 076-232276. Small guesthouse located directly behind the long distance bus terminal (walk past the motorbike taxi drivers). Rooms are basic but cheap, and include tv, refrigerator, A/C, separate shower and wardrobe with lockable drawer. Little English is spoken, suggesting that this is a destination more popular with Thai tourists.

• Crystal Guest House (คริสตัล เกสต์เฮาส์) 41/16 Montri Road (Tel: 0 7622 2774-5, 0 7622 6245), 26 rooms: 250-450 baht

• Damrong (ดำรงค์) 52 Luang Pho Road (Tel: 0 7621 1704), 45 rooms: 180 - 280 baht*
• Down Town Inn (ดาวน์ทาวน์ อินน์) 56/19 Ranong Road (Tel: 0 7621 6884-5), 24 rooms: 250-450 baht
• Imperial Hotel 51 Phuket Road (Tel: 0 7621 2311, 48 rooms, Bt650-750

• Phuket Island View Hotel, 144 Karon Road, Karon Beach,T. Karon, Phuket, Thailand, 83100. Phuket Island View Hotel is ideally located just across the street from unspoiled Karon Beach which faces the enchanted Andaman Sea. The Phuket Island View is set in a tropical garden and is only a short stroll away from the exciting nightlife & shopping of Karon and Kata Central.

• Crystal Inn (คริสตัล อินน์) 2/1-10 Soi Surin Montri Road (Tel: 0 7625 6789 Fax: 0 7625 6666 www.phuketcrystalinn.com), 54 rooms: 900 baht

• Bungalow Raya Resort, 30/4 Moo5, Tambol Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130 Thailand. Bungalow Raya Resort is located on Raya Island. This interesting island is located less than 15 kilometers from Chalong Bay on Phuket Island, and is one of the most beautiful destinations in the region. Surrounded by crystal clear tropical seas and snow white sandy beaches this is a perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, fishing and diving.

• Imperial Hotel 51 Phuket Road (Tel: 0 7621 2311, 48 rooms, Bt650-750 , rooms have free wi-fi, mini bar with fridge and cable tv.

• On On Hotel - 19 Th Phang-Nga, tel. 0 7621 1154; Old and a bit musty Sino-Portugese building with rich atmosphere, located almost in the center of the town. A small travel agency, laundry and cafe downstairs. Few scenes from the movie The Beach (2000) was shot here; check out room 38 for familiar views. Providing probably one of the cheapest accommodation of the island. Rooms from Bt 180 - 400. The cheapest rooms have shared bathrooms.

• Sawasdee Village, 38 KateKwan Rd., Kata Beach, Phuket, 83100, Thailand. Sawasdee Village, please relax and enjoy our elegant garden village that provides 46 intimate guest rooms for your pleasure. We aim to introduce you to the celebration of Thai culture with our charming traditional buildings set around our lush gardens and beautiful ponds.

• Phuket Backpacker [7] - Tel: +66-7625-6680. New (2005) establishment for western travellers, with sociable common room and kitchen facilities. It is in the heart of Phuket town, next to the local food market on Ranong Road. Its central location allows easy trips - via buses and taxis - to Phuket's surrounding beaches and sights. There is also abundant shopping and dining in the area. Fan cooled rooms at the back are popular with cockroaches and mosquitos, so be prepared to share or fight for your space (and bring your own lock for the door). Free Wi-Fi, but the range does not extend to the outlying rooms.

• Naithonburi Beach Resort, 9 Moo4, Tambon Sakhu, Amphur thalang, Phuket 83140, Thailand. Naithonburi Beach Resort is located on a secluded paradise island, just only 10 minutes from phuket international Airport. The Resort have the contemporary Thai-style architecture. It was elegant and give a sense of comfort and warmth. A stay at Naithonburi Beach Resort is the highlight of a visit to Thailand.

• Phuket Cyberinn Hotel [8] - Tel: +66-76220 100. Phuketcyberinn on Soi 4 off Bangkok Rd is in the heart of Phuket Town. A 3-storey hotel is surrounded by many shops, street bazzars and wonderful old buildings. Easy to reach many beaches aound Phuket. It is just 30 minutes away from Phuket international airport. Bt750.

[edit] Mid-range

• Thavorn Grand Plaza Hotel, 40/5 Chanacharoen Rd., Muang Phuket, Thailand 83000, ☎ (66-76) 222 240-50, [9]. The Thavorn Grand Plaza is an efficient city hotel with a relaxed resort ambience and provides a perfect gateway for diverse tastes. The Hotel is just minutes away from some of the celebrated sites of Phuket.  edit

• Daeng Plaza (แดง พลาซ่า), 57 Phuket Road, ☎ 0 7621 3752, 0 7621 3966, 0 7621 6428 (fax: 0 7621 3884), [10]. 1,000 - 1,400 baht.  edit
• Metropole Phuket, 1 Soi Surin, Montri Road, ☎ +66 76 215-050, 214-020-9 (fax: +66 76 215-990), [11]. Large hotel, 5-10 minute walk from the main bus station and the market. May once have been an opulent choice, but it feels like a decision was made some decades ago to spend minimal effort on upkeep or cleaning of the hotel - at least the cheaper rooms and the "gym" are in desparate need of renovation! Wi-Fi 3000 baht/day.  edit
• Sino House Phuket Hotel and Apartment (โรงแรมชิโนเฮ้าส์ ภูเก็ต), 1 Montree Rd., Tambon Talad Yai, ☎ +66 76 232494, + 66 76232495 (reserv@sinohousephuket.com, fax: +66 76221498), [12]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00.  edit

[edit] Splurge

[edit] Get out

see the Phuket Province article