Phuket Town Travel Guide

Phuket (pronounced “Poo-get”) town has been recently upgraded to city status, the city is often overlooked in favor of the beaches, but actually the city is treasure full of surprises with many things to do and see. Phuket town was largely founded by Chinese and Malaysian merchants to service the nearby tin mines, the town grew and prospered to become the commercial, social and political centre of the island.

Nowadays with a population of fewer than 100,000, the city is an easy going blend of old and modern, simple and sophisticated, peaceful and pulsating, and a result of Thai, Chinese and Muslim influences, there is always something for every taste and every budget. Its charming architecture which reflects its rich cultural heritage is perhaps the foremost of attractions of the city, the city features century-old mansions built in the Sino-Portuguese style; visitors can find also interesting architectural examples of Chinese style.

There are plenty of shop houses that are virtual museums of old Chinese traditions, at the city you can also visit some Chinese shrines, such as Put Jaw and Jui Tui which are just off Ranong road (near the fresh market). Phuket City has a fascinating and attractive commercial hearth; visitors can find many shopping opportunities at gleaming shopping centers, department stores, hypermarkets and small noodle shops.

In Chinatown’s Thanon Thalang you can find numerous boutiques and galleries selling handicrafts and antiques from the region. The Vegetarian Festival held in October and Loy Krathong in November are the most important festivals of the city. During Phuket Vegetarian Festival, locals of Chinese ancestry observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet. Most of the stuff attractive to travelers is within the area circumscribed by Ratsada, Yaowarat, Thung Kha and Thepkasatri Roads. But if you want get a glimpse of the island’s history by taking a walk along Dibuk, Krabi, and Thalang Roads where you can find lovely examples of ancient buildings such as the Government House.

Other attractions include the Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insectariums (located near Tesco Lotus supermarket), The Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village. While most accommodation and food locate themselves on the beaches, the city has a number of good value hotels and guesthouses; there are also great restaurants, discos, and bars at very reasonable prices.