Phuket City
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.
The bustling, administrative centre of Phuket is often overlooked in favour of the beaches, but there's a lot to see and do in Phuket City. Phuket's administrative centre was only recently given city status and is still commonly referred to as Phuket Town, even on road signs. As a living, breathing Thai city, it is not specifically tailored to tourists as other areas of the island. However, if you are willing to make the effort there are some delightful ways to spend your time.
Phuket City features an exciting mix of old and new, simple and sophisticated, peaceful and pulsating. 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 City has much to offer. Phuket City 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.
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 over a century ago. In this area there are also plenty of ornate shophouses 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 are beautifully restored, with many still inhabited by local families. 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.
Other attractions in the city include: The Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, located near Tesco Lotus supermarket in Sam Kong district; the Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village, also in Sam Kong, which has cultural performances including folk dances, Thai boxing and elephant shows.
Phuket City also boasts the best variety of food on the island, much of it available at local prices. If you're hoping to sample local dishes such as mii pat (yellow noodles), kanom jiin (Chinese style rice noodles with curry), khao mun kai (chicken and cooked rice) or roti (Muslim-style pancakes), then Phuket City the place to come. Recommended Thai restaurants: Lemongrass (Dibuk Rd), Thammachart (Soi Phuthon), Phuket View, Tung Kha Cafe (both on Rang Hill). Newly opened is Baan Klung Jinda Restaurant on Mae Luan Rd, in the beautifully restored former residence of the Phuket Provincial Treasurer.
There's also a growing number of restaurants serving up great Western food at reasonable prices, and some truly classy spots, including Salvatore's (Rassada Rd), Ka Jok Sii (Takuapa Rd) and La Gaetana Phuket Rd). You can also find all the major fast-food outlets and inexpensive fresh food courts at Robinsons, Big C and Tesco-Lotus shopping centres.
Phuket people love shopping and there are lots of great spots to pick up clothing, local handicrafts and more for a bargain in Phuket City. Check out the city's night markets, stroll along the streets of downtown or stop in at a department store - the variety of goods on offer is truly amazing.
Nightlife in Phuket City
Patong is the known as the place to go after the sun goes down in Phuket, but Phuket City has a distinctive nightlife scene that's worth checking out. There are many places attracting the young people of the island with a blend of DJ tunes and trendy atmosphere - Kor Tor Mor, Seua Saming and XVI are the hot spots at the moment.
For live music, there are few better spots than Timber Hut or Jammin', where local bands belt out hits and old favourites and pack people in night after night. For a more local flavour, stop in at a karaoke or 'singsong' bar - there are many of these all over the city. Just look for the fairy lights or neon signs.
Practical info
Other shops/services including internet cafes, bookshops, 24-hr mini-marts, airline offices, groceries, barber shops/beauty salons, mobile phone outlets, dentists, optometrists, pharmacies and bakeries are all widely available around the city, and usually less expensive than those in the beach resort areas.
Local Bus
Blue song taew buses connect Phuket City to all the main beaches, making regular runs for 15-25 Baht during daylight hours. Catch these on Ranong Rd. Phuket City is also the place where inter-provincial buses depart and arrive, at the bus station on Phang Nga Rd, opposite the Royal Phuket City Hotel.
To get around Phuket City, there are 10-Baht air-conditioned microbuses, the ubiquitous tuk-tuks, metered taxis and motorbike taxis.
If you want to stay in Phuket on the cheap, then Phuket City is the best area to go. Around the downtown core, several Chinese shopkeepers rent out basic rooms for as little as 120 Baht and there are a few guesthouses as well.
There are also a number of mid-range hotels catering mostly to travelling business people.
