Phuket Town
Southeast Asia · Thailand
Did you know?
- The Tin Mining Monument honours Edward Thomas Miles, who brought a tin dredge in 1909.
- China House serves tea inside a restored shophouse art gallery.
- Thalang Road's colourful Sino-Portuguese buildings reflect a 19th-century tin boom.
See also
Overview
Phuket Town preserves streets shaped by a tin-mining boom. Sino-Portuguese buildings, Chinese temples and restored shophouses give the centre a distinct architectural character.
Languages: Thai
Why Go
Phuket Town is the largest town in Phuket Province with a population of 79,000 (2020), serving as the economic hub of the island. While it lacks beach appeal, it offers a refreshing change of pace from tourist-heavy beach areas. The Chinatown area around Thalang Rd is worth a quick look, featuring colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture from the 19th-century tin boom. Accommodation and food in the town are significantly cheaper than near the beaches.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get In
Buses and Songthaews connect Phuket Town to major beaches, starting from Ranong Rd at the Down Town Market. The most popular route is to Patong (25 baht, 45 minutes, every 30 minutes 07:00-18:00). Other beach fares range from 15-30 baht. Bus Terminal 1 handles local destinations like Khao Lak (90-120 baht). Phuket International Airport is 30 km north, accessible by taxi (500 baht, 30 min), shared minibus (100 baht, 45 min), or Government Airport Bus #1 (100 baht, 1 hr 15 min). Buses run to airport 06:00-18:30, from airport 08:00-20:30.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get Around
Phuket Town is too large to cover comfortably on foot. Motorbike taxis and four-wheeled tuk-tuks cruise the streets looking for fares. A pink-colored songthaew shuttle runs between Bus Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for 10 baht.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to Go
Phuket's climate shows wet season (May-October) with heaviest rainfall in September-October (336-350 mm monthly). Dry season (November-April) offers more stable weather but higher prices. Weekend markets operate on Saturdays and Sundays, with the Naka Weekend Market opposite Wat Naka being particularly popular.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
Phuket Town offers budget accommodation significantly cheaper than beach areas. Guesthouses near the bus terminal include Ban Nai Inn (basic rooms), Damrong (180-280 baht), and Down Town Inn (250-450 baht). For backpackers, Lub Sbuy Guest House offers dorm beds at 250 baht, while Phuket Backpackers charges 550 baht with common kitchen facilities. Mid-range options include Crystal Guest House (250-450 baht) and Crystal Inn (950 baht).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
Local specialties include Khao Mun Kai (chicken with rice) at Kota Khao Mun Kai for 60 baht. Ruamjai Vegan Restaurant serves all-vegetarian buffet meals for 25-35 baht near the bus terminal. The Weekend Market and Naka Weekend Market offer countless food stalls for handfuls of baht. Coffee Culture thrives with Phuketiquette on Ranong Circle offering arguably the best coffee in Phuket (50-200 baht) with free Wi-Fi. China House on Yaowaraj Rd serves Chinese tea and drinks (50-100 baht) in a restored shop house art gallery.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
Chinatown's Thalang Rd area showcases 19th-century Sino-Portuguese architecture along Dibuk Rd, Phang Nga Rd, Yaowarat Rd, and Krabi Rd. Jui Tui and Put Jaw Temples (corner of Ranong Rd and Soi Phuthon) are the oldest Chinese Taoist temple in Phuket, over 200 years old, with free admission. Khao Rang Hill offers panoramic views of the town and southern island. Saphan Hin park features the Tin Mining Monument dedicated to Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australian who brought the first tin dredge in 1909.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Shopping is a main attraction in Phuket Town. The Weekend Market on Wirat Hong Yok Rd (opposite Wat Naka) offers the cheapest Thai souvenirs and counterfeit goods. Chinatown's Thalang Rd features boutiques and galleries with traditional handicrafts and regional antiques. Phuket Night Bazaar occupies a large area for local goods. For air-conditioned shopping, Central Festival (Chaloem Phra Kiat Rd) and Ocean/Robinsons department stores (Tilok Uthit 1 Rd) offer Western products and supermarkets.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available at several establishments including Phuket Backpacker, Phuketiquette, Coffee Max, Michael's Bar, and O'Malley's Pub. Most hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi, with some like Sino Inn Budget Hotel providing free mini bar as well.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Phuket Town is generally safe for travelers, though standard urban precautions apply. The Immigration Office is located in Phuket Town where visa extensions (1900 baht for 30 days) can be obtained.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Catch ferries from Rassada Pier to Ko Phi Phi, Rai Leh, and surrounding islands. Ko Maphrao (Coconut Island) off the east coast is reachable by boat from Laem Hin pier within 15 minutes, offering fishery village visits, nature trails, fishing, and biking with bungalow and homestay accommodation available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Art-C House
Very nice clean hostel with private rooms and ensuites. There is a nice rock climbing gym inside, with three top rope walls and a fairly large bouldering area. Phone up before you go to make sure it is open. ~300 baht a day including equip hire, 150 baht if you are staying there.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Baan Suwantawe
A gem of a small hotel (~24 rooms) centrally located. Small (great) staff, so not a full-service hotel, but otherwise exceptional. All rooms overlook a pristine pool. Rooms include air-con, fridge, hot water thermos, utility kitchen sink, giant TV. Free Wi-Fi in lobby. For 100 baht/day reception will give you a patch cable for Internet in-room. Covered parking garage. Maybe Thailand's best book store across the street. Highly recommended.
Recorded price: 1,400 baht low season - 1,700 high season (nov - march)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Baba House Hotel
Best Serviced Apartment & Hotel is located 5 minutes from Cahlong temple, King Power, Central Department Store. 15 Minutes from Big Buddha. 10 minutes from night market. Not far from town. Full amenity like gym, pool, Wi-Fi and Breakfast, Baba House has it all. It has only 30 rooms. Great service and great tour discount. All rooms overlook a long 30 ft pool & Big Buddha. Rooms include air-con, fridge, hot water thermos, utility kitchen sink, Flat screen TV, cabinet closet, working table, security safe, key card door, refirdge. Free Wi-Fi in room. Parking garage.
Recorded price: 1,200 baht low season - 1,700 high season (nov - march)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Ban Nai Inn
Small guesthouse. Rooms are basic, and include TV, refrigerator, air-con, separate shower, and wardrobe with lockable drawer. Little English is spoken, suggesting that this is a destination more popular with Thai tourists.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bhukitta Hotel & Spa
In the heart of Phuket City providing easy access to old town and many attractions. The design of the hotel combines an elegant blend of contemporary design with a modern Thai touch, all the latest amenities and free Wi-Fi.
Recorded price: 1,250-4,500 baht
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Crystal Guest House
26 rooms.
Recorded price: 250-450 baht
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Blue Elephant Restaurant
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
China Inn Cafe & Restaurant
Dinner in beautiful historic Sino-Portuguese building in Phuket old town with romantic atmosphere. Thai and European food. Open: M-W, 11:00-18:00; Th-Sa, 11:00-23:00. Closed Su.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Food
Street food and local markets offer the best value. Meals at local restaurants range 25-60 baht. Phuket Town is significantly cheaper than beach areas for food and accommodation.
Money
Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available throughout Phuket Town. Credit cards accepted at hotels and larger establishments but cash preferred at markets and local restaurants.
Transport
Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) are the main local transport, running from Ranong Rd market to beaches for 15-30 baht. Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are available throughout town. The airport is 30 km north with bus, minibus, and taxi options.
Weather
Tropical climate with wet season May-October. Best visiting time is November-April for dry weather, though this is also peak season with higher prices.