Independent trip to Phuket town. Start of your trip to Thailand. Phuket town Phuket old town on the map

is a mixture of two styles and is often called colonial architecture (although Thailand was never a colony of anyone). Such buildings, not typical of the Thai tradition, can be found in the Old City, in the area of Phuket Rd, Phang Nga Rd, Thalang Rd, Krabi Rd, Ranong Rd and those closest to them.

Just walk through them up and down and you will see everything you need. The walk is unlikely to take more than two hours, because... the old quarter is quite small and old houses are nearby. What’s interesting is that these buildings have not been turned into lifeless museums and architectural monuments, but still provide shelter for people: some contain offices, others have bank branches, and others are given over to hotels. Of course, they have undergone restoration both inside and out, so they do not look old and dilapidated. The only house (built in 1934) dedicated to the museum is called Thai Hua Museum and is located on Krabi Street.

Viewpoint on Rang Hill

Hill is located in the north of Phuket Town. It’s better to rent a motorbike or take a taxi to get up there, because... in 30-degree heat, the climb will be too long and difficult (walking uphill for half an hour is not a pleasant thing). The road to the viewpoint starts at the beginning of Patiphat Rd where it intersects with Mae Luan Road. At the very top there is a small “Health Park”, a restaurant and an observation deck, which offers excellent views of Phuket Town and the surrounding areas. In the distance you can see the famous Patong Beach. Don't forget your camera - you are guaranteed great photos.

Shopping centers and hypermarkets

They're practically coming one after another and are located on the western outskirts of the capital. Central Phuket Festival is the main one on the entire island. Here you can buy almost everything: clothes, shoes, equipment, jewelry, watches, accessories, groceries, in short, everything! In addition to shopping pavilions, there are a bunch of restaurants and a large cinema with several halls.

Big C and Tesco Lotus are economy class hypermarkets, like our Auchan. Thais believe that Tesco is cheaper and therefore prefer to shop there. In addition, Tesco also has restaurants and fast foods where you can have a snack after a successful and inexpensive shopping. The range of goods at these two hypermarkets is similar: groceries, clothing, shoes, audio-video, computers, phones, household appliances, etc.

The night market is open only at weekends. The first tents open at 16:00, but most at 17:00. It closes around 22:00. In all guidebooks it is considered a serious attraction, but in fact you can’t buy anything special there for a penny. Even in Big C and Tesco Lotus, flip flops will be 20-30 baht cheaper. And the range of goods is small - clothes, shoes, handbags, backpacks, wallets, CDs, small souvenirs and other small items. Naturally, all are fakes - no real brands. Although no, brands are available at several Second Hand locations. There really are real second-hand Levi's jeans for 2000 baht (in the next tent there are fakes for 400 baht).

There are also several food aisles at the market, where they sell fruits (you can buy them cheaper at other markets), sweets and Thai food. Among the exclusives, which are rarely found in other places, are freshly squeezed cane juice (very pleasant, with a sweet taste) and Thai sweets (there are really a lot of them).

Located on Wirat Hong Yok Street, near its intersection with Chao Fa (West) Street and about half an hour’s walk from the Central Festival (if desired, you can walk in 20 minutes).

Rama IX Park

It is also called Queen's Park. There is also a Thai name, which is hardly worth remembering. Located in the south of Phuket Town, on the Chao Fa (East) highway. It will be on your right hand if you go south from the capital, towards. The second entrance is located on Wirat Hong Yok Street, near the night market.

Royal Park is a great place to relax, located within the city. The area is very large. There is a lake (even several), playgrounds, outdoor exercise equipment and a sports club with barbells and dumbbells (working out costs only 10 baht for the whole day, although there is no air conditioning). This is a favorite place for active recreation for Thais who come here in the evenings to run along the paths around the lake, work out on exercise machines for free, kick the ball with their hands and feet (football, volleyball), and play badminton (by the way, it is very popular among the Thais).

In the evenings the main lake is illuminated and it becomes very beautiful here. Since the territory is huge, the people are evenly distributed along the entire perimeter - because of this, it seems that the park is not crowded.

There are two parking lots for motorbikes, but it is better not to park here at night (after 11 p.m.), because... There were cases of vehicle theft, because there were almost no people at that time.

Saphan Hin Park

A great place for morning and evening relaxation. It is located in the southeast of Phuket Town, right on the seashore. There are benches near the coast where you can sit and admire the surrounding beauty. Nobody swims here, because... the water is not particularly clean due to the large number of fishing boats, and the entrance to the sea is rocky in many places.

The historical and administrative center of the island of Phuket is the ancient city of Phuket Town. This city has many attractions that go back centuries. European traders and Chinese immigrants arrived here to mine tin in the early 19th century. Today, Phuket Town continues to thrive as the island's cultural hub, home to magnificent architectural treasures, Chinese shrines, colorful open-air markets and restaurants serving the island's delicious local cuisine.

Phuket's distinctive architectural style is derived from the British colonial style once popular in Malaysia and Singapore. Many of the island's old mansions and trading houses are built in this style.

(Phuket Vegetarian Festival)

This annual festival starts from the end of September and lasts for about ten days. At the festival you will see shocking rituals with spears and swords performed by local residents.

On the campus of Rajabhat University there is a museum of the island's culture, where you will see Thai dolls, artifacts from the days of tin mining, historical photographs, as well as books on the culture and history of Phuket.

Working hours: Mon-Fri from 8:30 to 16:30
Entry fee: free

Chatuchak Weekend Market

The market is located in the open air on the south side of Phuket town. The market offers a large selection of clothing, decorative items, keychains, souvenirs and delicious food.

Working hours: Sat-Sun from 9:00 to 18:00

There are bright and colorful Chinese temples throughout the city. These shrines play an important role, especially during Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival.

Monkey Hill

The mountain where curious monkeys gather is impressive with its views. Here you can chat with monkeys, but be careful - little thieves try to steal tourist property.

Koh Sirey Island

Sirey Island is connected to Phuket by a small bridge. Along the island's shores there are unspoilt landscapes, and hilly forest paths lead along rubber plantations. The main attraction is the island's temple, located on a hill. The main hall houses a statue of a reclining Buddha, and the hill overlooks the sea. There are also many restaurants on the island that serve delicious fresh seafood at low prices.

Suan Luang Park

The beautiful Suan Luang or Rama IX Park comes alive in the early mornings when locals come here to train and perform Tai Chi (health exercises). There is a walking path through the park, next to which there are ponds with blooming lotus.

Rang Hill Viewpoint

Rang Hill is a great place for hiking and picnics. From the top of the hill there is a wonderful view of Phuket city, and in the shade of the trees you can relax and read a book.

This research center is engaged in the conservation and reproduction of about 40 species of butterflies, many are released into the wild. Every month, visitors to the unique rescue center can witness the magical transformation of more than 6,000 larvae into beautiful butterflies.

Photos of Phuket Town

It is no coincidence that Phuket was called the “Pearl of the South” by tourists. The secluded beaches of Phuket are the perfect place to merge with the nature of Thailand in joyful ecstasy. All guests of Thailand strive to come here to bask on the snow-white sand under the hot sun of the tropics and plunge into the glowing azure waters of the Andaman Sea.

Phuket is the largest island of Thailand and the center of the province of the same name. The island of Phuket stretches (from north to south) for 50 km along the coast of the Andaman Sea in the southwest of Thailand. The mountainous and forested island is separated from the mainland by the Pak Phra Strait. The distance between Phuket Island and the mainland varies from 600 meters to 5 kilometers. At the narrowest point they are connected by 2 large road bridges, the traffic on which is one-way.

Districts of Phuket

Phuket Island is divided into three districts (amphoe), which in turn are divided into 17 districts (tambon), subdivided into 103 villages (muban).

South Phuket(Mueang Phuket) is the capital district where Phuket City and many of Phuket's large beaches (Kata, ) are located.
Central Phuket(Kathu) - located in the western part of the island, here is the most famous of Phuket's resorts - the beach
North Phuket(Thalang) is the largest district of Phuket, in which the largest parks and reserves of the island are located

Cities of Phuket

The main city of Phuket is Phuket City, formerly called Phuket Town (). It combines the functions of the capital of the island and the administrative center of the entire province. This largest city in Phuket is home to most of the island's indigenous inhabitants.

The second most important settlement on the island is Patong Beach- a town that arose around the most popular beach in Phuket - . Patong, which many call a smaller copy, is considered the main resort of Phuket. Patong is famous for its vibrant nightlife and abundance of adult establishments.

The third most important city of Phuket is located 6 km from the capital of the island on the beach Chalong. Here is the largest transport hub, connecting all areas of Phuket by road. Also here is the largest and quietest bay in Phuket, as well as the largest yacht anchorage.

Phuket Town is located in the southeast of the island of the same name and is the largest city in the Phuket province. This is a provincial town where locals live and work. The concentration of people here, it is worth noting, is quite high. There are no noisy entertainments or beaches here, but there are several interesting sights that tourists who buy tours to Phuket come to see. Accommodation and food prices in Phuket town are certainly lower than in the resort areas of the island.

Phuket Town doesn't have a beach and you won't get the same stunning views as the coastline. The journey to the beaches where you can swim will take about 30 - 60 minutes one way.

Weather

The weather in Phuket city matches the weather on the island. The best time to holiday on the island is from November to March. It is at this time that dry, sunny weather prevails. During these months, tours to Phuket are especially popular among those who are tired of the cold. From April to October, as a rule, the weather becomes hotter, heavy rains and high humidity are observed daily.

Hotels

Accommodation here is much cheaper than at the popular resorts of the island. Phuket has a large selection of accommodation in modest rooms and sleeping accommodation in shared rooms. Staying overnight in Phuket Town makes sense if you want to watch some of the island's lavish celebrations, such as the Vegetarian Festival, or if you plan to travel from the town's pier to other islands in Thailand.

Attractions and entertainment

The old part of Phuket town is called Phuket Town. There are more than 30 temples concentrated here, most of which are Chinese. The most famous Chinese temple in Phuket Town, Jui Tui, was built 200 years ago. Wat Mongkolnimit, the largest Thai monastery, is also located here.

The famous On On Hotel from the movie The Beach, where Leonardo DiCaprio's character lived, is located in Phuket Town. The most persistent tourists are even shown the very same room 37 in which the film was filmed.

If you are traveling with children, be sure to take them to (Phuket butterfly garden & insect world). More than 40 species of rare butterflies flutter freely here. In addition to butterflies, other insects live in the Garden - predatory spiders, scorpions, beetles. There is a terrarium with reptiles. On the territory of the Garden there is a silk museum, a cafe and a souvenir shop.

Monkeys in Thailand will not surprise anyone, but if you still want to get to know them better, go to Monkey Hill. Wild macaques live here, who get to know tourists and beg for treats - bananas or nuts.

There is an observation deck on Monkey Mountain that offers views of Phuket Town. From here you can see the Wat Khao Rang temple - it is easily recognized by the large statue of the Golden Buddha.

The second observation deck is located on Rang Hill. In addition to the city, you can even see Patong Beach from here. The ideal time to visit this observation deck is in the evening, when the lights come on along the coast.

If you want to get to know dangerous crocodiles better and watch an exciting show with their participation, be sure to visit.

The most vivid representation of the history of Phuket can be seen in the theater.

You can take a walk with the whole family in the Royal Park. There are playgrounds for children, outdoor exercise equipment, fitness areas, a sports club and a lake where you can relax in the shade of trees.

Cuisine and restaurants

Restaurants and cafes can be found at almost every step. All of them, as a rule, are aimed at local residents. This is where you will be able to taste real Thai food without any “adjustments for tourists.” In some cafes, self-service is encouraged, and the menu can only be studied on the wall of the establishment.

Every weekend there is a night market in Phuket Town. At this Thai bazaar you can buy clothes, shoes, cosmetics, fruits, and try Thai dishes.

Phuket Town is the main city of the island and the central city of Phuket province. In this post, we’ll figure out where to go and what to see in Phuket Town, what attractions are worth seeing and what shops and markets to go shopping. At the end of the article you will find a map with the main points of the city for a better understanding.

If you are vacationing on an island, you may not even get into the city, since it is located closer to the center, away from the beaches and main attractions of Phuket.

What is there to see in Phuket Town?

Yes, one daylight is enough to see all the sights of Phuket Town, because the city is very small. The name alone is the “capital” of the province. But it has its own charm! Plus, you can combine exploring interesting places and going to the Rassada pier (it’s next to the city), from where they sail to the neighboring islands.

Plus, if you want to see something less touristy than the popular beaches, then a tour to Town is a great option.

Old town of Phuket Town

The heart of the area is the old town of Phuket. This is the name of the area in the area of Dibuk, Krabi, Thalang, Phangnga, Ratsada, Ranong streets. The boundaries are very arbitrary. It was here that the city was founded.

It is very pleasant to walk around the old town and take colorful photographs. It is notable for its buildings with Chinese-Portuguese architecture, such a funny combination of Asian and European.

The Chinese style appeared after the Chinese arrived in Phuket to work in the tin mines. By the way, this is exactly what the old city looks like most.

The Portuguese lived in Phuket even before the era of miners, and they still managed to leave some elements in the architecture. This is noticeable primarily in unusual windows and arches. Reminds me of the scenery for some Brazilian TV series, doesn’t it? :)

Each building was the home of one family, and it could be only 5 meters wide, but up to 50 meters deep. On the first floor there was usually a store, shop, brothel or other dubious establishments (do not forget that Chinese workers lived here at first).

Now it is prohibited to build new buildings in the old city; the authorities have done a lot of work to restore the buildings, so we can see such beauty.

Check out Soi Romanee, which was once the busiest street in the area and is now just a good place for photo sessions.

The old town is full of cute cafes and shops with souvenirs, antiques, and jewelry stores. Some great graffiti.

What else to do and see in Phuket Town?

Phuket is not your typical tropical island town, but still has the feel of an old port city.

Viewpoint at Rang Hill

Climb the mountain north of the city and see a magnificent panorama of the entire southern part of the island. It’s best to come here closer to sunset - it’s not so hot anymore, and the setting sun gives a good, pleasant light. There are several good cafes at the top.

View of the city from Monkey Mountain

Monkey Mountain

Another observation point is on Monkey Mountain, where about 400 of these animals live. They behave quite arrogantly and you should be careful with them. They can snatch a bag from your hand or a camera, in general, extortionists are still the same! It’s somewhat similar to the city north of Bangkok, where these monkeys are roaming around the city.

Temples of Put Jor and Jui Tui

These two Chinese Taoist temples are located at the western end of Ranong Street. The first is dedicated to the goddess of mercy, and the second to the vegetarian god. This is where the biggest festivities are during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in October, and the rest of the time there are several vegetarian cafes nearby.

Another Chinese Shrine of The Serene Light— was built in 1889. It's hidden in a hole on Phangnga Road. Just a few meters - and you watch the burning sticks in silence and absorb the peaceful atmosphere of this place.

Entrance to Shrine of The Serene Light

There are several museums in the city, and if you want to diversify the cultural life, then it is worth checking out.

First of all in Phuket Thaihua Museum— this used to be a school for studying the Chinese language, but now here you can see photographs and exhibits telling about the history of Phuket. Entrance 200 baht.

Clock tower

Is there some more museum in the building of the Thavorn Hotel- the first five-star hotel in the city. Here you can see old photographs from the island's tin era, tin mining tools, smoking pipes...

The attractions of Phuket Town include several more interesting places: a 3D museum, a museum of optical illusions, and many art galleries.

Hotels in the city

The selection of hotels in Phuket Town is very good and prices are generally low.

The most famous hotel in the city is, because it was here that the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed in room 37. In general, after the film, even more people went to Thailand, looking for unusual experiences and paradise islands. And it was after “The Beach” that the Phi Phi Islands gained unprecedented popularity.

Shops, shopping centers and markets in Phuket Town

The city has a lot of shopping centers, shops, local markets, and prices are not inflated like on tourist beaches.

In the large shopping malls Robinson, Ocean, Centrlal Festival you can buy anything you want and of fairly good quality (although the latter is not located exactly in the city).

Next to the same Central Festival there are the Big C and Tesco Lotus hypermarkets, where you can also buy products at low prices, such as Auchan and Thai Lenta.

The largest night market in Phuket is also located in Town on Wirat Hong Yok Street. It is open on Saturday and Sunday from 16:00 until about 22:00.

The market with inexpensive vegetables/fruits is located a little inland next to the songthaew stop for the beaches on Ranong Road.

On Sundays, there is also a night market on Thalang Street in the old town. In general, there are several other markets in the city, but I have indicated the main ones.