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 Phuket City |
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The bustling, administrative centre of Phuket is often overlooked
in favour of the beaches, but there's a lot to see and do (and
spend your money on!) in Phuket City. Having been recently upgraded
to city status, Phuket City features an exciting mix of old and
new, simple and sophisticated, peaceful and pulsating.
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Old Phuket
and Chinatown |
The historical district is a must-see in the city, with fine examples
of Sino-Portuguese architecture concentrated along Dibuk, Thalang
and Krabi roads standing as monuments to Phuket's Chinese heritage.
Some of the mansions and shophouses are beautifully restored,
with many still inhabited by local families.
In the same area, and scattered throughout Phuket City, there
are a number of Chinese shrines , which are hubs of activity during
festival times.
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Dining,
Shopping |
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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 bewildering. See Shopping for
more information.
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Getting
there & around |
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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.
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