Phuket Town is an area that can often get overlooked by tourists as they immerse themselves in the beaches, sea views, lively nightlife and wonderful food. However, it has a lot to offer and it would be a shame to come all this way and not spend at least a few hours there.
Choose to explore independently and it can be fun stumbling across a hidden Chinese shrine or crowded herb shop. If time is an issue or you don’t want to miss any of the best sights, then there’s always the option to book an organized tour. That way you can be sure to see all the interesting places.
Out & About in Phuket Town
The most historical part of town is the streets centred around Thalang Road. They are the prettiest too, as the mess of electrical cables that used to overhang the old streets have now been moved underground. On Thalang itself, the Chino Cafe Gallery is a cool place to sit and have an iced coffee and one of their famous round cakes. Look out for the photographs on display by local photographers.
Wilai and Kopitiam are two of the most popular Thai restaurants serving delicious and affordable local dishes. Or try the China Inn Cafe if you want something a little more upmarket, situated in an updated Chinese style shop house it’s a gorgeous place to try Thai cuisine.
Jui Tui Shrine is the oldest Chinese temple in Phuket and it has a very important role as a spiritual centre. It’s the key temple where locals come to celebrate, whether it’s a birthday, wedding or birth. It’s also seen as a place of healing and for prayer, a peaceful place people come to when they are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
Book an Organised Tour
Phuket Heritage Trails purpose is to show travellers that there’s a lot more to Phuket than beaches and sunshine. They have put together tours that show the architecture of the historical town and its unique cuisine. They also try to give you an understanding of the ancient beliefs and unique lifestyle that sets it apart from other destinations in Thailand.
If you spend a day exploring Phuket Town, then for something completely different the next day why not take a Phuket boat tour on board MV Phuket Champagne for snorkelling and swimming. The day is leisurely and lazy – a few days of culture, history and relaxation is good for the soul.
