The bustling, city 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 Town. Having been recently upgraded to city status, Phuket Town features an exciting mix of old and new, simple and sophisticated, peaceful and pulsating. The activity in Phuket Town is nearly around-the-clock. In the early morning, stoic monks take to the streets on their daily alms round and the fresh market buzzes with restaurant owners buying ingredients for the day's meals. Non-stop bustle characterises the daytime, and lasts well into the evening. Nights are reserved for enjoying good company, whether at a restaurant, a disco, a quiet bar, or a combination of all three.

Phuket Town is one of the major influences on the tourism in Thailand with a number of tourist attractions like the Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village which highlight some of the most characteristic features of Thai culture. Located around 2.5 kilometres away from the centre of Phuket Town, this is one of the most famous tourist attractions. The Phuket Butterfly farm located in the Sam District around 10 minutes away from the main city of Phuket is also a must-include while planning to visit Phuket Town. 

Unlike many Thai provincial capitals, Phuket Town fairly shines with personality and nowhere more so than its Old Town. In this historically rich part of town you will find shrines, temples (Buddhist and Chinese), ornate and beautifully preserved 'shop houses', quaint cafés, tiny printing shops, impromptu private and public museums and even a mini ex-red light district. Phuket Old Town was built on riches reaped from Phuket's tin boom of last century, when the metal was an extremely valuable commodity. In this quarter of the town you will see grandiose Sino-colonial mansions, once occupied by Phuket's tin barons of 100 years' ago. Phuket Old Town is compact enough to stroll around in. The best time to do this is early in the morning or after the day has lost its heat. There are enough restaurants and cafés to provide you with refreshments so don't bother taking a picnic along!

Buddha Statue
Standing more than 45 metres high and perched 400m above sea level, the Buddha statue is sure to become one of Phuket’s biggest attractions. Finished in marble and located in the Nakreed Hills looking out across the clear blue waters of the Andaman  Sea, the statue is sure to impress all visitors, and is a must see when you visit the island.  The idea for the statue was developed not long after the devastation of the 2004 tsunami and is a testament to the spirit of the Thai people, being almost completely funded by donations from local charities and organisations. There is no cost required to visit the statue, although a small donation is a good way to show your appreciation. If you are lucky enough to make a trip before all the final touches are finished, a donation is rewarded with a marble tile or brick which you can sign or write a small message on. These will then be used in completing the Buddha statue.
The statue has been built for the enjoyment of all visitors whether locals, tourists or devout Buddhists, and there are a few small stalls providing snacks, drinks and souvenirs. The Buddha statue is a great idea for a day trip to escape the busy hustle and bustle of Phuket, the perfect place to find some peace and quiet only 30 minutes drive from Phuket Town.

Night Life

IIn Phuket, Patong is better known for its bustling night life, but Phuket Town has its own unique nightlife scene that’s worth checking out. There are many attractions that bring young people to the island with its blend of funky DJs in the night clubs and a trendy atmosphere.

In Phuket Town all the bars and nightclubs are scattered all over the city unlike Patong where you will find them all on one “strip”. Although you will find some areas which will house these kinds of venues close together. One area in particular is the section of Yaowarat Road between Old Town Phuket and Tesco-Lotus. Coming from Old Phuket roundabout the first place you will see on the right hand side is Rockin’ Angel, which is a definite must for all music lovers and artists. The owner of Rockin’ Angel is a guitarist and singer and impromptu jam sessions are the norm, just try not to sit too close to the drums!

Across the road from Rockin’ Angel you will find Suea Saming, which is known to the locals as “The Bar with the Big Blue Doors”. This is a swanky place with a fine selection of imported spirits and energetic music courtesy of its resident DJ.

Just up the road you will come across Timber Hut which is famous on the Thai pub scene and attracts its fair share of westerners or Farang as they are known here in Thailand. Timber Hut features some of Phuket’s best live bands and by 11:30pm the place will be packed full of punters. For those wanting something a bit less crowded you can always go upstairs where there is more seating which is much less claustrophobic.

If you carry on further up Yaoworat Road you will come to Blue Marina which is adjacent to the Phuket Merlin Hotel. Blue Marina is situated in a basement with exposed ceilings; it is somewhat reminiscent of an old hip underground music club.  Continue down Yaowarat and you'll arrive at E-Sarn Terrace, which is easily recognised by the giant projection TV. There isn’t any live music here but it has a lovely outdoor setting, great food and a cool bar area with pool tables and a large selection of downloaded music serving as a jukebox.