Phuket Town

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.

The activity in Phuket City 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 characterizes 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.

From the gleaming shopping centres to century-old shop houses, small noodle shops to upscale restaurants, cheap massage parlours to trendy spas, this patchwork offers something for every taste and every budget.

Where to Stay in Phuket Town (Editor's guide to Hotels in Phuket)

Asian tourists and Thai business people are the primary customers of the big hotels, but travelers from all parts of the globe are warmly welcomed. The facilities are on par with many of the beach resorts and are a great option for people who want to see authentic Thai life. On-On Hotel in the photo, was used in the movie "The Beach".

e-concierge lets you know what to expect from Phuket Town and has picked some of the best hotels for you to consider.

THE SKY HOTEL Special Rates US$ 50* / night (THB 1,710) - 01 Feb - 30 Apr '09 Studio B Try this out, the hip and chic style hotel in Phuket with Bar that own the great Phuket Town view

Alphabetical List of all the Hotels in Phuket Town

Here's the full list of Phuket Town hotels in alphabetical order.

If you need some help deciding on an area or need to know where to start you could try our e-concierge guide to Phuket Town hotels.

Alternatively you can find hotels by price or hotels on a map. See also Last Minute Hotels Offers for Phuket Town.

Phuket Old Town and Sino Colonial Architecture

Sand and sea is great, but they only have so much potential for character. That's where Old Phuket Town shines. The streets are lines with 100-year-old shop houses that are home to restaurants, guesthouses, printing offices, gold shops, art galleries, coffee shops, and personal residences - among other things.

It's well worth a look; some people consider Old Town to be the best part of Phuket. (Read More about Old Phuket - Read more about Sino Colonial Architecture)

Phuket Town Nightlife

Patong is the known as the place to go after the sun goes down in Phuket, but Phuket City has a distinctive nightlife scene that's worth checking out. There are many places attracting the young people of the island with a blend of DJ tunes and trendy atmosphere - Kor Tor Mor, Oasis, and Timber Hut are the hot spots at the moment.

Be warned they're loud; sign language is the only reliable form of communication. For conversation, try O'Malley's, Rockin' Angels, or Michael's Bar.

Phuket Town Restaurants, Food & Dining

Phuket City 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 go.

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.

Shopping in Phuket Town

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.