Phuket Town has a unique character, offering an alternative side to Phuket Island. Situated in the southeast of the island, and only a 20 minute bus ride from Patong, this small capital is seeped in history and has many 100 year old shop houses, some of which are now guesthouses and restaurants. These are in the old part of town and situated on some streets within an easily walkable radius. The architecture dates back to Sino-Portugese times and those who have been to Penang in Malaysia will find the style and ambience of this town very similar. Try and pick up a street guide from your local hotel which will highlight the important buildings and their rich history. Thalang Road is one of the main streets here.
There are some great guesthouses with funky furnishings and prettily coloured exteriors. You will find some cool cafes and restaurants serving Thai and western meals, with a groovy and welcoming ambience, especially at night when the young Thai locals hang out. Bring your camera with you at night to capture the pretty rows of houses, the streetlamps showing off their green, pink and yellow pastels.
There are some Chinese and Buddhist temples scattered around the town including Jui Tui Shrine aswell as significant buildings that tell a rich history. For those that have seen the movie 'The Beach', you can check out the On On Hotel on Dibuk Road where they filmed a scene here with Leonardo DiCaprio!
It is easy to catch a bus from the centre near the market to get to Phuket's many beaches including Karon, Surin and Kamala. For those who want to get to Patong, there are regular buses and tuk tuks to take you there.
