Phuket City Travel Guide

Although most tourists only visit the beached on the western side of the island of Phuket, the capital of the province is certainly worth a trip.

From every place on the island a bus or tuk tuk will be able to take you to Phuket City. This is a small town with interesting architecture, in Portuguese Colonial style. Phuket City also has many Chinese style houses. It's a great place for street photography.

When there, be sure to visit the Thavorn Hotel , that has a small but nice museum (free entry) with memories of old Phuket. Don't forget to have a drink in the cafeteria, which also has some historic items on display.

Phuket City is quiet, but - as said - worth a visit. Near the place where your bus will arrive you will find a typical Thai food market.

In October every year the famous Vegetarian Festival is celebrated in Phuket City. The festival takes places over 9 days, involving lots of vegetarian (technicall vegan) food and culminates in a procession from Phuket Town's shrines. Most famously, supplicants who are believed to be possessed by daoist gods, perform self-mortification, such as piercing their cheeks with spikes, and tests of devotion, such as walking on hot coals and climbing sharpened steel ladders.

If you want a cheap day trip, this is the place to go. Bargain with some tuk tuk drivers for a cheap trip there, and then spend the day wandering the many dilapidated streets. There are heaps of jewellery stores, convenience stores and food markets for a spot of shopping.