Phuket Town

Phuket Town (เมืองภูเก็ต Mueang Phuket) is the provincial capital of Phuket Province.

An introduction to Phuket Town

Phuket Town is the largest town in Phuket Province. It has a population of 63,000 and is the economic hub of the island. For the most part just an ordinary, scruffy provincial (Thai) town, it's hardly a major tourist attraction, but the Chinatown area is worth a quick look and there are some great Thai-style shopping opportunities too. Overall, accommodation and food in the town is cheaper than near the beaches, and can provide a refreshing change of pace.

Get in

Buses and "Songthaews" connect Phuket Town to major beaches around the Island, and start from Ranong Road at the Down Town Market. To get there if you are at the old (number one) bus station, follows these steps

1) Walk back out to the road you came in on, and turn right on Phang Nga Rd.

2) Walk to the end of the road, about a kilometer, turn left at Phuket Rd.

3) Turn right at Ratsada Road. Keep walking until you pass a roundabout (Suriyadej Fountain Circle). You will see a fleet of large blue "Songthaews" a couple of hundred meters along on the left. Songthaews come in different size and shape. The first ones you come to go to Patong. Further along and they go to the other beaches. You will also see buses going to Patong at the bus station itself, for 40 Baht.

The most popular service at the market is the one to Patong (25 Baht, 45 minutes) which leaves every 30 minutes between 07:00 and 18:00. Fares to other beaches range from 15 to 30 Baht. If you miss the last bus back a taxi will cost 200-400 depending on your bargaining skills.

Bus Terminal 1 (the old terminal downtown) has no markings indicating it is Terminal 1. Buses from here run to local destinations, for example, Khao Lak and Takua Pa. To Khao Lak is 90-120 Baht.

Phuket International Airport is 30 kilometers to the north of Phuket Town, about 30 minutes by taxi (500 Baht), 45 minutes by shared shuttle van (100 Baht) or 1.15 hours by the only #1 Government-endorsed Airport Bus Phuket from the bus terminal (150 Baht).

Buses run to the airport between 06:00hrs-18:30hrs, and from the Airport to Town between 08:00hrs-20:30hrs.

There is a large sign on the wall with times. Pay your ticket with the money collector on the bus only, and not at the Airport Terminal.

Bus Terminal 2

This is the (relatively) new terminal, some distance from the old one and most of the longer-distance buses come and go from there.

To get from one station to the other (and vice versa), you will see a fuchsia/hot pink-coloured songthaew. It parks in bay number 12 at the new bus station. This is the bus station shuttle and it will take you to the old number one bus terminal for 10 Baht. It orbits between the two stations.

When arriving at this station, you will immediately accosted by taxi drivers. Do not immediately engage a taxi unless you are in a hurry. Take a minutes to survey your options. The taxi desk is at the rear of the station. Out of sight, at the front of the station, are where the motorbike taxis hang out. This is usually a much cheaper option.

If you want to go to Patong or the other beaches directly from this (number two) terminal and then you will pay 250 Baht per person to hire a songthaew outright as you would a taxi. This price assumes a full passenger load.

To get to the beaches far more cheaply, take the fuchsia songthaew to the number one bus terminal and follow the suggestions there.

Get around

Phuket Town is just a little too big to be covered comfortably on foot. There's little organised public transport as such, but motorbike taxis and four wheeled tuk-tuks cruise about looking for fares.

What to see in Phuket Town

Phuket Town's key attractions are mostly related to its colourful Chinese history and legacy, found in the Chinatown area on the northwest side of the city around Thalang Rd.

• Jui Tui and Put Jaw Temples | Put Jaw is the oldest Chinese Taoist temple in Phuket, built over 200 years ago and dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy (Kwun Im), while the adjacent and connected Jui Tui is its larger, more modern annex. If you have a question that is puzzling you, ask it and throw the two red mango-shaped pieces in front of the altar in the air: if they land same side up and the answer is "no". If they land different sides up and the answer is "yes". Free admission, but donations welcome.

• Khao Rang - เขารัง | A great view of Phuket Town and the southern part of the island, and some of the offshore islands, can be obtained by going to the top of Khao Rang Hill, on the town's northwest border. There are also several restaurants featuring spectacular views of the city, a health park for exercise enthusiasts, and a comfortable, expanse of grass at the top with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit and the revered Governor of Phuket during King Rama V's reign.

• Old Phuket - ย่านเมืองเก่าภูเก็ต | The beginning of the tin boom in the 19th century led to construction of many fine mansions and retail outlets that are still excellently maintained. The architectural style, typical of the region, is described as Sino-Portuguese and has a strong Mediterranean character. Shops present a very narrow face to the street, but stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk Road, have old wooden doors with Chinese fretwork carving. Other streets, forming what might be called "Old Phuket", with similar structures are Phang Nga Road, Yaowarat Road, Thalang Road, and Krabi Road, and a walking tour of the area is easy and delightful. Some other old European-style buildings of note are the Provincial Hall and the Phuket Courthouse, and Siam City Bank.

• Phuket Cultural Center - ศูนย์ศิลปวัฒนธรรมจังหวัดภูเก็ต | History as well as the arts and culture of Phuket, such as houses, ways of life, and utensils of the city of Thalang in ancient times. The library collects books on Phuket's history and culture. For a group of visitors who need a guided tour, address a letter of request to the Phuket Cultural Center.

• Phuket Culture Museum | It's very informative. Phuket's history is told in pictures.

• Phuket Zoo - สวนสัตว์ภูเก็ต | The zoo contains a collection of Asian and African mammals and birds. Elephant and crocodile shows every day.

• Saphan Hin - สะพานหิน | A land reclamation project provided abundant new land now used for parks and public facilities at Saphan Hin, located where Phuket Road meets the sea in Phuket Town. In the circle is the Tin Mining Monument, shaped like a large drill bit, dedicated to the memory of Captain Edward Thomas Miles and the Australian who brought the first tin dredge to Phuket in 1909. The monument was built in 1969 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of tin dredging in Phuket. There is a sport centre in the park.

• (Thai) Village and Orchid Farm - หมู่บ้านไทยและสวนกล้วยไม้ภูเก็ต | Serves daily a typical southern (Thai) lunch followed by a spectacular cultural show including (Thai) dances, (Thai) boxing, southern customs and elephants. Handicrafts are also on display. The complex also houses a dining hall decorated with over 20,000 varieties of orchids and tropical trees. Digestion is aided by the lilting sounds of (Thai) classical and folk music played on traditional instruments. Cultural shows are performed daily at 13:00 and 17:30.

• Wat Mongkol Nimit | A classical Thai-style temple with a soaring roof and lots of colourful glass tiling.

What to do in Phuket Town

• Chamber of Secrets BaanTeelanka - Room escape game at Baan Teelanka - An exciting room escape game at Baan Teelanka and the Upside Down House and the garden maze.

Spas

• Raintree Spa Phuket - Has a variety of spa treatments that include traditional (Thai) massage, body treatments, facials, and spa packages.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Phuket Town

Shopping seems to be the main reason for visitors to come to Phuket Town. In addition to local markets and a slew of malls and departments stores, Chinatown's Thalang Rd offers a large selection of boutiques and galleries retailing traditional handicrafts as well as antiques from the region. Phuket Night Bazaar occupies a large area where you can get local stuff (though you might find the same things much cheaper at the Big C supermarket!).

Markets

• Ranong Market Ranong Road, is the largest local market. A warren of stalls selling anything and everything, it can be hot, sweaty, and chaotic, but an interesting experience if you've not been to one before.

• Weekend Market | Endless stalls with the cheapest of (Thai) souvenirs and counterfeit goods. Food court is large and is alone worth a visit.

Shopping malls

• Central Festival | Phuket's branch of the (Thai) department store chain, also selling anything and everything, but in air-con comfort and a zero added to the price tag. It's still probably cheaper than the street markets at the beaches. The food section offers a large variety of Western products and the fresh products seem to be of better quality than Big C or Lotus. Prices are much higher though.

• Ocean and Robinsons | Robinsons is a big department store, and there is a Tops Supermarket with selected Halal food, as well as McDonalds, KFC, and other regrettable Western imports.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Phuket Town

Plenty of Halal restaurants in Phuket Town

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Phuket Town

eHalal Group Phuket Town is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Phuket Town. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Phuket Town.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Phuket Town ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Phuket Town. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Phuket Town, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Phuket Town are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Phuket Town

• Please check the latest Hotel Rates for Phuket Town
• Full list of all Hotels and resorts in Phuket Town

Stay safe

• Immigration Office - Visa extension (30 days) can be obtained here. Picture (can be done there) is requested. The charge 1900 Baht

Go next

Catch a ferry from Rassada Pier to Ko Phi Phi, Rai Leh, or any of the surrounding islands.

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.