Phuket Town guide
Old Town Phuket is a maze of one-way streets and small sois (alleyways). For first time visitors walking tours of Phuket Town are the best option to avoid confusion from trying to figure out the one way streets. Walking tours of Phuket Town are also the best perspective from which to take in some of the city’s beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture.
Architecture in Phuket dates back to the tin mining era, roughly 80-120 years ago. The style is characterised by Chinese style roofs and window patterns on the second floor, while graceful arches and columns form an arcade or Ngorkakee (Chinese for ‘roofed pavement’). The centre of the building is usually open to the elements, creating a light and peaceful courtyard that is several degrees cooler than the surrounding tropical heat. Thalang road, off of Yaowarat Road, hosts many of the oldest Sino-Portuguese style buildings in Phuket Town and walking tours are highly recommended.
There has recently been an effort to raise awareness of Phuket Town’s historic streets and night markets are periodically held. Take yourself back to a simpler time by walking beneath the strings of fairy lights strung across the charming streets of Phuket City, surrounded by food sellers and craft stalls.
Another popular stop on Phuket tours is Khao Rang (Rang Hill), located on the outer edges of Old Phuket Town. Halfway up the hill is a shrine with a huge golden Buddha statue. There is also a fitness park located at the summit, a popular place for Thais and foreigners to exercise. The view from the top is spectacular, with panoramic vistas of almost the entire island. There are two restaurants at the top of the hill, where you can enjoy excellent Thai food while taking in the view. This is also a popular place to watch the fireworks Thais set off during every festival or holiday.
The Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village is located 2.5 kms from the centre of Phuket City. Here you can witness a wide variety of cultural performances which focus on the unique culture of southern Thailand, including traditional folk dance, sword and staff fighting exhibitions, Muay Thai (Thai boxing) and elephant shows and rides. The spectacular Orchid Garden covers over 8000 square meters and include several varieties of orchid unique to the region. The Phuket Orchid Garden is also a popular wedding venue. Brahmin, Thai Buddhist and traditional Western ceremonies are offered.
Located in the Sam Kong district, 10 minutes from the centre of Phuket Town is the Phuket Butterfly Farm. This is an excellent outing for the whole family, with its insectarium and butterfly garden enclosures. The insectarium houses a large number of interesting species, such as walking stick bugs and moving leaf bugs. However, the real attraction here is the beautiful butterfly garden. Over 40 species of butterfly live here among a stunning variety of native trees and flowers. In addition to the butterflies, the garden is home to orioles and several other species of exotic birds. Other popular shows include the Andaman Cobra show, the Phuket Crocodile Farm and the Phuket Zoo.
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