Phuket Sightseeing Guide

Phuket’s largest city, “Phuket Town,” is located on the east coast in the central part of Phuket Island. It also serves as the capital of Phuket Province. About one-third of the island’s population lives here, making it the center of daily life for locals. Travel time from Patong Beach is about 30 minutes by car.

While Patong Beach is the main tourist hub where most visitors stay, Phuket Town, in contrast, is home to government offices, banks, markets, and shops, playing a central role in the island’s administration and local lifestyle.

Phuket Town has a long history, once flourishing through the tin trade. Many foreign merchants came and went in the past, and even today you can still see rare colonial architecture from the early 20th century, featuring Chinese and Portuguese styles.

Phuket Town features two symbolic roundabouts—the Fountain Circle and the Clock Tower. Around Rasada Road and Phuket Road, which connect the two, you’ll find supermarkets, shops, and restaurants. The area near the Clock Tower is considered upscale, with luxury hotels and department stores, while Ranong Road stretching west from the Fountain Circle represents the bustling, local market scene.

As an old town, Phuket Town has many narrow and one-way streets, making it easy to get lost when traveling by car or motorbike. A good landmark is the tall radio tower on Khao Rang Hill to the north of town. Unlike Patong Beach, which stays lively late into the night, Phuket Town quiets down early, with most shops closing after 8 PM. However, the town offers plenty of Thai-style nightlife, including pubs and karaoke bars, many of which stay open until late.

Phuket Town Google Map