Question

Please advise how best and on which day of the week and at what time of day to go to Phuket Town. What is there to see? How much time should be allocated to explore the area?

Insider's Response

Phuket Town is the historical and administrative center of the island, where the real life of local residents is in full swing. There are no beaches here, but there is an old town with bright Sino-Portuguese architecture, cozy cafes, markets, museums, and temples. Phuket Town is ideal for walks, getting to know local culture and cuisine, as well as for those who want to see the “real” Phuket outside the tourist resorts.

The best time for a walk around Phuket Town is early morning or the afternoon/evening hours. During the day it is hot here, especially in the high season (from November to March), so it is best to walk either in the morning from 8:00 to 10:00, or after 16:00–18:00, when the temperature is milder.

If you are interested in markets, choose the days when they operate:

Sunday – on this day the famous Lard Yai market operates with local food, music, and souvenirs.
Friday and Saturday – on these days street markets and many cafes operate.

On weekdays, Phuket Town also makes sense to visit – it is calmer, easier to take photos, and to walk without tourist crowds.

What else to see in Phuket Town

We have collected all the landmark places of the area in the Phuket Town section. In short:

  1. Old Town. Colorful shophouses in Sino-Portuguese style, narrow streets, street art, and atmospheric cafes. An excellent place for walks and photos.
  2. Streets with street art. Wall paintings and murals are found almost at every step, turning the city into an open-air art gallery.
  3. Temples: Wat Mongkol Nimit, Jui Tui Shrine, Wat Putta Mongkon.
  4. Museums and cultural centers. Phuket Museum, Thalang House Museum, and other small exhibition spaces.

How much time to allocate? To see the center and the main attractions, 3–4 hours are enough. If you also want to have a snack, visit markets, and stop by museums and temples, allocate half a day (5–6 hours).

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