Is it Worth Visiting Phuket City?

Phuket City, also known as Phuket town, is the capital and largest city of Phuket Island in southern Thailand. While Phuket Island is more famous for its beaches, the city offers a unique blend of culture, history, architecture, and local lifestyle that is worth exploring. But is it really worth visiting Phuket City? In this blog post, we will answer this question by discussing the main attractions, the local life, the food, and the overall experience of visiting Phuket City.

The Main Attractions of Phuket City

One of the main reasons to visit Phuket City is to explore the old town, which is a charming area with quaint streets, colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings, Chinese shrines, and Buddhist temples. The best way to explore the old town is on foot, starting from Thalang Road, which is the main street filled with galleries, coffee shops, boutique hotels, and colonial buildings. Some of the highlights of the old town include the Phuket Thai Hua Museum, the Jui Tui Shrine, the Soi Romanee, and the Ranong Road.

Another attraction of Phuket City is the viewpoint on top of the Khao Rang Hill, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the city, the sea, and the surrounding hills. The viewpoint can be reached by car or motorbike, and there are also food stalls and restaurants nearby that serve local cuisine.

Finally, Phuket City has a bustling night market called the Chillva Market, which is a popular spot for shopping, eating, and socializing. The market is located on Yaowarat Road and is open from 5 pm to 11 pm every day. You can find various stalls selling local handicrafts, clothes, accessories, and souvenirs, as well as food trucks and street food vendors serving Thai snacks, BBQ, seafood, and desserts.

The Local Life of Phuket City

One of the advantages of visiting Phuket City is that you get to experience the local life of the island, away from the tourist crowds and the beach resorts. The city has a mixed population of Thais, Chinese, Malays, and foreigners, and there is a vibrant community that thrives on its traditions and customs. You can see this in the way people dress, speak, eat, and pray, as well as in the festivals and ceremonies that take place throughout the year.

For example, if you visit Phuket City during the Vegetarian Festival, which usually happens in October, you can witness the famous street processions where participants pierce their cheeks and tongues with sharp objects as a sign of purification and devotion. The festival also features various vegetarian dishes, rituals, and cultural shows.

Another way to experience the local life of Phuket City is to attend a street fair or a temple fair, which are held regularly in different parts of the city. These events usually involve parades, music, dancing, games, and food stalls, and are a great opportunity to mingle with the locals and try some authentic Thai snacks.

The Food of Phuket City

No visit to Phuket City is complete without trying some of its famous local dishes, which are a blend of Thai, Chinese, and Malay cuisines. Some of the must-try dishes include:

• Mee Hokkien: A Hokkien-style noodle dish with shrimp, pork, squid, egg, vegetables, and a rich broth. You can find this dish at many local restaurants in Phuket City.
• Moo Hong: A slow-cooked pork belly dish with soy sauce, cinnamon, and star anise. This is a popular dish in southern Thailand and can be found at many street food stalls in Phuket City.
• Sweet Roti: A crispy and sweet flatbread served with condensed milk, sugar, and bananas. This is a popular dessert in Thailand and can be found at many night markets in Phuket City.

Overall, the food in Phuket City is cheap, flavorful, and diverse, and you can find something to suit every taste and budget.

The Overall Experience of Visiting Phuket City

So, is it worth visiting Phuket City? The answer is yes, especially if you are interested in culture, history, architecture, and local life. While Phuket Island has many beautiful beaches and resorts, Phuket City offers a different kind of experience that allows you to see the island from a different perspective. You can spend a few days exploring the old town, visiting the temples, trying the food, and attending the festivals, and you will leave with a deeper appreciation for the island and its people.

However, it’s important to note that Phuket City is a city, and like any other city, it has its own challenges, such as traffic, noise, pollution, and crime. Therefore, it’s important to take precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night, taking a taxi instead of a tuk-tuk, and keeping your valuables safe. With that being said, Phuket City is generally a safe and friendly place to visit, and if you use common sense and respect the local culture, you will have an enjoyable and memorable trip.

Conclusion

Phuket City is a hidden gem on Phuket Island that is worth exploring if you are looking for a different kind of experience from the usual beach holiday. The city offers a rich blend of culture, history, architecture, and local life, and you can spend a few days exploring the old town, visiting the temples, trying the food, and attending the festivals. However, it’s important to take precautions and be aware of the challenges of visiting a city, and to respect the local culture and customs. With that being said, Phuket City is a charming and fascinating destination that will leave you with many good memories.