Phuket Part II

Phuket City

Phuket Town is well worth taking the time to the beach for its shops and markets, its Sino-Portuguese buildings, temples and many restaurants.

Most visitors to Phuket head straight for the beach and rightly so, but if you want to take a break in the sand and catch a glance of a more "real" part of the island, then Phuket City has much to offer. Phuket town is about 30 minutes drive from Patong and is easily accessible by songthaew (beach-bus) or tuk tuk if you do not have your own transportation.

Administrative center of Phuket that was recently awarded city status and is still commonly referred to Phuket Town, even on billboards. As living, breathing city of Thailand, it is not specially designed for tourists than other areas of the island. However, if you're willing to make the effort there are some delicious ways to spend your time.

You can get an overview of the history of the island by taking a walk along the roads Dibuk, Thalang and Krabi in the "old town". Here you can see many beautiful colonial mansions built in the Sino-Portuguese style by Chinese tin barons (see the history of Phuket) over a century ago.

In this area, there are also plenty of shops decorated houses which are built in the same style as those found in coastal cities throughout the Malay Peninsula. These old buildings were in danger of being demolished, but their historical value was recognized, and many have been restored.

While you are in this area, visiting some of Chinese shrines of the city, such as Jui Tui and Put Jaw which are just off Ranong road (near the fresh market).

For a magnificent view of the city, the jungle and the sea, go to the top of Khao Rang, a hill on the northwest edge of town. You'll find a couple of good restaurants where you can enjoy the view with a nice meal and a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit (also known as Ratsada Korsimbi Na Ranong ), a famous governor of Phuket.

Other attractions include: The Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, located near Tesco Lotus supermarket in Sam Kong district, the Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village, also in Sam Kong, which has cultural performances, including folk dances, Thai boxing and elephant shows.

to be continue...

 

Credit : Picture from Phuket.net