We visited Phuket Town a few times during our eight-month stay in Thailand, we originally went to renew our visas at the immigration office but quickly decided that there was so much to see and do that we’d be missing out if we didn’t spend at least two or three days here.
With bright and colourful shophouses, restaurants offering cuisine from around the world, plenty of unique bars offering live music and DJs, an impressive stage show and a famous Sunday market, you absolutely must spend a night or two here when visiting Phuket.
We stayed at the Casa Blanca Hotel on all but one occasion and would highly recommend booking a room here. The staff are absolutely wonderful and were so helpful, the rooms are comfortable and have everything you need for a restful stay, they even have a small pool where you can lie back and enjoy the sunshine. It’s in a great location, close to shopping streets, bars & restaurants and prices start from just £42 per night.
We’ve got a lot to share with you, including a short history of the town, our favourite cafes, restaurants & bars as well as things to see and do and where to shop, so let’s get stuck in…
Remember, as with all of our blogs the venue names are linked so you’ll easily be able to view menus and book tables & tickets.
The History of Phuket Town
In the 1800s Phuket was known for its tin mining and attracted immigrants from all over the world to mine and trade. The influences from these different cultures can still be seen today in the historic buildings around the city.
Then, in the 1900s a gentleman by the name of Phraya Rassana came to Phuket, he oversaw the construction of the first modern roads, hospitals, schools and even a cinema, whilst inviting foreign businesses to open branches in Phuket Town, on the condition that they contribute to the city’s infrastructure.
Today, one of the most recognised buildings here is the Clock Tower, which was once home to a Police Station and was built by Standard Chartered Bank after they were invited to open a branch in the city by ‘The Father of Phuket’, Phraya Rassana. You’ll notice lots of people taking photos here, from family photos to graduation and prom pictures, if you want to snap your very own just be mindful of the traffic as it’s a very busy crossing.
If you’re looking for colourful spots to take some photographs you’ll want to visit Thalang Road, which is lined with beautifully painted 19th-century buildings telling a story of all the different cultures that once resided here, from Chinese-style temples to Sino-Portuguese shophouses. The buildings in Thalang Road now house many shops, restaurants and cafes and it is the perfect place to take a slow walk around and explore.
Our favourite cafes
There’s a great cafe culture in Phuket Town and with so many fantastic spots to visit we would recommend forgoing your hotel breakfast and instead venturing out nice and early for cooked breakfasts, pancakes and freshly baked pastries all washed down with delicious coffees and juices at one of these great little places.
Starting with…
Baan 125
We stumbled across Baan 125 on a particularly warm Phuket day, it’s a small and wonderfully chilled-out cafe serving the most incredible coffees, homemade cakes and pastries. And I know I really should have taken a photo of my mocha before I slurped it all, but here we are.
They also have Baan 125 Stay, beautifully decorated studio apartments, some even have a private outdoor terrace to enjoy. Prices start from £50 per night.
* OUR TOP COFFEE PICK FROM BAAN 125 – AN ICED MOCHA *
Momus coffee
This chic new coffee shop opened in November 2022 and is located across from the very famous clock tower. Momus is proud to offer a range of carefully selected and organic coffees from Thailand and worldwide, as well as delicious homemade cakes, desserts & pastries and more recently a menu of small snacks and sandwiches.
The owner/manager’s name is Spy and we originally met her over in Koh Samui back in May 2022 when she was planning to open her dream coffee shop and that dream has now become a reality. If you do pop in, make sure you introduce yourself to Spy and the team and tell them we said hello.
Pancake Corner
This small corner cafe specialises in sweet and savoury fluffy pancakes, freshly pressed juices as well as a variety of teas, coffees and smoothies. The prices here are maybe a little higher than some of the other cafes in the area but these are some spectacular pancakes and we would highly recommend stopping by when visiting Phuket Town.
* OUR TOP PICK – BANANA & CARAMEL PANCAKES WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM *
The Neighbors CAFÉ
We visited The Neighbors Cafe twice during our stays in Phuket Town, once for breakfast & once for brunch. The staff are so lovely and adapted my vegetarian breakfast to remove the eggs and instead gave me the most delicious pumpkin and grilled tofu. If you’re feeling hungry then you’ll want to visit for delicious and hearty breakfasts and insanely good coffees and if you’ve got room we’d recommend trying the fluffiest, creamiest cheesecakes imaginable.
* OUR TOP PICK – HOMEMADE TOMATO SOUP + CHEESE & SPINACH TOASTIE *
THE TENT
The Tent is a cute and quirky cafe serving breakfasts, brunches and coffees. You can take a seat in your very own tent before ordering up a selection of fluffy pancakes, silky omelettes, breakfast sandwiches and filled croissants. The perfect place to enjoy a healthy breakfast before exploring everything that Phuket Town has to offer.
The best restaurants in Phuket Town
Thai food is absolutely incredible, no doubt about it and we’ll often eat cheap, local dishes for breakfasts and lunches, as they are quick, filling and flavourful, but for anyone who has spent an extended period of time in Thailand you’ll understand that every now and again you just crave different flavour combinations. You’ll notice that many of our favourite restaurants in Phuket Town are not Thai restaurants and that is purely because there are so many different types of cuisine to enjoy here that we opted for all sorts including Mexican, Belgian, Italian and even Japanese.
First up…
Amore Mexican
We stumbled upon this place on our first night as we were staying just around the corner and it did not disappoint, everything from the spicy margaritas to the homemade nachos with creamy guacamole to the sizzling prawn fajitas was exceptional. Great flavours, wonderful staff and a really nice, chilled vibe for a casual evening meal.
* OUR TOP PICK – SIZZLING PRAWN FAJITAS & SPICY MARGARITAS *
BRASSERIE
This restaurant takes the elegance and flavour of traditional Belgian cuisine and pairs it with the finest produce including imported meats from Australia and New Zealand.
You can stop by for lunch or dinner, or even just enjoy a quick drink at the bar (which is in a separate area to the restaurant) and you’ll find a selection of both local Thai dishes as well as all the classic Belgian delicacies such as the classic Moules Mariniere, soaked up with homemade bread and butter or choose a perfectly grilled piece of fish or steak with a side of buttery peas.
Both times we dined here it was very quiet as it was just after the borders had opened and was also out-of-season, but the staff are super friendly and everything we tried was delicious. It is more expensive than other restaurants in the area but we believe this is down to the quality of the imported ingredients and wines they use.
CRAB HOUSE
Crab by name, crab by nature, serving the biggest crabs and seafood in town, with choices such
as sweet black and blue crabs and Phuket lobsters.
It’s difficult to miss this place, it’s located just along from the famous Clock Tower and has a giant plastic crab looming over the entrance.
We tried several dishes, including crab cakes, fried crab, spicy Tom Yum Goong and a local speciality called Moo Hong, which is a sweet and sour braised pork dish. Everything was fresh and super flavourful and it had a feel of a more relaxed, local restaurant with elevated food. The ambience was lacking slightly during our visit, but again it was a very quiet time in Thailand and there were only 3 other diners, I can imagine that when full there would be a really great buzz about the place.
* OUR TOP PICK – FRIED BLUE CRAB & MOO HONG *
Day and Night
This restaurant was recommended to us by one of our Thai friends, sadly we didn’t get an opportunity to eat here but we did stop by on a couple of occasions to sit and enjoy a beer at the bar.
The space is beautifully decorated and wouldn’t look out of place in London or Paris. There are lots of photo opportunities and you’ll notice lots of young people making the most of the Instagram-worthy decor.
The bar area is large and comfortable with stylish turquoise chairs, here you’ll find a huge menu of imported and local beers, wines and spirits and if you’re looking for something non-alcoholic expect fruity cocktails, delicate teas and freshly pressed juices.
The menu boasts flavours from all around the world and you can choose from a selection of small plates, main courses and desserts all presented with absolute care and precision.
Although we haven’t yet tried the food here, we’ll definitely be back. They have also just opened a branch in Koh Samui so we’re eager to see whether they’ve managed to create the same warm ambience and stunning decor on Thailand’s second biggest island.
ONE CHUN
One of the joys of visiting Thailand out of season is that you manage to secure a window seat at one of the most popular restaurants in Phuket Town. We had absolutely no idea how popular this restaurant was until we visited, we were actually just looking for a nice restaurant with great Thai food and on arrival noticed that people were queuing up, not to come inside, but to take photos of themselves with the sign outside.
After dining and paying up we did some research only to find that One Chun restaurant has proudly received a Michelin star 4 years in a row! Here you’ll find a selection of traditional Southern Thai dishes, such as yellow crab curry, braised pork belly and crispy chilli shrimp.
It’s pretty fast-paced, we found that our server seemed rushed and was a bit impatient, but it was to be expected, every table was packed and with an evergrowing queue waiting it was easy to understand why.
The portions were decent and there’s no fancy plating here, just flavourful, fresh and most importantly, delicious food. We tried a selection of around 5 – 6 dishes to share and we definitely over-ordered. I think this is usually a ‘walk-in’ only restaurant but if you’re heading to Phuket Town we would highly recommend trying to bag yourself a table.
* OUR TOP PICK – YELLOW CRAB CURRY & CRISPY CHILLI SHRIMP *
Shinobi Teppanyaki
For all the sushi and seafood lovers out there, let me introduce you to Phuket Town’s best-kept secret. Shinobi only has a small number of tables available which includes front-row seats to one of the best shows in town.
Here you can expect to find premium meats and seafood but it’s the finer details here which makes this restaurant extra special, with beautiful plating, delicious wines and an exclusive atmosphere. We definitely recommend booking your table a week or two in advance, contact details can be found on their Facebook page, linked above.
Surf & Turf by Soul Kitchen
This chic yet cosy restaurant has received a Bib Gourmand from Michelin Guide for the past four years, 2019 – 2023 and features a monthly changing menu of chef’s specials as well as a regular menu offering everything from homemade ravioli to signature sea bass dishes.
Each dish is put together with the finest ingredients and the utmost care and precision. Check out their Instagram linked above to get an idea of some of these phenomenal dishes.
And if you’re looking for something extra special we would highly recommend organising an exclusive six-course menu in the restaurant or chef will come to you (minimum ten diners) for the ultimate private dining experience.
tHAT’S AMORE
If you’re missing great Italian foods you’ll find them here, everything from creamy pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas to salty sliced hams and fresh olives, everything here is homemade and imported from the best Italian suppliers.
Whether you choose to visit for a picky platter lunch, washed down with a glass of crispy Italian wine or spend your evening enjoying a selection of the finest Italian cheeses and rich and creamy pasta and risotto, you will be sure to have a wonderful experience. That’s Amore!
Bars & Music – Where to drink & dance in Phuket Town
Fullmoon Brewworks
Fullmoon is a local craft brewery with two locations, one in Patong and the other in Phuket Town.
This colourful little brewery has won countless awards and has become a well-known artisan brewer in Phuket and throughout Thailand. Relax in the garden here and enjoy a unique and flavourful beer with a side of cheesy fries or salty snacks.
We tried a beer flight which cost ฿180 (£4.20) and consisted of four tasters of Fullmoon’s most popular tipples. Our favourite was Busaba, which had a mellow, almost floral and pineappley flavour, it was super refreshing and is also sold with frozen foam for those, particularly warm days.
You’ll find these fantastic beers at many local bars around Phuket, so if you don’t have the opportunity to visit we’d still urge you to try one of these fantastic local beers.
* OUR TOP PICK – A BEER FLIGHT *
Hogs Head
If you’re a Harry Potter fan you absolutely must visit the Hogs Head when in Phuket Town. It’s whimsical and fun, with great photo opportunities, themed music, and even sweet and foamy butterbeers on offer.
There are so many fun Harry Potter-themed ornaments and trinkets hidden inside, or head out to the garden which is clearly inspired by Diagon Alley to take lots of very cool snaps. You’ll only need an hour here but it’s well worth a visit for any HP fans.
* OUR TOP PICK – A FOAMY BUTTERBEER *
Papazula
Papazula is directly across from our favourite hotel, Casa Blanca. It is a large bar with eccentric decor, UV lighting, a Thai guardian statue and a collection of music memorabilia and old radios. There is plenty of seating available, split over two levels, you can also sit on one of two terraces at the front & back of the bar, the one at the back has a view of the river. The owner is Turkish so you can expect to find some traditional Turkish dishes on the menu as well as Thai and other Western cuisine.
And if you’re looking for entertainment we’d recommend heading on down as each night you can expect a lively house band, performing plenty of classics and they even take requests. Just be prepared for lots of dancing, if the band don’t get you up, one of the servers surely will.
We’ve had a lot of fun at this bar during our stays and would recommend a visit to anyone spending a night or two in Phuket Town.
*OUR TOP PICK – HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS*
The Library
The Library is a lively cocktail bar which opens at 7 pm every evening. It reminds us of a large speakeasy-style bar. Visit on a weekend to enjoy a live DJ and saxophonist whilst sipping on speciality cocktails expertly made by the mixologists.
It is more expensive than other venues in the area but if you’re looking for exceptional cocktails, live music and space to dance, visit here and you’ll be sure to have a good time.
The Barrell
The Barrell is a chic and cosy wine bar with a large selection of imported wines, it’s only a small venue so we would advise stopping in early in the evening to enjoy a glass of something cold and crisp before heading off for dinner.
They run several monthly events including wine tastings, socials and jazz nights so check out the link above to see if there’s anything that takes your fancy.
WINE CONNECTION BISTRO
Wine Connection is the leading chain of wine shops in South-East Asia and imports over 300 wine labels from renowned brands and small artisan wineries around the world.
If, like us, you’re in Thailand and missing out on reasonably priced, good wines, then you should definitely stop at Wine Connection for a glass or two and if you’re feeling peckish there are a good selection of European dishes on offer, such as pizzas, pasta, sharing platters, grilled meats and seafood and a whole host of delicious desserts.
*OUR TOP PICK – A BOTTLE OF LE PETIT GASCOUN (A FRENCH ROSÉ)*
ZImplex
Visit the Lab from 7 pm Tuesday – Sunday for a unique and fun experience where the expert mixologists will use science and creativity to concoct the most spectacular neon cocktails and shots in town.
It is a cash-only venue and if there are six or more of you in your party, you must book your table in advance, as it’s a small space and they want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the experience. You should also note that due to the complexity of the drinks, it takes some time for them to be made, but trust us, they’re worth the wait.
Things to see & do
Aquaria
Take a magical underwater journey through the largest aquarium in Thailand. Be entertained and inspired by the wonders of the ocean with over 25,000 animals and sea creatures. You can also take part in daily feedings with the aquarium staff.
Ticket prices start from ฿872 (£20.45) per adult, but check out the link above for special discounts. and package offers for families and other activities such as AR Trickeye, the 4D interactive museum where you can become part of famous paintings, visit an underwater world and head into the jungle for a family-friendly afternoon of fun.
Hanuman World
Located just outside of Phuket Town is an expansive rainforest adventure park featuring treetop walkways, abseiling, zip lines and even a jungle rollercoaster. For anyone looking for adventure and excitement, this is the place.
You can select from three different packages, all of which include transport to/from your accommodation and a set menu lunch. Prices start from ฿2,490 (£58.30). Check out the link above for all the available packages and to book your tickets.
Siam Niramit *OUR TOP PICK*
This epic stage show depicting Thailand’s history opened in 2005 and has won a multitude of awards including the Award of Excellence from the Thailand Tourism Awards and the Prime Ministers Creative Award.
This must-see show starts with a trip to a 100-year-old Thai village where you can witness traditional craft making, take a ride on a handcrafted wooden boat, take part in the Hilltribe dance and enjoy a selection of Thai street foods.
Once the show begins you’ll be greeted with over 100 performers and over 500 costumes which tell the story of Thailand. Expect bright, bold and beautiful colours, dances and music bringing history to life.
This family-friendly show has tickets starting from ฿1,800 (£42.20) per adult and ฿1,600 (£37.50) per child. You can also select tickets which include a buffet dinner ฿2,200 (£51.60) per person. Tickets can be purchased from your local travel desk/hotel or via Ticketmelon.
Sitao Ceramic Studio
If you’re looking for the perfect rainy day activity or somewhere to spend an hour or two getting creative, then pop into Sitao Ceramic Studio where you can create your very own masterpiece from clay or decorate a pre-made cup or bowl and which will then be beautifully glazed to take home as a souvenir.
They often run afternoon days for children, so check out the link above for all their latest events.
Where to shop in Phuket Town
Central Phuket
Is the ultimate shopping destination, a modern, multi-level shopping mall with designer outlets, international restaurants, a floating market, a spa and if that wasn’t enough they even have an aquarium and theme park.
Now, I appreciate not everyone will be interested in visiting a shopping mall whilst on holiday but if you’re looking for designer clothing, handbags and shoes, international sports brands, local jewellery stores or a choice of more than 100 restaurants and cafes all under one roof, this is the place.
If you find yourself stuck inside on a rainy day we’d recommend jumping in a taxi and heading to Central Phuket to enjoy a full day of shopping, entertainment, indulgence and relaxation.
ROSA CHOCOLATE SHOP
Chocolate doesn’t seem to be a big thing in Thailand and coming from the UK we’re so used to aisles of bars, boxes and selections of white, milk, dark and everything in between that sometimes our sweet tooth would involve splurging on overpriced bars of Lindt or Milka from the supermarkets.
But we found this little gem in Phuket Town, so if you’re like us and craving something other than a Snickers or KitKat then we would encourage you to stop by and visit this wonderful little sweet shop for indulgent, luxury chocolates and whilst you’re there why not treat yourself to a glass of cold, crisp champagne.
SUNDAY WALKING STREET MARKET *OUR TOP PICK*
The Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market is an incredibly popular weekly market which runs every Sunday from 4 pm to 9 pm. Here you’ll find an endless variety of food, drinks & snacks and things to browse, including, clothing, handmade trinkets, fabrics and children’s toys.
The street itself is fantastic for photo opportunities, with the colourful Sino-Portuguese houses along Thalang Road adorned with twinkling lights. You can also enjoy street performances, music, and dancing, but it’s essential to donate to keep the place alive. It’s crucial to be generous as small money for you might mean a lot to the young artists, as many people tend to take photos and walk away without supporting the performers.
Hotels
We’ve only stayed at two hotels in Phuket Town and one of them wasn’t to our liking, so we have included our favourite hotel as well as three others that we’ve heard great things about from friends and other mid-lux travellers we’ve met along the way.
First up, our favourite…
Casa blanca *OUR TOP PICK*
[3-star] – We love staying at Casa Blanca’s when we’re in Phuket Town it is a small boutique hotel, housed in a charming colonial building, right in the heart of Phuket Old Town. The rooms are spacious and have lots of storage, on arrival you’ll be gifted some fresh, exotic fruits and sweet tea and there are plenty of towels and complimentary toiletries which are perfect for a short one or two-night stay.
Remember to pack your swimwear as there’s a small onsite swimming pool, which we’ve never had the time to enjoy as we’re usually dashing off to the immigration offices during our visits. Talking of which, the hotel offers printing and photocopying services for a small fee, which we have taken advantage of, this saves queueing at the immigration offices.
Onsite there is also a small cafe serving a selection of sweet treats and hot drinks. We haven’t tried breakfast here as there are so many cafes to explore nearby, but if you do decide to opt for breakfast you can dine in the internal garden, surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers.
We can highly recommend a stay here.
Isara Hotel & Cafe
[3-star] – this unique and beautiful hotel is right in the heart of Phuket Old Town. It has perfectly blended historic architecture with modern colours and design, creating a one-of-a-kind
hotel experience.
Check out their Instagram linked underneath the photo for gorgeous snaps of sweet teas and pastries, traditional Thai dishes and the stunning interiors of this beautiful boutique hotel.
The Memory at On On Hotel
[3-star] – The Memory at On On Hotel is a historic hotel built in Sino-Portuguese style and has been around since the 1920s. Each room and suite takes memories from the past but is decorated with bold traditional colours, think greens, turquoise and deep yellows. Expect comfortable furnishing and plenty of space, perfect for a short stay in Phuket Town.
Woo Gallery & Boutique Hotel
[3-star] – the Woo Gallery & Boutique Hotel dates back over a century and has been fully restored to its original glory. Choose from one of 12 contemporary guest rooms which combine modern amenities with the ambience of the past. Relax at the onsite library filled with antiques that have been handed down over many generations, or delight in the authentic Hokkien Chinese cuisine at Woo Kitchen.
This unique hotel is just around the corner from Sunday Walking Street Market and many bars & restaurants, it’s the perfect place for exploring the beauty of Phuket’s Old Town.
We spent a total of five nights in Phuket Town and we absolutely loved our time here, it’s vibrant, there’s lots to see, great shopping and even better restaurants. You really must spend at least one or two nights here when visiting Phuket.
Have you ever been to Phuket Town? What was your favourite thing about it? If you’ve not been would you like to go and what are you most looking forward to seeing?
If you’re a fellow long-term traveller or travel lover we’d love to connect with you over on Instagram or check out some of our previous blogs below.
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Until next time,
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