Where to stay in Phuket Old Town, Phuket

Field guide: what to do and organise in Phuket Old Town

For tips that apply across the island, see the Phuket Field Guide.

Getting around and car rental

Phuket Old Town is easy to explore on foot, with its historic streets, shophouses, cafes and food spots close together. Beaches are a taxi, ride-hailing or car trip away, so base yourself here for culture and food rather than swimming.

Parking is tight in the old streets, so a hotel with parking, or leaving the car outside the centre, makes life easier.

Swimming and beaches

There is no swimming beach in the old town itself, so choose a hotel with a pool if you want to cool off. The nearest beaches need a drive, and conditions vary by season.

If you are here for the culture and the food, plan a beach day elsewhere. Beaches are a taxi or short drive away, so compare a hotel with a pool against paying for transport. The hotter months make a pool welcome after a day of walking.

Shopping and groceries

This is the best area for independent cafes, small shops, markets and local food. Larger shopping malls and supermarkets are nearby in town, which makes it easy to handle everyday needs.

The streets are lined with small cafes, galleries, souvenir shops and bakeries, and there are local markets for fresh food. Weekend night markets draw crowds, so go early if you want space to browse. Large supermarkets and malls are nearby on the edge of town.

Tours and day trips

Walking tours of the old town, food tours and cooking classes are popular here. Island trips normally collect from hotels around the island, but confirm that your pickup point is covered.

Walking is the best way to see the historic streets, shrines and shophouses, and early morning or late afternoon is more comfortable than midday. Food tours and cooking classes are popular, so book ahead in the high season. Check the route and the walking distance if you are travelling with older people or small children.

Practical: SIM, money and health

Phuket Town has the island's main private hospitals and many clinics, so it is a convenient base if you want medical care close by. Noise from street life can be a factor, so ask about room position.

The old town sits close to the island's main hospitals and clinics, which helps if you need care. Streets are narrow, and parking and one-way systems can be confusing, so ask your hotel whether it has parking or where to leave a car.