Phuket Town (aka Phuket City)
The Capital City of Phuket Island
Phuket Town is the capital of Phuket. Located on the southeastern side of the island, the municipality covers around 12 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 80,000 inhabitants. Still commonly referred to as “Phuket Town,” the municipality officially obtained city status in February 2004.
The city has changed tremendously over the years. When I first arrived in Phuket in 1996, it was the only place on the island where you could find a real department store: Robinson Ocean, which has been closed in 2023.
Phuket Old Town remains the historical heart of the city and the area that attracts the most visitors thanks to its charming atmosphere, colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture, and nostalgic character. The modern city gradually developed around this old quarter, and walking through Phuket Town today reveals different architectural styles from various periods of its expansion.
Today, Phuket City is a lively urban centre that has managed to preserve a pleasant provincial atmosphere. With its local markets, historic streets, cafés, temples, and everyday Thai life, it offers a more authentic side of Phuket that is definitely worth exploring.
History of Phuket Town
The history of Phuket Town is closely linked to the island’s tin mining industry, which flourished during the 19th and early 20th centuries. At the time, Phuket became an important trading hub attracting Chinese immigrants, particularly from Fujian Province, who came to work in the mines and later established successful businesses. Their influence can still be seen today in the city’s culture, cuisine, and distinctive Sino-Portuguese architecture.
During the mining boom, wealthy merchants built elegant shophouses, mansions, shrines, and commercial buildings, many of which survive in the historic old quarter. Phuket Town gradually expanded into the island’s administrative and economic centre. Although the tin industry eventually declined, the city successfully reinvented itself through tourism, culture, and commerce. Today, its restored streets and heritage buildings make Phuket Old Town one of the most interesting historical areas in southern Thailand.
What Can You Find in Phuket City Today?
Today, Phuket Town is the administrative, commercial, and cultural centre of the island. The city offers a very different atmosphere from Phuket’s beach resorts, with a more local and authentic feel. Visitors will find several large shopping malls including Central Phuket and Limelight Phuket. The historic Robinson Ocean Phuket, once Phuket’s main department store, closed in 2023. The city is also home to many government offices and administrative buildings, including the immigration office where foreigners can apply for visa extensions.
Beyond practical services, Phuket City offers numerous attractions worth visiting. Phuket Old Town is filled with cafés, local restaurants, street art, museums, and colorful heritage buildings. Popular night markets such as Naka Weekend Market and Sunday Walking Street Market attract both locals and tourists with street food, souvenirs, clothing, and live performances. The city also features temples, Chinese shrines, parks, and a growing creative scene that gives Phuket Town its unique character.
Phuket Town Photo Gallery
Stéphane Audiger - Photographer & Writer
Passionate about photography since the mid-2000s, I’ve spent years capturing the beauty of Phuket and southern Thailand — from beaches and islands to festivals and daily life. My work reflects a lasting love for the region and its ever-changing light.
