Phuket – the city

06 May 2010

The capital of the province is located in the southeast of the island, in the Muaeng Phuket district. " Phuket", derived from the word bukit in Malay, which means "hill", as this is how the island appears from a distance, is actually pronounced "poo-KET", so no embarrassment needed!

Thailand | The Streets of Phuket really liven up during festivals (by Thailand Travel Tips)

A pleasant, refreshing, distraction after lazy sunbathing on the beach will be provided by a stroll along the town’s streets, full of original buildings with Chinese dragons merging into European facades.

The history of the city

The city is remarkable, in the first place, for its original architecture, which is a throwback to the presence of European entrepreneurs, mostly English and the Portuguese. The tumultuous period of Phuket’s very rapid development, full of exciting events, took place about 100 years ago, when Europeans became seriously interested in the local natural resources, particularly tin. Trade in this much-desired resource brought significant wealth, and as a result an inconspicuous town grew into a vibrant, thriving metropolis and became the capital of the whole province. With the passing of time, on top of the extraction of resources and the cultivation of crops - raw rubber, coconuts - tourism became the major source of income for Phuket.

The Sino-Portuguese style

During the period of its greatest economic prosperity, Phuket was inhabited by many immigrants from China, who were mainly merchants. These days along the streets of the city, you can come across lines of wooden shops that represent an architectural style with a combination of European and Chinese influences. The most beautiful examples of this Sino-Portuguese style can be found along Thanon Thalang and Thanon Phang Nga roads.

Thailand | A Sino-Portuguese mansion (by eustaquio )

Attractions

Just as great an attraction is a walk along the picturesque streets of the city, and you can also go on a little shopping spree! You will find a wide choice of different kinds of souvenirs, small craftwork products and original works of art. Phuket is also home to an art gallery in Thanon Thalang and a museum inside the Hotel Thaworn lobby in Rasada Street, depicting the history of the region. Afficionados of shopping will certainly take advantage of the myriad products and services on offer in Robinson Ocean Plaza (36 Thanon Tilok Uthit), an entertainment centre with shops, cinemas and cafes. Also worth visiting are the nearby temples, which are the main venues for the most famous festival in the province – the Vegetarian Festival.

City environs

About 3km north west of the city is the Butterfly Garden, a great attraction, ideal for a family outing, and 6 km south of Phuket a fascinating temple, Wat Chalong, rises up.

Thailand | Colourful Chinese temples contribute to the special atmosphere of the city (by eustaquio )

“The Two Heroines” Monument

Near the motorway connecting the airport with Phuket, you can’t miss a monument depicting two women with swords. This statue involves a certain legend concerning the Battle of Thalang (the former name of the city). In 1875, the country was attacked by invaders from Burma, who wanted to make Phuket part of their country.

The uprising against the invaders was led by the island Governor’s, wife, Thao Thep Kasattri and her sister Thao Sri Sunthon. Disguised as men, they fought the Burmese for 5 weeks and won. King Rama V named them The Two Heroines and their monument is one of the symbols of the island.