I arrived in Phuket by speed boat from Koh Yao Yai, so it made sense to me to stay in Phuket Old Town for a couple of nights before moving to the beaches on the western coast of the island.
My boat arrived at Bang Rong Pier on the north east coast of Phuket, located around 23km north of Old Town. I booked an InDrive taxi from the pier to my hostel. The ride is around 40 minutes and it costs around 350 baht.
Most visitors come to Phuket for the beaches and nightlife, so they often choose to stay on the west coast where all the action happens. In my opinion, it is well worth it to stay in Phuket Old Town at least a night to enjoy the night market, historical charm, and authentic food.
In this article, I will explain why you should stay in Old Phuket Town, some downsides of staying in this area, and some of the best places to stay in the Old Town. At the end of the article, I will share my personal experience staying at a hostel in this historic town.
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Where is Phuket Old Town?
Phuket Old Town is the historic town located in the central east coast of Phuket Island. It is around 30km south of Phuket International Airport, 13km from Patong -the main beach and party town of the island,
Most major piers of the island such as Bang Rong Pier and Rassada Pier are located near Phuket Old town. Bang Rong Pier is 23km away while Rassada Pier is 4km away.
Why Staying in Old Phuket Town?
1. Cultural and Historical Charm
Phuket has long been an important stop on maritime trade routes between India, China, and the Malay Peninsula. The natural resources of the island, particularly tin, attracted foreign traders and settlers.
In the early 19th century, tin mining boomed, the old town attracted many immigrants, especially Chinese (Hokkien) laborers and merchants, as well as European investors.
Lots of Shophouses, mansions, and government buildings were built during this era in the Sino-Portuguese style, which is a blend of European and Chinese architectural elements. These heritage buildings are still preserved today.
When visiting the old town, you can explore colorful ancient houses, and explore the multicultural heritage. Places like Thalang Road, Soi Romanee, and Dibuk Road are especially photogenic.
2. Good Base for Island Exploration
The Old Town is located on the east coast of the island and is close to several main piers like Rassada Pier. Most boats from other islands in the Andaman Sea arrive at and depart from this pier.
The Old Town is a convenient base if you’re coming from places like Koh Yao Yai/Noi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, or Ao Nang/Krabi.
3. Authentic Local Food Scene
The Old Town is known for its authentic and reasonable food scene. It has some of the best and most affordable Thai and Peranakan cuisine on the island. Popular places to dine in the old town are Raya Restaurant, Blue Elephant, or many local joints selling Hokkien noodles and dim sum.
I liked eating the noodles and traditional Thai food at 1000009 Thai Noodle Restaurant on Montri Road. There are also many night markets where you can eat good food such as Chillva Market, Sunday Night Market, Naka Weekend Market, and the Indy Night Market.
4. Art, Coffee, and Boutique Vibes
The old town is dotted with art galleries, vintage shops, craft markets, and cool cafes. You can go cafe hopping and shop for nice souvenirs for your friends and families.
Lots of accommodations are located in the ancient buildings. These unique Boutique hotels like The Memory at On On Hotel and Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel offer historical charm.
5. More affordable than the beaches
Food and accommodations are usually cheaper in the old town compared to the beaches on the west coast. If you are looking for budget-friendly places to stay in Phuket, you can look in the old town.
I rented a scooter in Old Town and got around other parts of the islands easily. If you don’t drive, you can still travel to other popular areas like Patong, Karon, and Kata on riding share services like Grab, Bolt, and InDrive.
Downside of Staying in Old Phuket Town
Beside historical charm and authentic food scene, the Old town has some downsides including far away from the beaches, quieter nightlife scene, and limited luxury resort options.
1. Far from the Beaches
Phuket Old Town is not located within walking distance to the beaches. You need to drive for around 20 minutes to beaches like Ao Yon and Kao Khad Beach. Popular places like Patong, Kata, and Karon are around 30–40 minutes driving.
If you use the old Town as the base to explore the island, you’ll need to rely on taxis, Grab, or scooters to get to the beach, which adds time and money.
To solve this problem, I recommend spending a couple of nights in the Old Town to explore the old town itself and some beaches and attractions on the east coast. The rest of your holiday can be spent on the beaches.
2. Quiet at Night
Phuket Old Town has good nightlife but it is not wild like in Patong. The nightlife here is more relaxed and is all about shopping and dining at the night markets, a local restaurant and shops. Most places shut down after 10-11pm.
3. Limited Resort Options
Most accommodations in the old town are small family-run boutique hotels and guesthouses. If you are looking for a luxury stay, it is best to head to the beach area. These small hotels often offer a much more authentic and homely atmosphere.
Best areas to stay in Old Phuket Town
The center of the Old Town is relatively small, and includes three main roads: Thalang Road, Phangnga Road, Dibuk Road, and Ratsada. There are dozens of hotels and hostels in this area, and if you stay here, you’ll be within walking distance of most major sights.
If you rent a scooter, you can consider staying a bit outside of the old town. There are numerous good hotels and apartments in the area around Central Phuket and Chillva Night Market. If you stay in these areas, you need extra transport and travel time to get to the old town and its attractions.
Phuket old town offers a good range of budget and mid-range hostels and guest houses. Many of those are boutique hotels that are located in the ancient buildings dating back to the early 19th century, creating historic charm.
I was a solo female traveler on a budget looking for safe places to stay, either private room or dorm room. I booked a hotel at the last minute during the high season, so I did not have many available hotels to choose from.
I booked my stay at the Capsule Bed Phuket for a few nights and had a good experience staying there. I can read the full reviews at the end of this article.
My top hotel picks in Phuket Old Town:
- mid-range: The Memory at On On Hotel
- mid-range: Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel
- budget: Capsule Bed Phuket
Best Places to Stay in Old Phuket Town
1. Phangnga Road
Phang Nga Road is a 1.5 km long road, located in the heart of Phuket Old Town. The road stretches from Yaowarad Road to Surin Road. The most popular part of this road is the first 600m road from Yaowarad to Montri Road. This part runs parallel with other famous roads, Dibuk and Thalang.
The road is home to many colorful ancient shop houses with beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture. A famous historic building in this area is The Memory at On On Hotel.
Other highlights of Phang Nga Road are the Shrine of the Serene Light (San Chao Saengtham), the old Kasikorn bank, and Museum Phuket. It also has many cool restaurants, cages, and boutique shops.
Where to stay in Old Town Phuket in Phangnga Road:
The Memory at On On Hotel
This is a famous boutique hotel in the central area of Old Phuket Town. Staying here means you will be close to everything, walking distance from all famous restaurants, cafes, shops, and night markets in the old town.
The hotel has vintage décor, historic ambience, and friendly staff. The rooms come with complimentary tea and coffee as well as a mini fridge with snacks and drinks. This is a good mid-range hotel in the heart of Phuket Old town and great for those who want to experience the charming boutique stay.
Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel
This is a popular mid-range boutique hotel located in an historic colonial building, in the heart of the old town, close to major roads like Phangnga Road, Thalang Road, and Dibuk Road.
The hotel has an outdoor pool, well-maintained rooms, and a garden. You can walk to popular points of interests like the Sunday Night Market, Phuket Museum, and Soi Romanee easily.
WOO Gallery & Boutique hotel
This is a good, safe hotel located in the prime location of Phuket Old Town, a short walk from everything. Like many other hotels in the old town, this is a beautifully restored boutique hotel with Peranakan design elements and comfortable rooms.
2. Thalang/ Krabi Road
Thalang Road is one of the most famous roads in the Old town Phuket, running parallel with Phang Nga Road and Dibuk Road. It is around 500m long, connecting Montri Road and Yaowarat Road. The road is closed for traffic on Sunday night and becomes the walking street night market.
Thalang Road is lined with ancient Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafes, shops, restaurants. It is the location of the Sunday Night Market, the colorful Soi Romanee, The Oasis Street, Hainan Shrine.
Krabi Road is also a popular road in the old town, located just west of Thalang Road. It is a 500m long road connecting Yaowarat Road and Patiphat Road. This road is home to Phuket Thai Hua Museum and Chinpracha House, one of Phuket’s oldest mansions.
Where to stay in Old Phuket Town in Thalang/ Krabi Road:
Shunli Hotel
This is a 2-star good value for money hotel located on Krabi Road, a short walk from most major sights in the old town. The hotel has spacious bright rooms with comfortable beds. Make sure to book it in advance to choose the rooms you like.
Ming Shou Boutique House
The guest house is located in Krabi Road, which is a good location, a short walk from the highlights including the night market on Thalang road. You can consider this hotel for its location and reasonable price for a private room.
BAAN 125 STAY Phuket
This 3-star lovely guest house has a prime location in the busy area of Thalang Road, steps away from Soi Romanee and the Sunday Night Market. The has a small coffee downstairs as well as complementary drink upon check in.
3. Dibuk Road
Dibuk Road is one of the main roads in the Old Town Phuket, along with Thalang and Phang Nga Road. The road is around 850m long connecting Montri Road and Satun Road.
Dibuk road is like other streets in the old town, packed with colonial style shop houses & mansions, and lots of tourist amenities. Major sights on this road are the Indy Night Market, Limelight Mall, Wat Mongkol Nimit.
Where to stay in Old Phuket Town in Dibuk Road:
The Tint At Phuket Town
This 3-star hotel is located near Dibuk and Montri Road. It is just a short walk from The Indy Night Market and LimeLight Shopping mall. It offers a great location to explore the old town on foot.
The hotel offers free coffee, tea and snacks as well as complimentary simple breakfast. They have a small swimming pool and a washing machine/dryer where you can do your laundry.
Baan Sutra Guesthouse
This is a cute mid-range guest house in the heart of Phuket Old Town. It offers private rooms at a good price and close to everything the old town has to offer. The hotel has a cafe at the ground floor and good rooms with comfy beds and a good air conditioning system.
Book a Bed Poshtel
This hotel is set near the Indy Night Market and Dibuk Road, which is a great base to explore the old town. The hotel has both private rooms, private rooms, and all basic amenities for a safe and budget-friendly stay.
4. Ratsada Road
Ratsada Road is located just one block away from Phanga Nga Road and the center area of the old town. There are some good hotels along this road and its small alleys, which offer good locations to explore the city.
This road has several tourist shops, and is close to some local attractions such as Phuket Amulet Market, Thavorn Museum, and several old mansions. It is also near San Chao Jui Tui near Ranong Road, which is the location of the famous vegetarian festival.
Where to stay in Old Phuket Town in Ratsada Road:
Hotel Midtown Ratsada
This is a popular 4-star boutique hotel located near Ratsada Road. The hotel has a small outdoor pool with umbrellas and sunbeds as well as comfortable bedrooms with good aircon.
They can help arrange transport to Phuket airport, the beaches, and tours around the island for you. You can walk to the Sunday Night market and highlights of the old town easily from the hotel.
The Belong Boutique Hotel
This well-maintained hotel is located close to Suriyadej Circle, Ratsada, Yaowarat, and Ranong Road. It has big private rooms, and you can explore the old town on foot when staying here.
5. Montri Road
I personally stay in a Capsule Bed Phuket Hostel in Montri Road, and found that it is a good location where you can find cheaper hostels and guesthouses than in the populous areas like Thalang, Phang Nga, or Dibuk Road.
It is still walking distance from major sights of the old town on foot. I walked to most places like the night market, Phuket Museum, Soi Rommani, and Indy Night Market.
There are lots of nice local restaurants on Montri Road itself. I personally like to dine at the 1000009 Thai Noodle Restaurant. It was also easy to walk to several good motorbike rental shops like Chai Motorbike Rental. I rented a scooter for a week from them and they were in good condition.
Where to stay in Old Phuket Town in Montri Road:
6. Outside of the Old Town (near Central Phuket, Chillva Market)
There are several nice hotels and guest houses outside of the old town that you can consider staying in if you plan to rent a scooter. You can find some big hotels near popular places like Central Phuket and Chillva Market.
Recommended places to stay outside of Phuket Old Town:
My personal experience stay in Phuket Old Town
Capsule Bed Phuket
I booked a hotel at the last minute in the high season and this is the only option available for me to book. It was a budget-friendly hostel in a central location, which suited my preferences well.
The hostel is located on Montri Road, just a 5-10 minutes walk to the more central areas of the old town. It was a good base to explore the night markets, Chinese temples, museums, colorful old houses, and local restaurants on foot.
The hostel offers dorm rooms, both mixed and female only options. I chose to stay in the female-only option because it felt cleaner and safer.
The rooms are clean with big lockers to put belongings inside. Each bed has a thick curtain so it can block the light. There are nice common areas on the ground floor as well as a kitchen area where you can cook small meals and use the fridge to store your food.
The hostel has nice decor and historical charm. The staff are very friendly. They let me store my luggage for a few days after I check out. I would stay at this hotel again if I were still a solo and budget traveler.
See more:
- Stay in Patong Beach or Phuket Old Town?
- Where to Stay in Phuket- Guide of All Areas
- My 5-7 Days In Phuket Itinerary
- Kata Beach vs Phuket Old Town
There you have it, some of the best places to stay in the old town of Phuket. The old town is relatively small, so no matter you choose to stay, you can easily get around on foot. Just make sure to book in advance to have the best selections and quality.