"Yaowarat Road" Phuket by Hewer

Phuket Travel Guide: 3,163 reviews and 8,583 photos

Phuket Town - Phuket
Phuket Town

Nowadays Phuket hardly needs an introduction. Everybody associates this island with idyllic beaches, pulsating night life and endless shopping and family amusements. Some veterans of a Phuket holiday fondly recall Kata Beach, others Phi Phi Island or trekking in the interior, while still others may think of Bangla Road or the Simon Cabaret. For me personally, whenever I think of Phuket, I always remember the shops, restaurants, bars and characters of a 500 metre stretch of Yaowarat Road, off the beaten track in the northern part of Phuket Town.

I spent five weeks in Phuket between April and May 2006. I was based in Osaka, Japan (and still am) and travelled down to Phuket to obtain a TESOL certificate. For those not involved in the education industry, TESOL stands for Teaching English as a Second or Other Language. I was already working as a trainer of English teachers, but my company offered a salary increment for doing the course. And so it was that I went to Thailand chasing yen. With my blinkered in tentions, I forgot that I would probably have a great holiday too. It wasn't until the plane's wheels touched the tarmac that I thought, "Hey, this is Phuket!"

Phuket Town is less touristy than the likes of Patong and Karon, although bargain-hunting tourists are venturing in ever greater numbers into the interior to check it out. I was in the northern part of Phuket Town, close enough for 30 baht moto ride to the town center and far enough away for there to be few tourists. In fact, the only non-locals I ever saw there were those taking the course with me or course graduates who were back for a visit.

I had been to Phuket once before on a work trip back in 2001. At that time I was based in Kata and I was keen to see how it had changed in the five years I'd been away. Many places have completely changed and development seems to be out of control. It was more like visiting a place 100 years later rather than five years.

The Beaches
Patong Sunset, May 2006 - Phuket

Patong Sunset, May 2006

Patong, Karon and Kata are the most famous and most visited beaches. Most people who go to Phuket visit one or all three of these. And everyone you meet has a favourite beach. Due to the contrarian nature of people, this usually ends up being Surin, Nai Harn, Rawai, Kamala etc. I've been to several of the beaches since my first visit to Phuket and my favourite is Patong. The beach is easily accessible from the strip of restaurants and shops along the coastal road and the place is abuzz with activity. Admittedly this is not for everyone though.

The best beach sunset I've ever seen was at Patong. The colours in my photograph hardly do it justice. Thr first time, I had been sitting in the Irish pub just before sundown when the first hues appeared. I left my drink and walked across the road to the beach and watched for about 45 minutes. I hadn't really done that in years.

The first visit
Patong, Phuket - Phuket

Patong, Phuket

The first time I went to Phuket was for two days on a work trip in 2001. I was based in Kata Beach and I stayed at the Kata Beach Resort.

Two days is only a short time so I tried to make the most of whatever free time I had. There's some great shopping down in Patong and the views of the coast are amazing. I only went in the water at the beach once; I was being attacked by some tiny sea creatures and it was very annoying. The pool bar was much more welcoming and I spent a few of my 48 hours in Phuket drinking cocktails there.

The nightlife was great. I was the only guy in a group of 20, but I think the girls were keener to check out the shows than I was. It was a good cover anyway. Bright neon, thousands of people and cheap booze are a heady mix. I was due to report to work at 8am on day 2 and turned in at 7. Ouch!

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:The wonderful people
  • Cons:Western time-share salesmen, squat toilets
  • In a nutshell:Utopia man, utopia
  • Last visit to Phuket: May 2006
  • Intro Updated Jul 15, 2006
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Reviews (14)

Kata Beach Sunset - Phuket Kata Sunset Things to Do (4)

Everybody does at least one beach sunset in Phuket. Kata Beach has one of the best. You can either grab a beer, sit back... more travel advice

Entry to Phuja Nirvana - Phuket Tres chic Restaurants (3)

This Asian restaurant oozes class. I am quite confident it wouldn't be out of place in the ritziest district of any city... more travel advice

Is this worth paying for? - Phuket The Squatter Warnings and Dangers (1)

In Patong and Karon, there are numerous clusters of bars and restaurants with no individual bathroom facilities.... more travel advice

Down at the Mall - Phuket Down at the Mall Shopping (1)

Central Festival is a great mall with everything you'd need. It's a good place to get some shopping done, see a movie or... more travel advice

Comments (6)

  • Reply
    Wann's Profile Photo
    Sep 30, 2006 at 8:43 AM

    Soooo many update after a month stay. Great page Craig !! I wish I could have a long stay in Phuket like you. I never know the sunset at Patong and Kata can be very beautiful !!! I kept waiting the best shot at Promthep cape, couldn't get any good one !!

  • Reply
    Tina-Perth's Profile Photo
    Aug 2, 2006 at 9:20 PM

    I've thought of visiting that Phuja Nirvana restaurant and after your review, I'll make sure I do. Thanks.

  • Reply
    chatterley's Profile Photo
    Jun 23, 2006 at 1:58 AM

    We went past Wat Karon a couple of times, but didn't venture inside! Now we're regretting....

  • Reply
    Jul 11, 2005 at 7:50 AM

    Now, this is my idea of a pool bar. ;-)

  • Reply
    mesoblonda's Profile Photo
    Oct 25, 2004 at 4:30 PM

    Can't wait to get my tush to Thailand! Cheers from San Francisco. Found you on Kiwi's page...

  • Reply
    justbecks's Profile Photo
    Oct 9, 2004 at 3:00 PM

    craig!You do leave enough cricket footprints for me to follow...Now I know just how passionate you are about the game :)

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