Noteworthy day-activity for Expat

[corkman]

Hi Everyone.

I arrive in my hotel in Phuket about 7pm on Sunday evening, depart Wednesday morning (early). I'm doing a Phi Phi trip on Monday then I'm looking for something a bit "different" or "memorable" on Tuesday. I'd prefer something that takes a half day so I can chill out late afternoon, and catch a sunset dinner at "Joe's Downstairs" from 5.40pm onwards.

It's not my first time in Phuket, but I've never really done much sight seeing. I live in Thailand and so stock standard resort offerings like cabaret shows, elephant trekking, and local markets do not really appeal to me; I've heard Phuket Town has something of a unique charm and history..... is that worth a morning outing, to wonder the streets and have a nice brunch (or is it again, just standard stuff).

I'm open to any suggestions that you feel might be unique to Phuket, or simply just noteworthy.

FYI - I'm staying at "The Blue Marine Resort and Spa Phuket Managed by Centara " at the far North end of Patong, with my Thai gf (that believe it or not has never been to Phuket!).

Thanks in advance.

[hansgruber]

Joe's downstairs is terrible. You can do better than that.

[LivinginKata]

Never mind Han's post. Moving on - not a bad idea to have a walk about the Sino Portugese area of old Phuket Town. Start in Thalang Road https://maps.google.com/?ll=7.884712,98.390148&spn=0.001435,0.003449&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=7.88471,98.390149&panoid=VUuKvBMz3NaEoZCn93-GeA&cbp=12,286.2,,0,0

Then wander up to a parallel road Dibuk Road https://maps.google.com/?ll=7.886338,98.38708&spn=0.001435,0.003449&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=7.886404,98.386657&panoid=JK-FjrNgpBaG-1-zsQvJgQ&cbp=12,243.72,,0,0 A number of very nice International eateries on that road.

Personally I like the lunch buffet at the Metro Hotel, about 200m south of the above places. https://maps.google.com/?ll=7.88045,98.392643&spn=0.006355,0.006899&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=7.880536,98.392595&panoid=H6s72bbdJXeFAzv9auIEBA&cbp=12,49.19,,0,0 but get there by 12.30 at the very latest. 12.00 would be better.

[falkan]

Never mind Han's post. Moving on - not a bad idea to have a walk about the Sino Portugese area of old Phuket Town. Start in Thalang Road https://maps.google.com/?ll=7.884712,98.390148&spn=0.001435,0.003449&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=7.88471,98.390149&panoid=VUuKvBMz3NaEoZCn93-GeA&cbp=12,286.2,,0,0

Then wander up to a parallel road Dibuk Road https://maps.google.com/?ll=7.886338,98.38708&spn=0.001435,0.003449&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=7.886404,98.386657&panoid=JK-FjrNgpBaG-1-zsQvJgQ&cbp=12,243.72,,0,0 A number of very nice International eateries on that road.

Personally I like the lunch buffet at the Metro Hotel, about 200m south of the above places. https://maps.google.com/?ll=7.88045,98.392643&spn=0.006355,0.006899&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=7.880536,98.392595&panoid=H6s72bbdJXeFAzv9auIEBA&cbp=12,49.19,,0,0 but get there by 12.30 at the very latest. 12.00 would be better.

when did you eat there last time? pretty shit a couple of weeks ago..

[amyb]

I recommend the Phuket Heritage Trails tour - I've lived here for seven years and recently participated in this day tour and was blown away. Take the "Meet the Locals" tour - you'll learn lots about Phuket and its history. Google Phuket Heritage Trails.

Edited January 11, 2014 by amyb

[LivinginKata]

Personally I like the lunch buffet at the Metro Hotel, about 200m south of the above places. https://maps.google.com/?ll=7.88045,98.392643&spn=0.006355,0.006899&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=7.880536,98.392595&panoid=H6s72bbdJXeFAzv9auIEBA&cbp=12,49.19,,0,0 but get there by 12.30 at the very latest. 12.00 would be better.

when did you eat there last time? pretty shit a couple of weeks ago..

It's been a while. Have to agree that the buffet had gone downhill last few times we had lunch there. Oh well - have to knock the Metro off my lunch list.

[paahlman]

Go and do the heritage trail.. then quit the group and go up to rang hill for lunch.. Fantastic views! Either that or go to cape panwa hotel and take the illegal cable(rail) car down to the beach and try to pay for a couple of beers. You can't.

[Peterocket]

Never mind Han's post. Moving on - not a bad idea to have a walk about the Sino Portugese area of old Phuket Town. Start in Thalang Road https://maps.google.com/?ll=7.884712,98.390148&spn=0.001435,0.003449&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=7.88471,98.390149&panoid=VUuKvBMz3NaEoZCn93-GeA&cbp=12,286.2,,0,0

Then wander up to a parallel road Dibuk Road https://maps.google.com/?ll=7.886338,98.38708&spn=0.001435,0.003449&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=7.886404,98.386657&panoid=JK-FjrNgpBaG-1-zsQvJgQ&cbp=12,243.72,,0,0 A number of very nice International eateries on that road.

Personally I like the lunch buffet at the Metro Hotel, about 200m south of the above places. https://maps.google.com/?ll=7.88045,98.392643&spn=0.006355,0.006899&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=7.880536,98.392595&panoid=H6s72bbdJXeFAzv9auIEBA&cbp=12,49.19,,0,0 but get there by 12.30 at the very latest. 12.00 would be better.

The trick-eye museum is worth a visit too if you are in Phuket Town

[manarak]

Personally, I have very nice memories of my islands & snorkeling trip in Phang Na bay.

The rocks are impressively and massively majestic, while the multicolored fishes were ravishing.

Definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Must see if you didn't already.

[grumpyoldman]

Take a walk at Nai Thon.

[eezergood]

Go to the east side -