Phuket City is a cultural capital and an investment growth point

Phuket Locations

Phuket Town is the heart of the island, where historical architecture is combined with modern buildings, and on the streets you can meet both a street artist and the owner of a shopping center who rents his house for a trendy cafe. There is no beach fuss here, but there is a special atmosphere — authentic, lively and full of culture.

Part 1. Tourist Guide

Atmosphere and architecture

Antique two-storey Portuguese-Chinese style shopping houses are lined up wall to wall. Pastel facades, carved shutters, balconies with flowers — all this creates a special flavor of the Old Town. Today, coffee shops, art galleries, designer shops and boutique hotels operate inside these buildings.

What to see

Old Town

Talang, Dibuk and Pang Na streets — 19th century architecture, antique shops, atmospheric cafes.
Soy Romani is the most photogenic street in the city with pastel houses.
Krabi Street — Tai Hua Museum and Baan Chinpracha Mansion.

Temples and culture

Jui Tui Temple is the oldest Chinese temple on the island, especially interesting during the Vegetarian Festival.
More than 30 temples and sanctuaries throughout the city.

Viewing platforms

Rank Hill — panoramic view of the whole city.
Monkey Mountain is an opportunity to see wild macaques.

Parks and entertainment

Sapan Hin Park — walks and picnics by the sea.
Butterfly Garden and insect world — for family holidays.
Weekend Market — street food, clothes, souvenirs.

The gastronomic capital of Phuket

The city is included in the UNESCO list as a “city of gastronomy”. Be sure to try it here:

Hokkien Mee (seafood noodles)
Mee Hoon Pa Chang
O-Aew — dessert with banana jelly

Nightlife

Unlike the bustling Patong, there are chamber bars, live music, art parties and evening markets. Popular places: Dibuk House, Rockin’ Angels, Sunday Walking Street.

Part 2. Investment Guide

Why invest in Phuket City

Stable year—round rental - Demand is coming from locals, expats, international school staff, and IT professionals.
Rising prices for historical sites — restored shopping houses have risen in price by 20-30% over the past 5 years.
Infrastructure development — improvement of the Old Town, new shopping malls, embankment.
Portfolio diversification — investments do not depend directly on the tourist season.

Prices for 2025 (benchmarks)

Shopping houses in the Old Town — from 9-12 million baht (150-250 m2, often need investments in repairs).
Restored houses for business — 15-25 million baht, ready for operation.
Condominiums at Central Phuket — 3,5–6 million baht for 1-2 bedrooms.

Profitability

Short—term rentals (tourists) - 7-10% per annum.
Long—term rental (expats) - 5-7% per annum.
Commerce (cafes, boutique hotels) — marginality is above 15% with the right concept.

Cases

Shophouse on Talang Street: bought for 11 million baht, restoration — 2.8 million, leased to a restaurant for 80 thousand baht /month, payback \~5 years.
Apartment next to Robinson Lifestyle: purchase for 4.8 million baht, long-term lease for 45 thousand baht/month, yield \~6% per annum.

Risks

Restrictions on reconstruction in the historical center.
Possible restoration costs are higher than expected.
Seasonal demand for tourist rentals when choosing the wrong location.

Prospects

Continuation of the program for the improvement of the Old Town.
New festival spaces and pedestrian zones.
Attracting international gastronomic brands and artists.

Phuket City is both ** the “entry point” into the cultural life of the island** and ** an investment platform with a growing capitalization**. If you are looking for stability, long—term growth and a property with character, this area is worth considering.