Phuket (city)


Phuket is a city in the southeast of Phuket island, Thailand. It is the capital of Phuket Province. the city had a population of 75,573. It covers the subdistricts Talat Yai and Talat Nuea of Mueang Phuket District.
Phuket is 862 km south of Bangkok.

History

Phuket is one of the oldest cities in Thailand. It was an important port on the west of the Malay Peninsula where Chinese immigrants first landed. On 13 February 2004 the town was elevated to city status.
The older buildings in Phuket town indicate its former prosperity. They were constructed when tin mining was an important on the island. The architectural style, called "Sino-Portuguese", is European mixed with Chinese modern. Characteristic is a single or two-storey building with a narrow front compensated for by considerable depth. The tiles, doors, perforated windows and other details are all influenced by Chinese and European styles combined. "Phuket Old Town" is a 2.7 km2 area covering a total of 210 rai. Ten streets—Klang, Phang Nga, Rassada, Dee Buk, Krabi, Thep Kasattri, Phuket, Yaowarat, Satun, and Soi Rammanee—define a quarter studded with heritage buildings., the Fine Arts Department and the Phuket provincial authorities are preparing a proposal to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation that Phuket Old Town be listed as a World Heritage Site.

Culture

The major religion is Buddhism. The Buddhist temples in the city are attractive destinations for national and international tourists. Along the streets some Hindu temples depicting the statues of Ganesha and Brahma can also be seen.

Transportation