aipein.com; Alley 14, Rd 1399; hnoon-8pm) has an excellent selection of Chinese and Japanese restaurants, while just off the southern end of Soi Krua Nai is a collection of simple Thai restaurants, with outdoor tables and chairs. #### Taling Chan Taling Chan, about 1km south of the town centre, is one of Phuket's oldest communities, its inhabitants settling here in the late 18th century. 1Sights & Activities Taling Chan (สะพรับอาคาร) is considered by Thais to be one of the country's most important _meu·ang_ (city pillar, literally 'mother house'), as several important monuments were built here. Many of the town's oldest buildings were built by Chinese and Indian traders who came to Phuket in the late 19th century. Most were wealthy men, who lived in style in vast wooden mansions – several are now used as _chow lair_ (Chinese restaurants). It was thought the town would be devastated when the tsunami struck, but the buildings escaped relatively unscathed. Today most residents live in modest homes, though the area still has a colonial-era air. oRacha HouseHISTORIC BUILDING (พาณิชย์ราชา MAP GOOGLE MAP ) ; %089 627 2231; Th Srisoonthorn; adult/child 200/100B; h9am-5pm) This charming old building is where the first governor of Phuket, Chaow Kaeo, started the island's rubber industry with its first mill (now a museum) in the 1890s. Taling Chan Floating MarketMARKET (สะพรับอาคารทะเล ตะเกนตราชัน, Hat Racha Noi; h6-11am Sat) This popular floating market sees hundreds of vendors selling everything from fish and fruit to cheap clothes. It's a photogenic place and good fun for wandering and people-watching. 4Sleeping & Eating The following guesthouses are around the corner from the boat pier. Many of the best dining experiences are down-at-heel streets off Th Thepkasatri, between the Hat Racha Noi and Hat Rin neighbourhoods. Racha HouseGUESTHOUSE$$ (พาณิชย์ราชา; %081 915 0081; Th Srisoonthorn; r 350-600B; a W) The well-loved wooden rooms at this historic mansion are a few hundred baht cheaper than the surrounding hotels, but it's worth considering because of the charming host. Note that there is no air-con. Pottu Kabar Restaurant & Sundry AntiquesTHAI$ (พัฒนาวัน แค้ว ร้านอาหาร, Sundry Antiques; %080 985 2936; Th Thepkasatri; meals 120-350B; h9am-9pm Mon-Sat) This historic wooden building across from the guesthouse is owned by the same family that manages the guesthouse. It's a pleasant place to sit down for some noodle soup, fried rice or a vegetable stir-fry. There's a good selection of Thai food and homemade coffee. 6Drinking & Nightlife There are a few places for beer and cocktails. ### Wreck Diving & Snorkelling off Phuket For those looking for the scuba experience but without the effort of learning how to dive or getting certified, it's now possible to combine the wondrousness of diving with the wonders of snorkelling. Phuket has a plethora of amazing dive sites for novices, intermediates and experts, some of which are just offshore from Phuket. Snorkelling and diving are also popular activities along the more remote parts of the coastline. And on some of these trips you can snorkel from the safety of a cruise ship. Several dive centres run snorkelling trips from Phuket and nearby islands for around 1500B to 2000B for a day trip. TTours Blue DivingDIVING ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) ; %084 561 3031; www.bluediving-phuket.com; Royal Paradise, Th Rat Uthit; 2 tank dives 1300-1700B) This PADI dive centre specialises in snorkelling tours (1600B) and trips to dive sites near Phuket. Dive PhuketDIVING ( GOOGLE MAP ) ; %083 412 5547; www.divephuket.com; Royal Paradise, Th Rat Uthit; 2 tank dives 1300-1700B) Another PADI dive centre with a strong focus on certification courses. Hitech DiversDIVING ( GOOGLE MAP ) ; %076 382131; www.hitechdivers.com; Royal Paradise, Th Rat Uthit; 2 tank dives 1480-2300B) This PADI dive centre offers diving and snorkelling trips and classes at reasonable rates. Rock Climbing There are some outstanding climbing areas near Phuket and you don't need to be a certified climber to enjoy a session. The best crags are found in Phang Nga Province (Click here). Aquatic Sports CenterMASSAGE ( h9am-6pm) Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage or reflexology. CCourses There are many agencies in Phuket offering courses for diving and snorkelling. Phuket Spanish SchoolLANGUAGE (www.spanish-school-phuket.com; Royal Paradise, Th Rat Uthit; 4hr class incl book & materials 300B; h9am-5pm Mon-Sat) Intensive group or individual Spanish-language classes. 4Sleeping There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options around Phuket. A few good options can be found in the northern town of Tha Rong-Leh, which has a good selection of old-school, budget guesthouses near the beach. Phuket HostelHOSTEL$ ( %098 472 2939; www.phukethostel.com; Th Jetyod; dm without bathroom 240B, r from 500-600B; a W) A chilled-out hostel right by the beach. This place is friendly, welcoming and excellent value. The communal areas are decorated with murals, art and a few random bits of furniture. There are bike and motorbike hire, as well as a popular bar, pool table and volleyball court. Free yoga classes, too. Phuket CabanaHOSTEL$ ( %083 877 4515; www.phuketcabana.com; Hat Kata; dm 400B, r 1200-1700B; a W s) This new place has stylish, comfortable rooms (which sleep up to five people) at reasonable prices. The rooftop lounge has panoramic views of the ocean and is a great place to hang out, and if you're really lucky there might be some live music later in the evening. Dorms are on the small side, and it's not exactly central, but it is on a pretty little beach. Seaview LodgeGUESTHOUSE$$ ( GOOGLE MAP ) ; %076 385549; www.seaviewphuket.com; 83 Soi Kru Klong; r 1300-1500B; a W s) A family-run gem in the middle of a very friendly little neighbourhood near Soi Kru Klong. There are 15 rooms, all with flat-screen TVs, and the fan-cooled rooms in the slightly rustic wooden house are more charming. There's a lovely pool with a small play area, and you can request an in-room massage or Thai massage. The restaurant is very popular and well priced. Yim's GuesthouseGUESTHOUSE$$ ( GOOGLE MAP ) ; www.yimscafe.com; 30/5 Th Maitri; dm/s/d 400/1300/1300B; ia W) Faux-Lanna style decor throughout, but with a Thai twist. Dorms and simple, well-kept rooms here are a great option, especially those with air-con (1200B) and TV. Yim's has a small communal kitchen for guests' use (breakfast is included) and free bike hire. Phuket 346GUESTHOUSE$$ ( %076 211244; www.phuket346.com; cnr Th 11 Muang & Th Karon Tachai; r incl breakfast 1200-2500B; a W s) This brand new property has just five rooms in a tropical garden. Rooms are spacious, inviting and