Phuket town

Most visitors only remain in PHUKET TOWN long enough to jump on a beach-bound songthaew, which run regularly throughout the day from Thanon Ranong in the town centre to all the main beaches (B15-20). If you do want to stay, the On On Hotel at 19 Thanon Phang Nga (tel 076/211154; under $10) has basic, just adequate rooms in its attractive, colonial-style 1920s' building; Talang Guesthouse at 37 Thanon Talang (tel 076/214225; $5-10) has large, good-value en-suite rooms in an old wooden house in one of Phuket's most traditional streets; and Wasana Guesthouse is conveniently located near the songthaew stop for the beaches, opposite Thai Airways at 159 Thanon Ranong (tel 076/211754; under $10). Suksa Bai Hotel (076/212287; $5-10) at 82/9 Thanon Thepkasatri is clean, spacious and quiet. TAT (daily 8.30am-4.30pm; tel 076/212213) is located at 73-75 Thanon Phuket.