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Surin Circle Clock Tower
Temples & Culture
Phuket

Surin Circle Clock Tower

4.5(1,377 reviews)

Standing at a central roundabout in Phuket Old Town, this Sino-Portuguese style clock tower was erected in 2003 on a site previously occupied by a radio mast. It serves as one of the town's most recognisable landmarks, drawing visitors into a part of Phuket that sits well away from the beach resort strips. The tower's architecture complements the colourful heritage buildings that line the surrounding streets, making the immediate area a popular spot for photography and a natural starting point for exploring the old town on foot. The atmosphere around the roundabout is genuinely local, with everyday traffic, street vendors, and small businesses operating in the vicinity. Visitors tend to find the area peaceful compared to Phuket's busier tourist zones, and the surrounding sois offer Sino-Portuguese shophouses, local restaurants, and independent shops worth exploring at a relaxed pace. Good to know: The clock tower sits within a functioning roundabout and is accessible as an outdoor landmark at any hour, with no entry requirements or fees. Daytime visits allow for the best appreciation of the surrounding architecture and street life, while late afternoon light works well for photography. The old town is compact and walkable, so the clock tower makes a practical orientation point when exploring the wider heritage district on foot.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Surin Circle Clock Tower, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

Phuket old town land mark grate spot for colorful photos and videos.

One of Phuket landmarks. I took a video of traffic around the roundabout. It was almost 6pm on a weekday. The traffic was not too bad at all. All cars shared the way in a quite neat order. It was peaceful to stand by and observed the town.

Just stumbled upon this amazing clock tower in Phuket Old Town, it's really charming! The architecture around it is so beautiful, with all those colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings. I spent a couple of hours just wandering around, soaking it all in, there are plenty of great cafes and shops nearby too. Definitely worth a visit if you're ever in the area, it's a lovely spot/area.

Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.

Mind Your Feet

Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.

Ask Before Photographing

Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.

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Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – April

Avoid: June – September (rough seas)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)

Crowds

Very High

Peak: December – January

Getting there

Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.

Getting around

  • Grab (widely available)
  • Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
  • Motorbike rental
  • Airport bus to Phuket Town
  • Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands