Phuket's Best Island Drives:
The Phuket Town Hills Drive

As you drive into and around Phuket Town you will notice two large hills in the northern part of the city.  The hill to the east, Khao Tosae, has quite a few TV and radio masts from the peak and a small population of resident monkeys - as well as great views of the bay and some of its islands.  It can be accessed by Tosae Road - which begins at the northern end of Surin Road. 

[Right]: the view from Khao Tosae

The large hill to the west, Khao Rang, has a nice loop - also with great views and also has its own troop of monkeys. 

Near the top is a great Thai restaurant with magnificent views over the city and bay.  This is an authentic Thai restaurant so you can expect very reasonable prices and very hot and spicy food - done the Thai way.  The staff will ask you if you want your food spicy and unless you like eating fire - say "No."  I like spicy food and told them "a little spicy please" and could just barely eat the meal. 

This hill can be accessed from Mae Luan Road at Wat Khun Chi, or from the Royal Spa Road off of Yaoworat Road.  The back side of Khao Tosae offers an alternative path down through an affluent part of Phuket Town.  It's worth seeing too.

Either drive will take you a maximum of 30 minutes plus time to stop and take photos or eat.  Both can be done in 90 minutes including the time driving from one to the other.  The views of the bay are worth it.  You won't always see the monkeys, but keep your eyes open.  From different vantage points you can see about 180 degrees.