Phuket City, situated on the southeastern coast of Phuket Island, is the capital of Thailand's Phuket Province. At its heart is Phuket Old Town. Is the Old Town worth visiting? The answer is definitely yes. It's the island's historic quarter and cultural epicenter, a world away from the sandy beaches of Phuket.
The Old Town offers a more authentic Thai experience. It's a vibrant neighborhood of historic buildings, historical and cultural sites, and old street markets. There are also charming restaurants serving cuisines influenced by the island's various cultures. Besides, there's a friendly vibe about the Old Town.
Phuket Old Town is a destination you can't miss. A visit to the island wouldn't be complete without exploring this charming historic quarter. To get you on the right start, here's what you need to know about visiting the Old Town, including how to get here, how to get around, and the best things to do.
Table of Contents
- Short History of Phuket and the Old Town
- How to Get to the Old Town and Around
- Thalang Road, Heart of Phuket Old Town
- Other Famous Streets in the Old Town
- Famous Historic and Cultural Sites
- A Paradise for Food Lovers
- Phuket Walking Street Market
- Discover Street Art in the Old Town
Short History of Phuket and the Old Town
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Phuket's history goes back several centuries. The Portuguese explorer and writer Fernão Mendes Pinto arrived on the island in the 16th century. He was among the first Europeans to mention the island. Phuket was then known for its tin mines, and Europeans began to arrive in the 16th century for the island's valuable tin trade.
In the 19th century, Chinese immigrants settled on the island, attracted to economic opportunities in tin mining and its trade. Phuket became an important trading hub, particularly in the tin trade for the British Empire. The influence of the Chinese and British in the mining and trading of tin shaped the island's economy.
Phuket experienced an economic boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by tin mining. You can see the legacy of prosperity in Phuket City, particularly the Sino-Portuguese buildings built by Chinese coolies. The epicenter is Phuket Old Town, an area filled with old shophouses and mansions built during the bygone era.
While Phuket Old Town has undergone modernization and development, it has preserved its historical charm. The area is now a popular tourist destination, and you can explore the streets and observe the historic buildings. The art galleries, quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants occupying the buildings have added to the charm.
How to Get to the Old Town and Around
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After arriving at Phuket Airport and your first destination is Phuket Old Town, take the Phuket Airport Bus. In the Old Town, the bus stops at Phuket Bus Terminal 1 at Talat Yai, near Phang Nga Road. The trip takes about 1.5 hours, and the fare costs 100 THB (2.80 USD). Another option is the metered taxi, but will cost you a lot more.
Staying in the popular beach areas, you can hire a taxi, tuk-tuk, or Grab ride-hailing service. Remember to negotiate the fare with the taxi or tuk-tuk driver before boarding. The blue songthaew minibuses offer a much cheaper ride for less than 50 THB (1.40 USD) and stop on Ranong Road in Phuket Old Town.
The heart of the Old Town is Thalang Road. It's a compact area with many attractions, shops, cafes, and restaurants that are within walking distance from each other. The streets are easy on the legs, and the best way to explore the area is on foot. You can also rent a bicycle, and you'll find several rental shops within the vicinity.
Thalang Road, Heart of the Old Town
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Phuket Old Town draws its influence from Thai, Chinese, Malay, and European cultures. The best place to see the influence is on Thalang Road, which runs nearly 800 meters (2,600 feet) through the heart of the Old Town. This street is where travelers start their visit and spend most of their time.
Thalang Road captures the essence of the Old Town with its well-preserved Sino-Portuguese buildings that it's so famous for. These colorful historic buildings are a significant part of Phuket's cultural heritage, unique from the rest of Thailand. The structure is Portuguese with Chinese-style shutters, ornate doors, and small windows.
Thalang Road is a lovely walking street. Passing the historic buildings is like a step back into the 19th century. The sheltered walkway in front of the shophouses forms a long archway. Each week on Sundays, Thalang Road magically transforms into the Phuket Walking Street Market, a bustling and colorful night market.
The shophouses are home to mostly small family-owned businesses. You'll find several interesting shops selling clothes, handbags, jewelry, antiques, art, and a variety of souvenirs that you won't find at a modern shopping mall. There are also guesthouses in an old-world setting if you prefer a unique stay for a night or two.
You'll find nice cafes and restaurants under a historical setting on Thalang Road. Some are rather interesting and standout from the crowd. Bo(ok)hemian Arthouse exudes a rugged appearance, and doubles as a cafe and mini library. Eleven Two & Co is a quirky cafe selling souvenirs, serving both western and Asian dishes.
Other Famous Streets in Phuket Old Town
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Dibuk Road is another historic street in Phuket's Old Town, characterized by its Sino-Portuguese architecture. The stretch is home to a variety of shops and boutiques, as well as a selection of cafes and restaurants. Where Dibuk Road and Yaowarad Road meet is Lock Tien, a food court popular with the locals.
Yaowarad Road runs north-south and connects with Dibuk Road, Thalang Road, and Ratsada Road, which run east-west. This street is home to more historic buildings. Visit Thaivetro Ice Cream, a small shop popular for its variety of homemade ice cream. You'll see some interesting street art on this stretch.
Soi Romanee is a charming alley connecting Thalang Road and Dibuk Road. The main feature is the colorfully restored shophouses, making the alley perfect for some great photos. Stop by at Torry's Ice Cream, offering a variety of local ice cream flavors and Thai desserts. You can dine in and enjoy the cozy ambiance.
Phang Nga Road extends eastward from Yaowarad Road. The Saeng Tham Shrine is a small but beautiful Chinese temple tucked inside an alley. The Phuket Museum and nearby Phuket Baba Museum may be small but interesting, telling the rich history of the Hokkien Chinese who settled in Phuket. Both are free to enter.
Historic and Cultural Sites
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You can experience the history and culture of Phuket Old Town in the architecture and daily life. There are also several historical and cultural sites to discover. Though not as extensive as other parts of Thailand, these sites represent the culture and heritage of the people living on the island.
Phuket Thai Hua Museum is located on Krabi Road. The museum opened in 1934 and is housed in a beautifully restored 2-floor Sino-Portuguese mansion. The museum provides insights into the history of the Chinese community in Phuket, showcasing their cultural heritage and contributions to the island.
Chinpracha House on Krabi Road is another well-preserved Sino-Portuguese mansion and one of the most beautiful on the island. The lower floor of the 2-floor building is open to the public. A visit inside offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Chinese merchants who lived in Phuket during the early 20th century.
The 19th-century Wat Mongkhon Nimit is on the north end of Soi Romanee, across Dibuk Road. The temple may not be the most majestic on the island, but prominent to the locals. The temple is beautiful and ornate, adorned with intricate carvings and statues. Inside is a tall golden statue of Buddha sitting upright.
The Jui Tui Shrine on Soi Phutorn (near Ranong Road) is a Chinese Taoist temple and one of the oldest in Phuket. The temple is quite impressive, noted for its colorful architecture featuring a double-tiered roof, carvings, and large altars. People seeking to learn their fortune shake a bamboo cup filled with fortune sticks.
A Paradise for Food Lovers
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There's a diversity of dining options in Phuket Old Town, from local Thai cuisine to international flavors. Dining here is an integral part of the Old Town experience, and it's not only the restaurants but also the thriving cafe scene and street stalls. The options are varied, ensuring there's something for every taste and budget.
You can't leave Phuket without trying the cuisine in the Old Town. The eateries here serve traditional Thai food with a unique Phuket twist, influenced by flavors on the island. Look for the small local restaurants and street food vendors offering dishes like Pad Thai, green curry, Massaman curry, and Tom Yum soup.
Given Phuket's coastal location, seafood is a must-try. You can find fresh seafood served by various restaurants and food stalls. Grilled fish, prawns, crab, and seafood curry combining classic Thai flavors are popular choices. Many seafood restaurants are near the Old Town's periphery.
Many cafes and coffee shops are on Thalang Road. You'll also find them in other parts of the Old Town. They typically have a historic setting for the Old Town experience. Cakes, doughnuts, croissants, pies, and sandwiches are typical offerings. Or try something local like Mango Sticky Rice, banana fritters, or Thai roti.
For Muslim travelers looking for Halal food, there are quite a number in the area. If you're looking for restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan dishes, look for the signage or ask the staff for options. The best time for street foods is Sundays when you'll find numerous stalls at the Phuket Walking Street Market.
Phuket Walking Street Market
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Phuket Walking Street Market (Lard Yai Sunday Market) is a popular weekly night market on Thalang Road. The market spans several blocks on this historic street and is closed to vehicle traffic during the event. The Sunday night market typically starts from late afternoon to around 10:00 PM.
Local vendors and artisans set up stalls along Thalang Road, offering an array of things to buy. Walking up and down the street, you can shop for clothing, jewelry, artwork, and souvenirs. If you're looking for locally-made items, especially traditional Thai handicraft, the market is an excellent place to buy.
Phuket Walking Street Market is popular for its diverse selection of street food. You can sample a variety of Thai dishes, snacks, and desserts. Whether you're craving Pad Thai, satay, fresh seafood, or sweets desserts like mango sticky rice, you'll find varieties of delicious options. You won't be disappointed.
The market is a great way to spend a Sunday evening. Besides shopping and food, there are live performances, including music, dance, and cultural displays. The market can get crowded, especially during the peak evening hours. If you prefer a smaller crowd, come earlier before the evening approaches.
Discover Street Art in the Old Town
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Phuket Old Town is renowned for its vibrant and captivating street art, creating a stunning outdoor gallery. The street art scene flourished around 2012 when local and international artists were invited to create murals and paintings on the walls. Today, the art has added a unique artistic charm to the area.
You'll find the street art scattered throughout the Old Town. Some are easy to spot, while others are somewhat hidden. The art scene is a captivating mix of techniques and styles, including realistic, abstract, and conceptual. And can range from simple tags to complex and detailed compositions.
The street art here draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of scenes in Thailand. There are artworks depicting historical events and the island's diverse multicultural heritage. Others convey social or political messages, and some are simply decorative pieces. Some of the best street art are found on Krabi, Dibuk, and Yaowarad Road
