Charming cafés and museums line the streets of Old Phuket Town, which is an extension of Phuket City. Its narrow alleys and colonial plazas are filled with shrines, temples and quaint boutiques. Get a sense of the intriguing Thai history and traditions in this Old Town area.
Stroll through the heart of the area and take photos of the brightly colored colonial buildings. The Sino-Portuguese architecture pairs the colors of European colonial designs with the structure and intricate details of Chinese buildings. See the mansions that once belonged to the island’s tin industrialists.
Stop at various stalls for tasty Thai street food. The district also has an eclectic array of shops, bars and restaurants. Choose from the range of souvenirs to remember your trip. Examine the enchanting murals decorating the walls of the historic center.
The district is known for its beautiful shop houses, selling artisanal crafts and upscale delicacies. Visit the main street on Sunday evenings for the weekly night market, where you can browse all sorts of trinkets, food ingredients and relics.
Explore some of the museums, such as the Phuket Baba Museum. It explains how the descendants of Chinese immigrants first arrived on the island. Among the highlights is the Phuket Philatelic Museum, which sheds light on the region’s postal system and stamps. Inspect the array of old machines that were used to sort and send mail here. Bring your family to the fun and puzzling Phuket Trickeye Museum and recall the 1960s through the period décor and memorabilia in the Thavorn Museum.
Old Phuket Town is located in the southeastern corner of Phuket Island. Fly to Phuket International Airport and drive southeast for 20 miles (32 kilometers) to get here in about 45 minutes. Stop off at intriguing landmarks on the way, such as Monkey Hill, Rang Hill and Phuket Rajabhat University.
Spend some time in Old Phuket Town to get a fascinating glimpse into this island’s culture and history.
