Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town (ย่านเมืองเก่าภูเก็ต) is a charming area known for its unique architecture, rich culture, and delicious local cuisine 🏘️ 🏛 Places & History • Located in the heart of Phuket, this area spans key streets like Thalang, Phang Nga, Krabi, Dibuk, and Yaowarat, featuring pastel-colored Sino-Portuguese colonial-style buildings throughout. • Once a thriving hub during the tin mining era, the area saw the settlement of Hokkien Chinese immigrants, leading to the emergence of the distinctive Peranakan culture, celebrated for its food and traditions. 📆 How much time to explore? • The area is compact and can be fully explored in 1–2 days. Stroll through the smaller alleys, visit cafes, and enjoy the lively Night Market or Walking Street in the evening. 📍 Must-Visit Spots Soi Romanee • A charming pastel-colored alley in the old town, perfect for photography from afternoon to evening (decorative lights add to the ambiance). It also features quaint cafes and interesting boutiques. Museums & Historical Sites • Phuket Thai Hua Museum and Baba Museo showcase the story of Chinese-Thai integration and the tin mining era. • Chinpracha House, a historic home preserved since 1903, is open for tours (entry fee around 150 THB). Temples & Chinese Shrines • Put Jaw Temple (Guan Yin Temple) and Jui Tui Shrine are dedicated to deities of performance and Guan Yin, often visited during the Vegetarian Festival. Trickeye Museum • A fun 3D art museum ideal for families or indoor photo sessions, offering a great escape from the heat. 🍽 What to Eat & Cafe Hopping • One Chun Restaurant—A Michelin Bib Gourmand spot serving Southern Thai Peranakan dishes like Moo Hong (braised pork belly) and yellow curry fish. • Torry’s Ice Cream—Homemade ice cream with local flavors such as mangosteen, lychee, or coconut-pineapple Phuket style. • Don’t miss local desserts like O-aew, offered by various vendors as a signature sweet treat. • Recommended eateries include Kopitiam by Wilai, China Inn Cafe, and Raya for Thai-Chinese fusion dishes and desserts in heritage-style buildings. 🌃 Markets & Local Life • Sunday Walking Street Market—A vibrant street market featuring food, crafts, and local art, with a mix of street food and traditional handmade goods. • Ranong Market—A fresh market offering local produce and authentic community vibes at reasonable prices. 💆♀️ Relaxation & City Views • Try a Thai massage at Kim’s Massage, known for professional service at around 350 THB, located on Phang Nga Road in the Old Town. • Visit Khao Rang Viewpoint or Windmill Viewpoint for panoramic views of the old town and stunning sunset vistas, accessible by walking or motorbike rental. ⚠️ Tips Before You Go • The area can get crowded in the evening, especially with TikTok enthusiasts taking photos, so some reviews suggest avoiding peak hours. • There are no beaches in this area; you’ll need a car or public transport (Grab is recommended) to reach main beaches like Patong or Kata. 🧭 Suggested Itinerary for Old Phuket Town Time Activity Morning–Noon Explore shophouses, visit Thai Hua Museum, Chinpracha House Afternoon Cafe hopping (One Chun / Kopitiam / Torry’s) Evening Stroll Soi Romanee, visit Walking Street Market, enjoy a relaxing massage Night Head to Mt Khao Rang or a viewpoint / unwind at a boutique bar