Besides its famous natural attractions such as Panwa Cape and Patong Beach, a walk in Phuket Old Town is also something that you cannot miss. You will get to see charming buildings influenced by Chinese and Portuguese architectures, visit many interesting art galleries, and dine in classic restaurants that provide real local taste. Strolling around in Phuket Old Town for half a day will surely take you back 100 years in time.
Phuket Old Town is made up of residences, shop-houses, and office buildings. These charming Chino- Portuguese colonial style architectures are one of Phuket’s unique identities. They were built during the 18th century when tin mining and foreign trade in Phuket were utmost popular. The shop-houses generally built in rows along the street using bricks and mortar just like European did, with Chinese decorations on doors and windows. There are many distinctive features of these shop-houses. First, they are rectangle shape with narrow entrances. Second, the house has an open space with a well at the center, which is open to the sky for washing purpose. Finally, there is an arcade at the front of each house connecting together along the street; offering shade and shelter to the public. Besides beautiful architectures, Phuket Old Town is the place where you can find classic café and restaurants, interesting art galleys, and hip guesthouses as well.
We can generally divide the Phuket Old Town in to 6 zones. Each zone contains many tourist attractions, nice photo spots, and interesting places to visit. Right on Thalang Road (Purple line), there are famous restaurants like Wilai and Kopitiam that offer tasty local food. Moreover, if you love indie art and design, Room 2521 is the place that you should not miss. If you are looking for a place to lay your head down, Phuket 346 Guesthouse on Rommanee Street is a nice place to check out.
On Phang-Nga Road (Orange line), we would like to suggest you to visit Siam City Bank, which is the first bank in Phuket with more than 100 years of history. On On Hotel and Kaffe’s Phuket coffee house are also worth stopping by.
Located on Krabi Road, Phuket Thai-Hua was the first Chinese school in Phuket with beautiful Chino-Portuguese architecture. It is now a museum and exhibition space for those who interested in Phuket’s history. Within a short distance from the museum, there is the famous Blue Elephant Restaurant; offering authentic Thai as well as fusion dishes.
We really do not want you to miss the old Ekvanich and Kian Nguan Building on Yaowarad and Dibuk Road (Pink line). These two buildings are beautiful and famous among local photographers. Moreover, famous restaurants such as Raya and Lock Tien for authentic southern cuisine and native Phuket specialties are also located in this area.
It is a good relief that Phuket Old Town is now being looked after by government, private organizations, as well as building owners to restore and preserve these cultural heritages for the next generations through many initiatives such as supports and regulations. Buildings newly constructed in this area are encouraged to remain the previous look to harmonize with the surrounding.
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