When visiting Phuket, the first thing that comes to mind is hitting the beach, walking along the sandy shores, and basking in the warm sun. Well, here’s a little secret: there’s more to Phuket than meets the eye.
Before Phuket became one of the world’s most sought-after tropical islands, it was known for its tin mining industry. In the 17th century, foreign miners and traders flocked to this tropical island to participate in the thriving venture. As a result, Phuket became a melting pot of different cultures and traditions that are still evident today, particularly in its suburban towns.
Indeed, there’s much more to discover in this tropical paradise beside the beaches, and there’s no better place to uncover the other side of the island than Phuket Old Town.
Located in the Southeastern part of the island, right at the heart of the island’s capital, Phuket Old Town is easily accessible via bus, tuk-tuk, taxi, or rental vehicles from the island’s top beaches. Shuttle services are also available for tourists traveling to the historic town from resorts or private villas around Phuket. Once there, you can easily stroll and explore the destination on foot.
Are you visiting Phuket soon? Keep reading to know more about the fun activities you should take advantage of in Phuket Old Town.
Explore the cuisine
Phuket Old Town is home to notable dining establishments that offer traditional Thai delicacies and international cuisine staples. Your adventure would only be complete with trying the fantastic hawker stalls selling affordable dim sum, noodles, chicken rice, and meat skewers. But if you want to try something a bit fancier, there are various fine dining restaurants in the area.
Related Article: Thai Cuisine: 10 Must Try Dishes When in Phuket
If you’re craving authentic Thai dishes like crab curry and rice noodles, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Blue Elephant or One Chun. On the other hand, if you want to try Thai-Chinese fusion dishes like Hokkien noodles, pork satay, and wontons, then check out Mee Ton Poe, a restaurant that has been around since 1946. Another famous restaurant in the area is O Cha Rot, renowned for its Michelin-approved beef noodle soup that has been a crowd favorite for over 30 years.
Discover the Cafe Culture
If you’re looking for a place to indulge in light snacks or a refreshing drink, check out the cafes in Phuket Old Town. The town is known for its diverse, trendy cafes, coffee shops, and ice cream parlors, making it an ideal spot to go cafe-hopping. Each cafe offers a distinct charm that captivates patrons, inviting them to partake in their trade.
Bookhemian, for example, is known for its aesthetic interiors showcasing a vast collection of books and artworks, while Old Phuket Coffee Station has an iconic display of vintage radios.
Aside from the cozy and appealing interiors, many of these cafes also offer high-quality drinks, coffee, and pastries that can rival the world’s biggest cafe chains. Campus Coffee Roaster is one example of a famous coffee shop in Phuket Old Town that offers one-of-a-kind coffee concoctions, while Tera Boulanger is known to have some of the yummiest pastries in Phuket.
Admire the Sino-Portuguese Architecture and Murals
While walking around Phuket Old Town, one cannot help but admire its unique Sino-Portuguese architecture that combines traditional European styles with colorful and intricate Chinese designs, offering tourists a captivating Phuket cultural attraction.
Aside from the architecture, the streets of Phuket Old Town also come alive, thanks to the artworks and murals painted on the walls, depicting the life and history of Phuket. Some of the most impressive murals can be found along Dibuk Road, Phang Nga Road, and Thalang Road. They offer the best spots to snap some photos!
Visit Museums and Shrines
If you want to learn more about Phuket’s rich culture and history, drop by museums like the Thai Hua Museum, Thalang National Museum, and the Peranakan Phuket Museum. You can visit temples like Wat Wichit Sangkaram, Wat Mongkhon Nimit, Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham, and the Sang Tham Shrine for a more spiritual adventure.
Check out Vintage Stores and Local Artist Collectives
Several Sino-Portuguese buildings in the area have been converted into shops, so this is the perfect opportunity to do some shopping. Remember to stop by the shops selling traditional ceramics, handicrafts, Batik, jewelry, books, and artwork to score unique and eye-catching memorabilia from your trip.
Shop at the Sunday Night Market
If you need more than just shopping in the morning, you’ll be delighted to know that more options are available in the evening. Every Sunday, Thalang Road transforms into a shopper’s haven with the Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market, or ‘Lard Yai’ as the locals call it. This 360-meter-long night street market is arguably one of Phuket Old Town’s most popular attractions, where you can get the best deals on ceramics, fashion items, accessories, handicrafts, and much more!
While here, you should also check out the food stalls selling authentic Thai street food and catch lively street performances by some of the town’s most talented artists. This iconic Sunday night market is open from 4 pm to 10 pm, so there’s plenty of time to explore and shop.
Related Article: Phuket’s Best Night Market
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Featured Image: Oakdog (via Pixabay)
