Buzz
Besides the mesmerizing beauty of the 'emerald gem,' when traveling to Phuket, you'll behold the solemn, ancient charm of a historic city steeped in the depth of its first settlers' history and culture. That's Old Town Phuket.
Discovering Phuket's Hundred-Year-Old Quarter
The ancient street with its weathered buildings lining both sides emerged a century ago when houses, shops were erected at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries when Phuket was a significant tin mining area.
An Encounter with Old Town Phuket
Before embarking on our journey, we stopped by the Thailand Tourism Office (TAT) on Thalang Road to pick up a Phuket Town Treasure map.
The ancient quarter is petite enough to explore on foot, stretching merely 2km, comprising 6 streets and 2 alleyways. It took me roughly half a day to wander through this charming enclave.
In my personal experience, strolling through the narrow streets is the most delightful way to delve deeper and uncover the cultural richness of Phuket. Starting from the east, where the road intersects with Thep Kasatri and lies south of Queen Sirikit Park.
The main stretch of Thalang Road begins after connecting with Thep Kasatri. This segment spans approximately 400m, retaining much of its old-world charm, with only a few newer buildings renovated.
Along Dibuk Road, Thalang, I encountered art galleries, bakeries, eateries, and guesthouses nestled closely together, some family-owned establishments that have endured through generations. What struck me first was amidst a bustling tourist seaside city like Phuket, there exists such a tranquil and serene old town.
Diverse Cultural Heritage
In exploring Phuket tourism, I was captivated by the colorful Indo-Chinese tinted shops with breezy balconies resembling picturesque paintings. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the evening glow illuminated by vibrant red lanterns in this quarter.
Strolling along the historic streets, I encountered numerous ancient mansions and houses that have stood the test of time. Among them, Baan Chinpracha stands out as the most renowned architectural gem. Built in 1903, it's the only Chinese-style mansion open for visitors to explore in Phuket.
Amidst vast grounds adorned with traditional Chinese architecture, one can still discern the distinctive Thai elements, such as the garden at the back, adorned with precious plants and flowers typical of Thailand.
The opulent Phuket Laguna Resort is another must-visit destination. Nestled on a former tin mine, it retains echoes of its heyday when minerals were extracted from the island.
The Thavorn Hotel on Rasada Road is a charming stopover. For just 30 baht (about 1 dollar), we were transported back to the nostalgic era of the 1960s. The hotel museum is the only place where we could witness the unique antique elevator, a rare sight exclusive to Phuket.
Apart from the ancient mansions, the distinctive architectural style of the shops, as mentioned earlier, also characterizes the old town of Phuket. The iconic buildings here feature a blend of Chinese and Portuguese styles, with intricately designed wooden windows and vibrant facades.
Along Thalang Road or Dibuk Road, there are numerous antique shops, art galleries, bakeries, eateries, fabric stores, guesthouses, and even family-run businesses that have been operating for generations, like the Guan Choon Tong spice emporium.
The ancient streets of Phuket seem to exude a charm reminiscent of Hoi An's old town, boasting a diverse cultural tapestry and architectural marvels at every turn. I catch glimpses of traditional Chinese-style eateries adorned with crimson lanterns, elegant Western-style villas… or the vibrant hues of Portuguese-inspired storefronts.
Despite its origins dating back to the 19th century, Phuket's old town has been remarkably well-preserved. The ideal moments to explore this venerable town are in the mornings and evenings when the sun begins to set, yielding to cool sea breezes that waft through the streets.
Strolling through the old town's alleys, sipping on a hot cup of tea to soak in the serene beauty of the place is an experience both simple yet profoundly delightful for any traveler visiting Phuket for tourism.
Essential Tips for Exploring the Old Town:
Getting Around:
– From the Airport: Upon arrival, catch a bus to the old town area in Phuket (approximately 100 baht). Upon leaving the old town, travelers can continue their journey by hopping onto a songthaew (a type of open-air bus) or a tuk-tuk from Ranong Road to reach any of the nearby beaches.
Exploring the ancient streets of Phuket is best done on foot, immersing yourself fully in its rich history and culture.
To make the most out of your visit to the old town, ditch the tuk-tuk and opt for a leisurely stroll, following the footsteps of seasoned travelers.
Before embarking on your adventure, make sure to grab a Phuket Town Treasure map from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office on Thalang Road.
Indulge in a culinary journey through Phuket, sampling diverse dishes from around the globe including Arab, Indian, Malaysian, and Chinese cuisines.
Savor the exquisite sandwiches at Siam Bakery paired with aromatic coffee, or delight in the flavors of China Inn Café. Don't miss out on street-side eateries where you can relish local specialties with ease.
- Mai Huong/Tuoi Tre
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