What Is Phuket Old Town Best Known For?

Located in the heart of Phuket, its Old Town has long been renowned for offering visitors a stark contrast to the island’s glimmering beaches and thrilling nightlife. This historic area is filled with Sino-Portuguese architecture, busy markets, and plenty of cultural diversity, attracting huge numbers of tourists every year. This guide delves into six reasons why tourists need to travel to this spot, so keep reading.

Sino-Portuguese Architecture 

When walking along the streets of Phuket Old Town, visitors are bound to be enthralled by the area’s Sino-Portuguese architecture. There are rows of pastel-hued shophouses and mansions, which are a reflection of the prosperity brought by tin mining in the 19th century. 

Visitors are encouraged to take a stroll through Soi Rommanee, once a red-light district but is now a charming lane lined with plenty of cute cafés and fascinating boutique stores. The architecture here perfectly captures the essence of Phuket’s multicultural heritage. 

Interesting Street Art and Murals 

Art enthusiasts would love nothing more than to wander through these streets just to view its stunning murals and street art that depict local life, folklore, and cultural heritage. The artwork itself combines traditional Thai motifs with contemporary styles, making the area nothing short of an Instagrammable spot for tourists. 

As visitors walk along Phang Nga Road, they will encounter murals featuring children playing, traditional dancers, and depictions of old Phuket. These artworks not only add plenty of colour to the town but are also a celebration of its cultural roots. 

Thriving Local Markets 

The markets in Phuket Old Town are a must-visit and tourists can’t leave the area without spending at least a day wandering through them. The Sunday Walking Street Market, referred to locally as “Lard Yai,” transforms Thalang Road into a busy area of street food stalls, fascinating crafts, and a wide range of souvenirs. Must-try street food items include satay, fried spring rolls, and mango sticky rice. 

Banzaan Market, another popular spot, offers visitors a mix of fresh produce, seafood, and beautifully crafted items. It’s also an excellent place to interact with local vendors and discover unique products, such as handwoven fabrics and traditional Thai remedies. 

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Rich Cultural and Religious Sites 

Phuket Old Town is home to a vast array of cultural and religious landmarks that are a reflection of its extensive and diverse heritage. The Jui Tui Shrine, a Chinese Taoist temple, is a focal point for the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival. 

Another must-visit is Wat Mongkol Nimit, a Buddhist temple featuring an impressive golden stupa. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and partake in moments of quiet and reflection. These spiritual sites offer a peaceful counterbalance to the Old Town’s busy and exciting streets, showcasing the area’s deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions. 

Cafés and Culinary Delights 

Phuket Old Town is a haven for food enthusiasts, featuring an extensive range of traditional Thai eateries, hip cafés, and fine dining options. The local cuisine here is heavily influenced by Chinese, Malay, and Peranakan cultures, creating a unique combination of flavours, which are unique to the region. 

Visitors in the area should opt to try popular local favourites such as Hokkien mee, a stir-fried noodle dish, or moo hong, a braised pork dish flavoured with black pepper and garlic. No meal is complete without dessert so visitors can try o-aew, which is a refreshing jelly dessert. 

Museums and Cultural Centres 

For those keen on delving deeper into Phuket’s extensive history, Old Town’s museums and cultural centres offer fascinating insights that are bound to thrill history buffs. The Phuket Thai Hua Museum is housed in a beautifully restored Sino-Portuguese building and chronicles the island’s vast Chinese heritage through exhibits and multimedia presentations. 

The Peranakan Phuket Museum highlights the island’s unique Baba-Nyonya culture, with displays of traditional costumes, jewellery, and household items. These institutions are must-visits for history enthusiasts.