In the Southern province of Thailand lies Phuket, where you can visit the Phuket Old Town. Filled with history and culture, this town is a living example of serenity, even in the busiest streets. You can explore the magnificent culture through the main attractions like museums, Thai temples, Chinese shrines and great cuisine. Some landmark streets here are- Thalang Road, Soi Romanee, Dibuk Road, and many more. Tourists mainly visit the beaches and roam around the streets to get the full experience of culture. This alluring region is mainly known for its well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture, which echoes the island’s rich history and cultural heritage.
History And Culture In Phuket Old Town
Image Credit: Christophe95 for Wikipedia
Phuket Old Town is the capital of Phuket province in southern Thailand. Its culture reflects the beauty of bustling streets and vibrant crowds. Street art, food, shopping, and other museums make this place an optimal visit. Historically, this place is also significant due to the numerous trading opportunities it provided to Arabs, Muslims, and other Europeans in that era.
A boom in the mining industry marked a turning point for this island and contributed significantly to its wealth. The number of immigrants from countries like China and Europe increased, which contributed to incorporating their culture and architecture. The most noticeable are the “Sino-Portuguese” buildings, which have a unique architectural style that combines both elements. Most recently, the government’s main focus has been on preserving the culture of this island to attract more tourists. This included restoring buildings, preserving architecture, and reopening museums.
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Must Try Foods In Phuket Old Town
The food preferences on Phuket Island mostly stem from European, Muslim and Chinese cultures, mainly attributed to trading and exchange between these regions. Following is a list of 5 such dishes that are most enjoyed in the Phuket Old Town:
1. Mee Hokkien:
Through Chinese influences, this dish has made its way into Thai cuisine and, most famously, to the Phuket Old Town. Street vendors flash-fry these round, wheat-textured noodles with slices of pork, seafood, and extremely flavorful broth garnished with an egg.
2. Oh Tao:
This dish also traces back to the time of Chinese traders and includes Taro roots, eggs, deep-fried pork rinds and Mussel pancakes. This dish is usually seen on an offer at street vendors due to its fast-selling character. This is one of the must-try foods in Phuket.
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3. Oh Eaw:
Oh Eaw is a dessert made of shaved ice and a hyper-sweet syrup. It also includes gelatinous cubes made from banana starch and kidney beans (considered a dessert in Thailand). This icy desert is a favourite of all the locals and is only found in this part of the island.
4. Moo Hong:
It is a blend of Chinese and Thai cuisine consisting of pork braised in brown sugar, sweet soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper. This dish is more commonly found at bigger restaurants in an upscale fashion. It is the most popular dish in Phuket.
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5. Khanom Jeen:
A breakfast staple of the island, Khanom Jeen is more commonly enjoyed in the Phuket province of Thailand. It consists of round rice noodles with curry and includes some of the local toppings like nam ya pu and a huge selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Activities Around Old Phuket Town
From the Sacred Shrine of the Serene Light to the bustling Street Night Markets on Thalang Road, you must try out these activities around Old Phuket Town.
1. Sacred Shrine of the Serene Light:
This temple is located on Phang Nga Road in Phuket Old Town. It is a sacred Chinese shrine called the Sang Tham Shrine. It was founded in 1891 by the descendants of the Tan Luan Jee family deep inside the vibrant alleys away from the main street. Visitors should note that they may encounter some of the most beautiful wall art and paintings while reaching this alley.
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2. The Famous Memory At On On Hotel:
The Memory at On On Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in Phuket. It is considered one of the best experiences of staying in Phuket Old Town because it was the first hotel to be built there. It became a spotlight place for tourists soon after the famous movie “The Beach,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was shot here.
3. Peranakannitat Museum:
This museum was officially opened in May 2017 and inaugurated by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. However, soon after, it had to be shut down again due to the absence of permanent exhibits. Most of the exhibits displayed here were borrowed from locals and soon had to be returned. The main entrance to this museum is on Phang Nga Road.
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4. Local Shopping in the Phuket Old Town:
Thalang Road is an ideal spot to shop for all your Souvenirs, beach hats, clothes and exquisite artefacts. Not only shopping, but this street is the prime location to come across some magnificent Sino-Portuguese Style buildings, tiny cafes and other heritage buildings.
5. Street Night Market on Thalang Road:
Visitors should experience Thai street foods, magnificent street art, and great music here. However, it is important to note that this market only remains open on Sundays. If you plan a two-day trip to Phuket Old Town, weekends would be the most optimal time for your visit.
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Other Places To Visit Nearby Phuket Old Town
1. Phi Phi Islands
It is one of the most popular destinations for snorkelling and diving. It is also one of the most populated islands, so you might have a good opportunity to interact with locals here. Phi Phi is a group of six islands, of which Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le are the best-known islands.
2. The Khao Khad Point
Khao Khad is a solitary standing viewpoint on top of one of the highest and most remote hills of Phuket. Here, you can catch the sight of Phang Nga Bay. However, it is to be kept in mind that to reach there, you will have to climb approximately two hundred steps. For accommodation, there are designated parking spots for buses and cars. So you will not face any hassle while travelling to this amazing place.
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3. Maya Bay
It is a picturesque bay located on the Ko Phi Phi island. Due to the absence of inhabitants in the area, it is considered one of the most scenic landscapes. The beach mainly became famous due to the movie The Beach and suddenly became popular among tourists.
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Now that you have a list of things to remember for your vacation to Phuket Old Town, make sure you plan your trip to Thailand to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities, and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Phuket Old Town
What is Phuket Old Town famous for?
Primarily, Phuket Old Town is famous for its street food, clothes, historical buildings, culture and other museums. It is also known for the street wall art that can be seen and adored on almost every other street.
How to travel in the Phuket Old Town?
It is advised that you traverse through the town on foot and experience everything up close for an optimal experience. The busy streets and market can be chaos if not travelled by foot.
Which is the most famous street?
Some popular roads include - Thalang Road (well known for shopping), Phang Nga Road, Soi Romanee, Krabi Road and many others.
Which is the best time to visit?
it is highly recommended that you visit early in the morning or after the day’s heat has passed.
How to reach the Phuket Old Town?
To reach Phuket Old Town, one can hire a private taxi or motorcycle, or hail a public transport for ease of expenses.
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