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 excellent cuisine. Some landmark streets here are Thalang Road, Soi Romanee, and Dibuk Road. You can also explore the old Phuket town market. Tourists mainly visit the beaches and roam around the streets to get the whole experience of culture. This alluring region is primarily known for its well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture, which echoes the island’s rich history and cultural heritage.
History And Culture of Phuket Old Town
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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, the old town of Phuket, Thailand, 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 primary 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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How To Reach Phuket Old Town
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There are several ways to reach old Phuket town:
Air: Phuket International Airport is the nearest airport to Phuket Old Town. Upon reaching it, you can hire a taxi or cab to reach the town.
Public Transport: Public transport is one of the cheapest ways to reach old Phuket town. You can take the bus from the airport, which takes almost one and a half hours to reach the city. Moreover, you can take tuk-tuk,
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit Old Town Phuket, Thailand, is during the winter months from October to February, when the weather is pleasant enough to explore its local sites. For a more relaxed experience, visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
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Other Places To Visit Nearby Phuket Old Town
There are many scenic places to visit near the Phuket Old Town. We have curated a list of the best places to visit in and around the 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.
Best Time To Visit: November and April
Entry Fee: NA
Diatance From Phuket Old Town: 45.9 km
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.
Best Time To Visit: November through May
Entry Fee: NA
Diatance From Phuket Old Town: 8.2 km
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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.
Best Time To Visit: November and April
Entry Fee: NA
Diatance From Phuket Old Town: 45.5 km
Things to Do in Phuket Old 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 essential 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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Best Places To Eat In Old Phuket Town
Here is the curated list of the best places to eat in Old Phuket Town:
1. One Chun
One Chun offer you a fusion of mordern delicacies with vintage dinning experinece. You can enjoy the family recipes, which have been passed down the generations.Their spacility is spicy yet refershing boiled shrimp and shrimp paste which provide a perfect balance of salt and sour.
Address: 48/1 Thep Krasatti Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Price For Two: 480 baht Onwards
Timings: 10:00 AM -22:00 PM
2. HEH
Heh is on eof the best old Phuket town restaurants that offer a fusion of Mordern cuisine with a teouch of Sea food, combining quality ingredients from the Andaman Sea with Australian imports. The charred broccoli with anchovy-miso sauce and crispy fish scales, and succulent charcoal-grilled Australian Wagyu short ribs are some of the must recomended dish you can try here:
Address: 158 Yaowarat Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Price For Two: 1,000 Bahat onwards
Timings: 5 PM–11 PM (closed on Tuesday)
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3. Khun Jeed Yod Pak Restaurant
If you want to try the fusion of Thai-Chinese food culture in old Phuket town market visit Khun Jeed Yod Pak Restaurant. Past 30 years they have specialised in serving Radna, a savoury noodles that comes with pork, beef, chicken or seafood. Their Thai Coconut milk custard is must-try.
Address: 4,6, ตําบล ตลาดใหญ่, 8 Ongsimphai Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Price For Two: 50 Bahat onwards
Timings: 10 am–8 pm (closed on wednesday)
4. Aroon Po Chana
Aroon Pon Chana is a iconic ‘roti’ joints in old town Phuket Thailand. Along with roti they offer other home-cooked meals such as chicken curry, and other seafood dishes. They also have an extensive drinks menu where you can order iced tea, Thai tea, or coffee.
Address: เลขที่ 124-126 124 Thalang Rd, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Price For Two: 60baht onwrads
Timings: 6 AM- 4:30 PM
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Foods You Must Try in Phuket Old Town
The food preferences on Phuket Island mainly stem from European, Muslim and Chinese cultures, 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 local toppings like nam ya pu and a huge selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Best Hotels In Phuket Old Town
Phuket old town has many hotels that offer comfort and convience to visitors. Here is the curted list:
1. Novotel Phuket Phokeethra
Novotel Phuket Phokeethra offer a cosy and well-appointed rooms and suites, each elegantly designed with a touch of local culture. To experinece the thail hospitaly with mordern touch you must visit this hotel. All air-conditioned accommodations feature a flat-screen satellite TV, a mini-bar and a working desk. Thus, it is one of the best hotels in old Phuket town.
Address: 40, 5 Chanajaroen Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphur Muang, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand
Tariff: ₹9,245 onwards
Facilities:
Outdoor swimming pool
Free Wifi
Airport shuttle
Spa
Free parking
Fitness center
Tea/Coffee Maker
Bar
Breakfast
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2. Woo Gallery and Boutique Hotel
Woo Gallery and Boutique Hotel is one of the charming old Phuket town hotels. This hotel offers a unique blend of contemporary design and traditional Thai hospitality to tourist. If you are looking for a memorable and comfortable stay stay at this hotel on your next Phuket trip.
Address: 40, 5 Chanajaroen Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphur Muang, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand
Tariff: ₹7,731.99 onwards
Faclites:
Free Wifi
Airport shuttle
Room service
24-hour front desk
Air conditioning
Garden Terrace
housekeeping
Breakfast
3. Onya Phuket Hotel
If you are seeking for a stylish and comfortable stay while experiencing the captivating history and atmosphere of the old town, stay at Onya Phuket Hotel. It is located in the outskirts of Phuket Town and nearby shopping centers.. Each room here will provide you with A cable TV and air conditioning.
Address: 46 8, Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Tariff: ₹2,342 onwards
Facilities:
Free Wifi
Airport shuttle
Free parking
Air conditioning
Laundry Daily
housekeeping
Tea/Coffee Maker
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Places To Shop
For photographic street scenes and local flavour, don’t miss Phuket’s bustling fresh markets.
- Central Festival Phuket: It is the largest shopping mall in Phuket where you can find a 3-storey department store with international brands such as Levi’s, Billabong, Camel and so on. It opens daily from 10.30am to 10pm.
-
Chillva Market: This Market is a cool, trendy old Phuket town night market with a bohemian vibe. It has an impressive collection of food, fashion and other stalls. The best time to visit is on Thursday, Friday or Saturday from 5pm to 11pm.
- Phuket Weekend Market: It is one of the most facisinting shopping site in Phuket. Here you can explore products ranging from fashion items to souvenirs, and from food to Thai snacks.
- Jim Thompson: Jim Thompson is a famous brand of silk products. In this market you can buy linen shirts, kimonos, silk duvet covers, silk scarves, shopping bags, leather wallets, and silk ties.
Key Highlights of Old Phuket Town
Explore the magnificence of Old Phuket Town in 2024. To witness the historical heritage of Phuket and its to explore its culture visit its museums such as, Phuket Thai Hua Museum, big buddha phuket, Chaithararam Temple, Jui Tui Shrine.
Morover, you can explore the vibrant old Phuket town night market where you can shop, taste the local delicicaies. If you want to witness the picturesque views of the town visit from Monkey Hill Viewpoint, Khao Rang Hill. Savour the taste of Mee Hokkien, Khanom Jeen and amny other local cuisines.
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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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FAQs 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.
How much time do you need in Phuket Old Town?
Phuket Old Town isn’t a large town but has many significant places to visit and see. So, to explore the Phuket Old Town in and out, you must need at least 2 days in hand.
What is the most beautiful part of Phuket?
Phuket has many picturesque places, from pristine beaches to vibrant night markets, but its most beautiful part is Promthep Cape, which offers 180-degree vistas of the sea and three small islands.
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