Old Phuket Town: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit, and More

Hello readers! Are you planning to visit Thailand? If yes, then you must include Phuket in your bucket list. You must be thinking Phuket is only about beaches and bars, right? Wrong. Phuket is indeed the most popular and largest island in Thailand and has some amazing places and things to offer its visitors. And if you love to explore an old town enriched with history, culture, and tradition, you must not miss out on the Old Phuket Town.

Old Phuket Town is such a mesmerizing place that helps you go down memory lane on a cultural walk through an amazing marketplace and traditional architecture. This old town is popular for various things, namely cafes, bars, old shops, traditional-themed restaurants, and whatnot.

In this blog today, I will discuss everything about Old Phuket Town, places to see, best time to visit, along with various aspects. 

What is Old Phuket Town?

The Phuket Old Town is the historical district of the island, famous for the unique Sino-Portuguese architecture of its houses. The combination of the Chinese and Portuguese styles is distinctive for the European-type buildings that are painted in the Chinese style.

Phuket Old Town was formed some hundreds of years ago due to the development of the local tin mining industry. It financed the construction of a number of splendid historical buildings.

Nowadays, it is an excellent place to walk around, visiting the local shops, cafes, and restaurants, avoiding the noisy places of Old Town Phuket.

History of the Old Town

Phuket was turned into a trading center by its tin mining industry. There were many Chinese immigrants who played a great role in the economic and cultural life of the city.

This influence is still felt today. It is reflected in various historical buildings, Chinese temples, local food, festivals, and family business.

Sino-Portuguese Architecture 

The first thing that catches the eye is the unique architecture of the historic center. Various Sino-Portuguese shophouses can be found along Thalang, Dibuk, Phang Nga, and Krabi Roads.

It is possible to describe the unique combination of European-style and Chinese architecture. The streets are full of decorated windows, narrow facades, colorful walls, tiled floors, and beautiful doors.

A Walkable Historic Center

The size of the district allows walking comfortably around. It is possible to cover several major streets of Phuket in just a few hours without relying on any means of transport.

Moreover, walking gives visitors the opportunity to freely visit all the cafes, shops, shrines, galleries, and street food stalls they like.

What is the Location of the Old Phuket Town?

This town falls within Phuket Town, situated in the southern part of Phuket Island.

The place covers quite a small area, spanning only a few streets. 

How to Reach?

Use Rental Cars 

For visiting Phuket Old Town, one can take private taxis and motorbike rides, but these services tend to be expensive.

Use Public Transport

In order to travel to Phuket Old Town at the lowest price possible, the most convenient method would be using public transport services such as the tuk-tuk and songthaew, which are small vans. The local bus station is situated on Ranong Road in Phuket Old Town, close to Central Market, from where songthaews travel to all the significant pickup spots of the city.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Old Phuket Town?

Phuket Old Town is best to visit during the cold season from October to February when the weather conditions make it comfortable enough to travel in the vicinity. The place is very crowded, and hence it is better to visit early in the morning. 

However, if one does not feel like traveling in the heat, he/she can visit in the evenings.

What to Do in Phuket?

There are so many things to do in Phuket, Thailand. Once you explore all the options regarding ‘things to do in Phuket (City)’, you will truly be overwhelmed.

Explore Popular Sites

Old Phuket Town, with its charming Sino-Portuguese shophouses, is a paradise for photographers. Wandering along the streets, one can admire many well-preserved buildings. Do not forget about the Phuket Thai Hua Museum located on Krabi Road – it is an impressive mansion that tells a lot about the life of the first Chinese inhabitants of Phuket.

There are many temples and shrines here, including such sites as the famous Jui Tui Shrine, an important site of the annual Chinese Vegetarian Festival, and the Wat Mongkol Nimit temple with its glittering facade in gold and red colors and fascinating architecture.

Try Local Cuisines

What else can you do in Phuket Old Town? Enjoy the local cuisine, of course! From small street food stands to restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide, there are plenty of places to taste traditional Thai cuisine. 

Visit the Lock Tien Food Court to try some local specialties such as Hokkien noodles and o-aew. To have dinner in a unique atmosphere, try some traditional Southern Thai food in One Chun Café and Restaurant or The Charm Dining Gallery.

Shop Till You Drop

In the case of shopping in Phuket Old Town, the process becomes more exciting when compared to getting a product. There are various kinds of things available for sale at street markets, which include the Sunday Walking Street Market that operates along Thalang Road. 

You can purchase various souvenirs as well as collectibles to keep the memory alive. Whether it is Peranakan jewelry or fabrics, you can buy all this and much more.

Have a Thrilling Adventure in Andamanda Phuket

It is now time to enjoy some high-adrenaline fun! Andamanda Phuket promises fun for everyone regardless of age. Whether you love going down waterslides at breakneck speed or frolicking in the water with your kids, there are various exciting rides available. 

Ride down the thrilling waterslides of Andamanda and see how fast you can go. If you do not fancy the idea, you could always try the artificial surf pool instead. Or you can just spend a peaceful day in the pool, perhaps riding the lazy river or having a cabana of your own. 

Explore Soi Romanee

Soi Romanee is probably one of the most photographed alleys in the area. The bright architecture, narrowness of the alley, numerous cafes, and shops here are great conditions for a pleasant walk.

However, there is more to the history of this street. It used to be a red light district of Phuket Town in the times of tin mining. Nowadays, with the colorful design of its buildings, it attracts tourists who come to take pictures and learn about the past of the town.

Visit the Shrine of the Serene Light

This place is an opportunity to relax from bustling streets.

The Chinese Shrine of the Serene Light is located close to Phang Nga Road and gives you another chance to get familiar with Chinese influence on Phuket.

It is better to take your time here, unlike other places which are just photo stops. It is really relaxing among bustling streets with cafes around.

Discover Thai Hua Museum

If you would like to learn something about the history of the architecture, it is necessary to visit Thai Hua Museum.

The museum tells the history and importance of Chinese immigrants in the development of Phuket.

Must-Follow Tips for Your Old Phuket Town Visit

While visiting this place, you must follow these essential tips to make your trip smooth and amazing.

Take Your Time

While visiting this traditional old town, do not hurry. Take all the time in the world and explore this town at your own pace. This is why you can make the most of this place. 

Do Not Miss the Night Market

During your Phuket visit, you must ensure you visit the Night Market of the old town. The vibrant night market remains open only on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. So make your plans accordingly. 

Carry a Good Camera

If you carry a good camera, you can capture some amazing pictures while visiting the old town. 

Either Visit Early or Late during the Day

Be there at either the beginning or end of the day, as the light will be ideal for taking pictures, and the midday sun will be harsher. There will also be less tourism then.

Eat Local Food

Phuket Old Town has lots of great food. Do not miss out on trying some amazing southern Thai, Chinese, or Malaysian cuisine.

Check Out the Street Arts

Visit the graffiti in Phuket Old Town. There are lots of walls and gables with artistic statements and pictures painted on them.

Use Local Taxi for Transportation

Taxi services like Grab or Bolt are usually cheaper than local taxis. They operate the same way as Uber. Download both applications and check how much a taxi to Phuket Old Town will cost you – just make sure to have internet access on your smartphone.

Bring Cash

Always bring cash. Not all the shops and stalls in Phuket Old Town take credit cards.

Use Sunscreen

The sun will be bright. Don’t forget about the sunscreen!

Carry Wattle Bottle

Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated. It is easy to get dehydrated walking around the old town.

Conclusion

Old Phuket Town mixes together history, architecture, cuisine, shopping, arts, and local culture in one place.

The best period to travel around “Old Phuket Town” is considered from November to April; however, if you prefer fewer visitors and lower prices, quieter periods could suit your needs.

No matter what activity you may be interested in doing in Phuket, whether it be taking photos of historic buildings, trying out local cuisine, visiting museums, visiting a Sunday market, or just walking down the nice streets of the town, it deserves being included in your trip.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. Is Old Phuket Town worth visiting?

Yes, the historic buildings, local cuisine, markets, shrines, museums, and colorful streets are definitely worth visiting.

Q2. How many hours will I need in Phuket Old Town?

Three to four hours will cover the most interesting spots; one whole day will give you more time.

Q3. When is the best time to visit Phuket Old Town?

November to April provide a pleasant climate.

Q4. Is Old Town good for photography?

Yes, it is, especially its colored Sino-Portuguese architecture, murals, streets, and markets.