Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is well worth a day trip, with its beautifully preserved shophouses, colourful streets, Buddhist and Chinese temples, small museums, cafés, and magnificent Sino-Colonial mansions once built by Phuket’s tin barons.

Sino-Portuguese Shophouses

You can begin your walk near the Surin Clock Tower at the intersection of Phang Nga Road and Thepkasatri Road. From here, you are just a short stroll to Thalang Road, the historic heart of Phuket Old Town and once the island’s main commercial centre.

In recent years, significant restoration work has taken place and many of the old electric cables have been removed, allowing the elegant Sino-Portuguese (often called Sino-Colonial) architecture to be fully appreciated. Thalang Road is now one of the most photographed streets in Phuket.

Many of these shophouses feature covered arcades that connect the buildings, providing shade and shelter for pedestrians — a design influenced by both European (Portuguese and British) and Chinese architecture. The Chinese community played a major role in Phuket’s tin mining industry during the 18th and 19th centuries and were instrumental in shaping the town’s character.

Sunday Walking Street Market – A Must-See Attraction

One of the biggest attractions in Phuket Old Town is the Sunday Walking Street Market, held every Sunday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm along Thalang Road.

During this time, the street is closed to traffic and comes alive with food stalls, local crafts, souvenirs, live performances, and street entertainment. It is one of the most vibrant and popular events on the island for both visitors and locals and is an excellent way to experience the culture, food, and atmosphere of Phuket in one place.

Sino-Colonial Mansions

Another architectural highlight of Phuket Old Town is the impressive Sino-Colonial mansions, which were once the homes of wealthy Chinese tin barons and merchants. A prime example is the Blue Elephant Governor’s Mansion on Krabi Road, now a well-known restaurant and heritage site.

Museums and Cultural Sights

If you have time, visit the Phuket Thai Hua Museum on Krabi Road. Built in 1911 as a Chinese school, it now showcases Phuket’s fascinating history and Chinese heritage.

Other Sightseeing Highlights

• Queen Sirikit Park (at the eastern end of Thalang Road) is a small park built to commemorate her 72nd birthday. The large golden dragon sculpture at the entrance makes a great photo spot. Nearby you will find the Phuket Tourist Information Centre.
• Wat Mongkol Nimit on Dibuk Road, opposite Soi Romanee, is one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Phuket Town and features classic Thai temple architecture.
• The Old Phuket Post Office, built in 1932 at the corner of Thalang and Montri Road, is now home to Phuket’s Philatelic Museum.
• The historic On On Hotel on Phang Nga Road became famous after appearing in the movie The Beach. Although the film suggested it was in Bangkok, filming actually took place here in Phuket Old Town
  Originally opened in 1929, On On Hotel — now known as The Memory at On On Hotel — is Phuket’s oldest hotel. Its charming Sino-Portuguese architecture and vintage interiors were featured in the 2000 film The Beach, making it a popular landmark for visitors exploring Phuket Old Town
  
  

• Thavorn Hotel on Ratsada Road is Phuket’s oldest hotel and houses an interesting collection of antiques and photographs that reflect Phuket’s past.

Phuket Old Town offers a rich blend of history, architecture, culture, and local life, making it one of the most rewarding places to explore on the island.