📝 1. Overview
Old Phuket Town is a vibrant blend of colonial elegance and Thai-Chinese soul. Colorful shophouses, intricate temples, and trendy cafés line the narrow streets of this historical district. Once a tin trading hub, now a cultural playground, this area is perfect for slow walks, street photography, boutique shopping, and sipping iced lattes under pastel archways.
🌟 2. Highlights
🏛️ Sino-Portuguese Architecture: Rainbow rowhouses, tiled corridors, Instagram heaven
🎨 Street Art Alleys: Murals, interactive graffiti, and hidden art
🛕 Thai-Chinese Temples: Serene shrines tucked into busy blocks
☕ Heritage Cafés: Brew bars in vintage shophouses
🛍️ Indy Markets: Local crafts, vintage clothes, and creative vibes
🎭 Thai Baba Culture: The island’s multicultural past still alive
🗺️ 3. Zones in Old Phuket Town
Zone | What to Expect |
---|---|
Thalang Rd | Most iconic street, Sunday market, colorful buildings |
Dibuk & Krabi Rd | Cute cafés, museums, and colonial charm |
Soi Rommanee | Romantic alley with lights and restored shophouses |
Limelight Ave Area | Modern meets heritage—indie shops, bakeries |
Shrine Circuit | Temples like Jui Tui & Sang Tham for local spirituality |
🎟️ 4. Tickets & Passes – Popular Attractions
Attraction | Price (Adult) | Opening Hours |
---|---|---|
Thai Hua Museum | 200 THB | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mon) |
Chinpracha House | 150 THB | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Jui Tui Shrine | Free | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Phuket Baba Museum | Free | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mon) |
🟠 Most temples are free, but small donations are appreciated
💡 5. Tips
📸 Early morning = soft light and quiet streets for photos
☀️ Bring a hat & water—it gets hot, even in the shade
🎭 Check event calendars—street festivals & parades happen often
📍 Join a walking tour to dive deeper into Baba-Peranakan culture
🛍️ Sunday Walking Street Market (5–9 PM) is a must-visit
🍽️ 6. Must-Try Foods in Old Phuket Town
🍜 Hokkien Mee – Stir-fried egg noodles with seafood in rich broth
🍧 O-Aew – Local shaved ice dessert with jelly & red beans
🥚 Moo Hong – Slow-braised pork belly in black pepper soy sauce
🍤 Phuket Dim Sum – Morning ritual at local eateries
☕ Thai Coffee or Cold Brew – From heritage cafés like “The Old Place”
🏨 7. Recommended Hotels (Top 3 Picks)
🏨 The Memory at On On Hotel
→ Oldest hotel in Phuket, featured in The Beach movie. Colonial & charming.
🛏️ Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel
→ Cozy, classy, right on Thalang Road with garden café.
🎒 EcoLoft Hotel
→ Trendy, budget-friendly stay with rooftop terrace and art decor.
🚗 8. Access
📍 From Major Airports
Phuket Intl Airport (HKT) → Old Town: ~45–60 min by taxi (~700–900 THB)
📍 Getting Around
🚶 Perfect for walking—small streets, easy navigation
🚖 Local taxis or Grab for longer distances
🛵 Scooter rental available but traffic can be tight
🌐 9. Contact / Info
🔗 Phuket Tourism
📞 Info Line: +66 76 211 036
📍 Info Booth: Near Thai Hua Museum & at Sunday Market entrance