OLD PHUKET TOWN

Phuket Old Town is a unique location that takes you on a cultural walk in the midst of traditional architecture, lively shophouses and buzzing markets. It is a heritage rich Sino Portuguese locality that features stunning colonial buildings, holy shrines and souvenir shops. The cafes and restaurants at Phuket Old Town are a must-visit as they serve the best authentic Thai food.

Old Phuket Town happens to be a place that takes you down in the memory lane on a cultural walk through some of the beautiful traditional architectures and marketplaces. The township is located on the eastern side of Phuket Island and is considered to be the capital of various shades of culture. Adding this place to your Thailand travel packages, you will get a chance to enjoy the traditional and Sino-Portuguese architecture. The township was brought into being in the 19th century and it has been able to earn a good name from the tin trade. 

Old Phuket township is also very much famous for being home to a number of cafes and restaurants that delight the taste buds of visitors with unique local delicacies like Dubik, Ranong, Rasada, Yaowarat, Krabi and Thalang. You will truly be amazed by the rich flavour of Thailand as well as get a chance to explore the exquisite combination of fresh ingredients and species. 

Old Phuket town can also be considered as a paradise for history and photography buffs. The township is home to some of the age-old structures and heritage sites giving a chance to the visitors to trace facts and capture some of the best pictures to cherish the moments.

Highlights

• Get to see a plethora of Sino-Portuguese style structures on the streets
• Relish delectable Thai cuisines at some of the excellent local Thai restaurants
• Chill out at the colorful shops and young coffee shops
• Take a tour of the Thai Temples and colorful Chinese shrines
• Stroll along some of the age old exhibition halls and beautiful old mansions.
• Shop till you drop at the local marketplaces
• Head out on a photographic tour of the township

How To Reach

Rental Service: To reach Phuket Old Town, one can hire private taxis or motorbikes. However, these options can be costly. 

Public Transport: The cheapest way to reach Phuket Old Town is to use public transport like tuk-tuks and local buses called songthaews. The local bus station is located on the Ranong Road in Phuket Old Town near the Central Market from where songthaews run to all important pickup points of the city. Blue songthaews link all major beaches in Phuket with Phuket Old Town.

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Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Phuket Old Town is during the winter months of October to February when the weather is pleasant enough to explore the area. The locality is highly crowded and hence early morning visits are preferred. If you do not want to walk in the heat, you can go in the evenings.

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Other Essential Information

Here is the list of streets to explore in Old Phuket Town

1.Thalang Road: This street is probably the most iconic market in the entire Phuket. All the shops and houses on this road are redecorated in the same sino-Portuguese design as they used to be earlier. The colorful ambiance of this road is a major picture hotspot for the tourists visiting Phuket. Having almost everything in its busy lane, Thalang Road must be visited for its enchanting cafes and retro-style boutiques, and Chinese pharmacies.

2. Soi Romanee: Soi Romanee is a small lane connecting Thalang Road with Dibuk Road. Once famous for its red-light areas and gambling pockets, the street now hosts a peaceful line of cafes and comfortable guest houses. Also, Wat Mongkol Nimit ( An old Buddhist temple) is situated just at the end of Soi Romanee.Local Phuket people come here to perform their ceremonies. It also has some gorgeous heritage homes which are being used by the monks as their dormitories.

3. Phang Nga Road: The three features of Phang Nga street are the Shrine of the Serene Light, the ornament market, and the On On Hotel. This hotel has an interesting story, it is the same hotel that was shown in the movie ‘The Beach’. However, it was renovated in 2013 and was given a completely different look to entertain and attract tourists.Nearby On On Hotel, the Shrine of the Serene Light has recently become a tourist spot as it was earlier unnoticed.Other major attractions are the Amulet market and the Clocktower building at the end.

4. Dibuk Road: To arrive at Yaowarat from the bus stop, stroll against the traffic stream toward the fountain and turn left. In front of it are classic-fashioned shops worth halting at.One is an old Kanom Jeen shop in its unique condition, making it an astonishing photograph opportunity. Close to it is additionally an antiquated drug store (Y) with astounding dry roots and fixing kept in 100 wooden drawers.

5. Yaowarat Road: You can visit big shops and houses all along Krabi Road which is famous for its high-end shopping. The major attraction here includes the Thai Hua Museum having artifacts and texts related to the history of Phuket. The next major stop to visit is The Elephant Restaurant. This grand luxurious structure used to be the governor’s residence earlier which is now turned into a fancy restaurant and bar. You can also check the souvenir shop located inside the mansion to get anything for your home.

6. Krabi Road: This broad alley extends your views to classic shophouses and historic structures. It is also known for shops selling local Phuket bread. The Charm Phuket happens to be the most popular restaurant on this street due to its bold sino-Portuguese architecture and expertise in local Thai food.The other go-to places are Lock-Tien restaurant on the Dybbuk-Yaowarat intersection and also the Pink Flamingo cafe which earlier used to be the headquarters of Kian Nguan mining company.

7. Ratsada Road: In case that you decide to trail back through Phuket street, you will venture back two structures intriguing in a strange manner. The first is the particular Thavorn exhibition hall, covered up inside the Thavorn lodging, likely the principal inn on the island.The historical center comprises generally a bizarre collection of old toys, photographs, and a pile of stuff from an infamous past of Phuket, a large portion of which are the old mechanical equipment utilized and the accommodation history. It's somewhat fun and extremely creepy!

8. Phuket Road: The Phuket road as the name suggests is the main street of the town of Old Phuket. The major objective it fulfills is to connect Thalang Road and Ratsada Road.However, you can still check some decent places like Casa Blanca hotel, Quip rooftop bar, and One Chun local restaurant.

9. Ranong Road: This road acts as the pick and drop point for visitors who are coming to old Phuket by local blue bus. The main building of the bus station is too beautiful for its white Portuguese-inspired design.The Thai Airways office is a beautiful mansion where you can click pictures. But do keep in mind that entry to the main building is prohibited for visitors. If you keep walking down the lane for some more minutes, you will reach Jui Tui shrine where you can come to take blessings or meditate.

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Places to Shop in Old Phuket Town

1. Sunday Walking Street Market: Sunday Walking Street Market gives you a varied selection of curios and secondhand items to shop. This is a bustling marketplace that you must visit during your trip.

2. Limelight Avenue Phuket: Limelight Avenue Phuket happens to be a compact mall with a supermarket. You will come across casual dining places, kid entertainment hubs, and massage places.

3. Ban Boran Textiles: Ban Boran Textile is a popular place for shopping where local artisans make fine silk and cotton clothing. This is one of the most renowned boutiques in Old Phuket Town.

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Places Eat in Old Phuket Town 

1. One Chun Café & Restaurant: One Chun cafe and restaurant is a family friendly place located at the intersection of Thepkasattri and Dibuk roads in Phuket Old Town. This place is extremely trendy for its authentic southern thai cuisine, relaxed atmosphere and vintage decor.

2. La Gaetana Restaurant: La Gaetana Restaurant happens to be a 2 storey restaurant that is very much famous for its authentic Thai cuisine, lively atmosphere and highly personalized service.

3. Raya Restaurant: Raya Restaurant is considered to be one of the best places to relish authentic Thai Cuisine in Old Phuket Town. This restaurant dates to almost the 20th century and is much more than just a restaurant. Tourists consider it as dining at the museum. 

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