Phuket Old Town

As soon as my eyes caught sight of the colorful buildings that seemed to transport me to the streets of Cuba, I knew that a visit to Phuket Old Town was an absolute must during my time in Phuket. While my friends raved about the renowned Night Market that takes place in Phuket Old Town every Sunday, my passion for architecture led me to explore the town’s enchanting streets during the daylight hours. 

The architecture, a mix of Chinese and Portuguese influences, was truly unique. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to capture some truly Instagram-worthy shots amidst the backdrop of the town’s picturesque buildings.

Given the immense popularity of Thailand as a tourist destination, particularly in bustling areas like Phuket and Krabi, I was pleasantly surprised to find that strolling through Phuket Town during the day was a relatively peaceful experience. It was a refreshing change of pace from the busy beaches, and I appreciated the chance to delve into the history and culture of Phuket in such a serene setting. 

Exploring Phuket Old Town was a delightful experience, despite the scorching temperatures limiting our time to just 2 hours. The charming streets lined with colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings exuded a unique charm that transported us back in time.

This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. As an Amazon Associate, I get a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Plan your trip like a PRO with these helpful websites:

🛫 Fly with Aegean Airlines (Greece), search best flights on Kiwi
✈️ Secure airport parking on Airport Parking with Us, Airport Parking Manchester, Airport Parking Luton
🚕 Find transfers and airport services on GetTransfer
🚗 Rent a car from Rentalcars, Discover Cars
🚆 Buy train tickets on Rail Europe, Omio, Trainline
🚌 Book cheap bus tickets on Busbud
⛴️ Travel by Ferry with DFDS
🛏️ Find the best hotels' offers on Agoda, Booking, Hostelword
📖 Read Hotel's Reviews on Tripadvisor
🏞️ Travel with G Adventures in small groups worldwide
🤳 Visit the most popular attractions with Get Your Guide and Viator
🌎 Choose SafetyWing - the best travel insurance for Nomads
🗽 Save up to 50% on attractions with GoCity
🛒 Buy Travel Gear before your trip 
Amazon US
Amazon UK

Where to Stay in Phuket Old Town?

Woo Gallery Boutique Hotel is a top choice for accommodation in Phuket Old Town. It offers a unique experience, resembling a stay in a museum. Located just a short walk from Phuket Old Town City Hall, guests can easily explore many nearby attractions. 

For those looking for a budget-friendly option, Baan Sutra Guesthouse is a great choice. The guesthouse, painted in pastel blue, is situated near Mongkhon Nimit Temple. Despite being affordable, guests can still enjoy a comfortable stay while exploring the charm of Phuket Old Town.

Whether you prefer the artistic ambiance of Woo Gallery Boutique Hotel or the budget-friendly convenience of Baan Sutra Guesthouse, I highly recommend booking at least one night in Phuket Old Town. This unique location will allow you to truly immerse in the culture of Thailand.

Attractions in Phuket Old Town

1

↓

Phuket Old Town City Hall

When we visited Phuket, one of the must-see attractions was the iconic Promthep Clock Tower. Its construction dates back to the early 1900s, with the intention of serving as a timekeeping device for the town. However, due to budget constraints, a clock has not been installed for a long time, leading to confusion among the townspeople about the accurate time.

Interestingly, it took a long 40 years before a clock was finally acquired for the tower. Unfortunately, during its transportation from Penang to Phuket, the clock met an unfortunate fate and sank to the bottom of the ocean. 

Nevertheless, in 1976, thanks to the generous donations from Phuket’s Lions’ Club, the Promthep Clock Tower was finally adorned with a functioning clock, fulfilling its original purpose.

2

↓

Aungku Phuket

As we were leisurely walking down the vibrant Thalang Rd, we stumbled upon a hidden gem in Phuket Old Town called Aungku Phuket. This charming bakery instantly caught my attention with its enchanting decor of pink roses, making it an absolute haven for tourists seeking Instagram-worthy photos.

What truly impressed me were the cleverly placed mirrors adorning the building facade, surrounded by the delicate roses, creating an ideal backdrop for capturing stunning photos. Despite the bustling crowd, I couldn’t resist the temptation and decided to patiently wait my turn, knowing that the end result would be a collection of breathtaking photographs from my trip to Thailand.

When it comes to the menu, this bakery truly knows how to impress. The pastries are simply breathtaking, with each one looking like a work of art. What makes this place even more special is the fact that edible flowers are used to decorate every order.

3

↓

Sino-Portuguese Architecture

Exploring the ancient town of Phuket is like stepping back in time to when it was a bustling hub for tin mining and trade. Back in the days of Western imperialism, around 1511 (2054 BE), the Portuguese arrived in Phuket. They didn’t just bring their goods, but also their way of life, religion, and unique architectural designs. To construct their homes and businesses, the Portuguese settlers enlisted the help of Chinese laborers. The result was a beautiful blend of Portuguese and Chinese architectural elements, creating the distinctive Sino-Portuguese style that still stands today.

As I was walking down Phangnga Rd, my eyes were drawn to a strikingly tall bank building that stood out against the clear blue sky. The white facade of the building provided a stunning backdrop for the outfit I had carefully selected for my visit to Phuket Old Town.

I highly recommend this dress and matching shoes that I always pack along with travel accessories for women. This outfit was comfortable for exploring the town on foot, but it also complemented the elegant vibe of the old buildings in the area.

As I strolled near Phuket Old Town City Hall, I stumbled upon another bank building that immediately caught my attention. The Government Savings Bank on Phangnga Rd felt more like a palace than just a regular bank branch. Its location near the Phuket Old Town City Hall added to its significance, as it seemed to symbolize the intersection of tradition and progress in the bustling city.

4

↓

Mongkhon Nimit Temple

When I explored Phuket Old Town, I was amazed by the vibrant and colorful buildings that line the streets. However, amidst all the colorful architecture, one of the most beautiful sights is the traditional Thai Buddhist temple, Wat Mongkol Nimit.

This temple, which was built in 1880, holds a special place in the heart of Phuket Town. Originally known as Wat Klang, which means middle in Thai, Wat Mongkol Nimit is a serene and peaceful place that offers a glimpse into the rich religious and cultural heritage of Thailand.

When you decide to visit Wat Mongkol Nimit, make sure to dress appropriately out of respect for the sacred space. It is important to wear clothing that covers the knees, such as trousers or a skirt, and to ensure that shoulders and upper arms are modestly covered.

5

↓

Saeng Tham Shrine

The striking Chinese gate adorned with dragons and red lanterns was in fact the first attraction that caught our eyes in Phuket Old Town. As we walked through the gate, we discovered a hidden gem – a quaint Chinese shrine tucked away in a narrow street just off Phangnga Rd.

As we made our way to Saeng Tham Shrine, we decided to stop and admire the beautiful Chinese street art that adorned the building. We posed in front of the artwork, as we tried to find the perfect angle for our photos.

When we reached Saeng Tham it was fascinating to learn that the shrine was originally called Sin Jia Geng and was established by the Tan Luan Jae family, who were descendants of the Hokkien Chinese. They built this sacred place of worship in the year 2434 B.E (A.D. 1891) with the intention of honoring their ancestral gods. The shrine’s architecture and design reflect the traditional Hokkien style, with terracott-tiled roof. 

6

↓

72nd Anniversary Queen Sirikit Park

Back in 2004, Queen Sirikit was celebrating her 72nd birthday. During that time, Mr. Phumisak Hongyok, an army lieutenant and the mayor of Phuket, proposed a project to create a beautiful green space in Phuket in honor of the Queen. This project, known as “Queen Sirikit Garden,” received support from Mr. Udomsak Asawarangkoon, the governor of Phuket.

As I approached the entrance of Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket Town, my eyes were immediately drawn to the magnificent sight of a dragon statue. Its golden hue glistens under the sunlight, giving it an imposing presence.

When I visited the Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket Town, I was pleasantly surprised to also discover Chinese gate and a Tourist Information Centre. These additional features added depth and character to the park, making it more than just a green space.

7

↓

Street Art in Phuket Old Town 

Exploring the streets of Phuket Old Town was an exciting adventure for me. Everywhere I turned, there seemed to be a new piece of street art waiting to be discovered. It’s like a treasure hunt, with vibrant murals popping up unexpectedly at every corner.

Normally, I would meticulously search for every mural, determined to see as much as I could. However, the intense heat in Thailand made us rethink our strategy. Rather than pushing ourselves to the limit, we opted for a more relaxed approach, simply enjoying the spontaneous experience of wandering through the picturesque Phuket Old Town.

The murals on Dibuk Rd in Phuket Old Town truly captured my attention as I explored the area. Each mural seemed to have its own story to tell, inviting passersby to pause and appreciate the artistry.

Phuket Old Town is a haven for street art enthusiasts like myself. As someone who appreciates the beauty and creativity of street art, I love sharing my experiences and discoveries with fellow art lovers through my articles. Whether it’s the colorful murals of Holbox in Mexico or the thought-provoking graffiti in Liverpool, England, I enjoy taking my readers on a virtual journey to explore the diverse world of street art.

8

↓

Thalang Rd in Phuket Old Town 

Thalang Road is the heart and soul of Phuket‘s Old Town. There are charming cafes, trendy boutiques, and few restaurants that line its sidewalks. And the best part? You will find there affordable accommodations like the cozy 99 Oldtown Boutique Guesthouse.

9

↓

Soi Rommani

Exploring Soi Rommani is an essential part of Phuket Old Town experience. It is truly one of the most stunning streets in Phuket Old Town, with its pink building adorned with golden decorations. The beauty of Soi Rommani never fails to captivate, inviting its visitors to delve deeper into its history and culture.

10

↓

Phangnga Rd

Phang Nga Road is a historical street in Old Phuket Town that runs parallel to the well-known Thalang Road. It may not be as popular as Soi Rommani or Thalang Road, but the impressive architecture and colorful buildings make it a perfect spot for taking photos.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

MUST HAVE: