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  4. Phuket Old Town, Thailand: Explore A Historical District

Phuket Old Town, Thailand: Explore a Historical District

Phuket Old Town
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Dwaraka
Sumeet
Sunil
10000+ itineraries curated and counting
Dwaraka
Sumeet
Sunil
10000+ itineraries curated and counting

Phuket has a rich history and cultural background in addition to being home to some of Thailand's most breathtaking natural landmarks. The historical heart of Phuket Town, Phuket Old Town, was established at the height of the 19th-century tin mining boom. Excellent mansions and beautifully preserved shophouses designed in the Sino-colonial architectural style can be found in this neighbourhood. This location has maintained its old-world charm despite being affected by the modern tourism wave, which resulted in the construction of numerous restaurants, bars, and boutiques, and is one of the best places to visit in Phuket. In this article, we'll go over some of the top ways to spend your time in Phuket Old Town. Explore Phuket's beauty with our curated India to Phuket tour packages for an unforgettable island getaway.

Why visit Phuket Old Town?

Phuket Old Town is a destination worth visiting if you enjoy retro-styled settings in urban areas. Historic structures and temples abound in Phuket Old Town, making it well worth a visit. The various sites could easily keep you busy for an entire day as you learn about life in ancient Thailand. You can explore the graffiti-covered walls while strolling through the streets, or you can go to the museums to learn more about Phuket Old Town's history and culture. Thai food exploration and market shopping are two must-do activities here. This well-known tourist destination in Phuket will make sure you have the best time doing whatever you want.

Best time to visit Phuket Old Town

Phuket in January

Like other parts of Phuket, Phuket Old Town experiences its best weather in December and January, when visitor numbers are at their peak. Apart from that, the town is usually bustling throughout the year, making it one of those destinations that can be thought of visiting in the offseason if the weather is agreeable. November to April, when there are many festivals and cultural events that are vibrantly celebrated in the city, is generally the best time to visit Phuket Old Town. 

Things to do at Phuket Old Town

Jui Tui Shrine.jpg

Phuket Old Town is a charming historical district in Phuket that is rich in culture, architecture, and local food. There are many things to do in Phuket Old Town, including exploring the vibrant streets, sampling delicious street food, visiting museums and galleries, and shopping for local souvenirs. Some of the top places to visit in Phuket Old Town include,

  • Thalang Road - A charming street lined with Sino-Portuguese antique homes that have been transformed into shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries. 
  • Phuket Baba Museum - A museum that chronicles the Peranakan community's history and culture.
  • Chinpracha House - A gorgeously restored Sino-Portuguese mansion that provides a window into the early 20th-century lifestyle of a prosperous Chinese family.
  • Thai Hua Museum - This museum, which is housed in a former Chinese language school, explores the history and culture of the Chinese community in Phuket.
  • Jui Tui Shrine - During the yearly Phuket Vegetarian Festival, this Chinese temple, plays a significant part.
  • Phuket Walking Street: One of the best things to do in Phuket Old Town at night is to explore the walking street market and try some delicious street food and shop for souvenirs.
  • Soi Romanee - A narrow street lined with bright Sino-Portuguese shophouses that now serve as stores and cafes and also the most photogenic places of Phuket Old town.

How to Reach Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is located in the centre of Phuket City, which is accessible by various means of transportation. You can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Phuket Old Town. From the airport, it takes approximately 30 minutes by car or taxi. The local buses can take you to Phuket Old Town from other areas of the island. You can catch them at the bus station or flag them down on the street. Renting a motorbike is a popular option in Phuket. You can rent one and drive to the town. Tuk-tuks are a common mode of transportation in Phuket. You can negotiate a fare and take a tuk-tuk to the old town. Below is a list of distances between various tourist destinations and Phuket Old Town for comparison. Explore the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and exotic cuisine with our exclusive Thailand trip package from India, offering an unforgettable journey through this enchanting Southeast Asian destination.

  • Phuket Old Town to Patong beach distance: 15 Km
  • Phuket Old Town to Phuket airport distance: 31 Km
  • Phuket Old Town to Karon beach distance: 17.2 Km
  • Phuket Old Town to Big Buddha  distance:14 Km

Places to stay near Phuket Old Town

Ecoloft hotel

Near Phuket Old Town, there are numerous lodging options for different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular Phuket Old Town hotels and resorts that can be easily accessed include Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Phuket, Royal Phuket City, Ecoloft and Novotel Phuket City. Finding a hotel won't be difficult because there are numerous additional hotels and resorts close to Phuket Old Town that are available based on our needs and budget. 

Places to eat near Phuket Old Town

In Phuket Old Town, there are renowned and well-known restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of delicious Thai and international cuisine-focused dining options. The Blue Elephant Restaurant, Kopitiam by Wilai, Tun ka Cafe One Chun, Lok Tien, The Gallery Cafe, and the Tent are a few of the old-town restaurants in Phuket. In addition to this, there are lots of hotels close to Phuket.

Places to visit near Phuket Old Town

  • Khao Rang

One of the top things to do in Phuket Old Town is to visit the nearby Khao Rang Hill, which provides breathtaking vistas of the island. The hill is conveniently close to Phuket's city centre and is reachable by car or motorcycle. Visitors can take in expansive views of the city, the sea, and the surrounding mountains from a viewpoint at the top of the hill. At Khao Rang, in addition to the viewpoint, there are several other attractions, including a park, a restaurant, and a temple. In conclusion, Khao Rang is a Phuket must-see location because it provides a distinctive perspective of the island and a chance to encounter the local culture.

  • Monkey Hill Viewpoint

Hiking through the trails of the Khao To Sae mountains, also referred to as the Monkey Hills, is one of the more laid-back things to do in Phuket. Despite the road up the mountain being passable, it is recommended to walk along it to see many monkeys. Other activities besides seeing the monkeys include going to the Khao To Sae viewpoint and the tiny Chinese temple. Locals can also be seen feeding the monkeys and teaching them to perform tricks in this area. It is advised that visitors to monkey hill use caution when interacting with the young monkeys and stay away from flashing shiny objects.

Frequently Asked Questions about Phuket Old Town
Is Phuket Old town worth a visit?

Yes, Phuket Old Town is worth a visit. It offers a nice contrast to the bustling beaches and tourist hotspots that Phuket is known for, giving visitors a chance to experience a different side of the island.

Where to do shopping in Phuket Old town?

Some of the popular places to go shopping in Phuket Old Town include the Phuket Weekend Market, Robinson Department Store, Soi Romance, and Limelight Avenue.

Get in touchWe’ll start with some questions and get you to the right place.
Dwaraka
Sumeet
Sunil
10000+ itineraries curated and counting
Dwaraka
Sumeet
Sunil
10000+ itineraries curated and counting
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