Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is the ancient centre of Phuket City, situated on the island's east coast — a quarter that goes as far back as the 1800s and is characterised by a stunning mix of Sino-Portuguese architecture, a maritime past and multiculturalism. The town’s look and layout were influenced by Greco-Roman, Chinese and European styles during the island’s tin mining boom, hence the existence of such elements as elegant shophouses, grand merchant homes, ornate temples and collaborative spaces that reveal their eclectic character through design details, colourful façades and decorative motifs.

Phuket Old Town gives a picture of an era through its well-maintained and walkable streets. Trading posts and warehouses transformed into cafés, temples, local markets, boutique shops and street art, among others, forming a vivid and lively tapestry that is both charmingly old-world and modern at the same time. Many travellers prefer exploring on foot, taking their time to stop for a cup of locally brewed coffee, tasting the street food, taking pictures of the bright murals, and finding the little, often unseen, but still very important cultural places that are hidden between historical boulevards.

Interesting Fact: The historical architecture of Phuket Old Town is composed of the one and only Sino-Portuguese architectural style, which is a unique fusion — combining Chinese construction styles with European decorative elements — a legacy of the island’s multicultural trade past.

Tip depending on the season: Old Town is a pleasure to visit at any time of the year; however, Sunday evenings — when the famous walking street market is open — are the best time to experience the most vibrant cultural atmosphere and the best street food tasting.

• Sino-Portuguese Shophouses: A row of colourful colonial buildings having elaborate facades and beautified with stucco works.
• Street Art & Murals Photogenic walls everywhere, composed of local and world-famous artists.
• Local Cuisine & Cafés: Well-known Thai dishes, local snacks, and antique coffee houses that are on the walking path.
• Temples & Sacred Sites Shrines of the Buddha and Chinese Gods that the culture regards highly.
• Sunday Walking Street Market: A weekly showcase of culture and a night market with stalls for food, art, performance, and crafts.
• Boutique Shops & Galleries: Handpicked stores presenting vintage items, crafts, clothing, and designs by local artists.
• Cultural Museums: Museums and heritage houses revealing the secrets of Phuket's social and maritime history.

Location: East side of Phuket Island (Phuket City)
 Best for: Cultural exploration, history buff travellers, foodies, photographers
 Suggested Duration: 4–6 hours (half-day walking tour); full day if combining markets and museums

• Jui Tui Shrine: A historic Chinese-Taoist shrine near the old town core.
• Wat Mongkol Wararam: An ornate Buddhist temple nearby.
• Khao Rang Viewpoint: Offers panoramic views of Phuket City.
• Thai Hua Museum: Learn about Phuket’s Chinese community and heritage.
• Local Markets: Daily markets for fresh produce and local products.

Day-Trip Tip: Start your day with a walking tour of the old town, grab lunch at a local café, visit temples and museums, then stay for the Sunday night market for a complete cultural experience.

1. Explore the Historic Shophouses: Take a stroll on the roads aforementioned, and see the shophouses, one of the most beautiful and characteristic of the Sino-Portuguese style. The very beautiful facades are great for taking pictures and very much reveal the heritage of the town.

2. Find Street Art & Murals: Old Town lives with its great and colourful street art. Aerial murals showing life, culture, and odd characters are spread all over the place - definitely for the urban exploration and Instagram-worthy shots.

3. Visit the Temples & Sacred Sites: Visit such sacred places as the Wat Mongkol Wararam and small Chinese temples, where not only believers but also curious tourists share their presence and engagement through prayer, incense, and culture.

4. Have A meal at the Local Cafés and Food Stalls: Old Town is a food paradise for the gourmets. Indulge yourself in local rarities, Thai meals, coffee, desserts, and grilled snacks at age-old cafés and unfrequented lanes.

5. Shop at Boutique Shops & Galleries: Get into the independent boutiques selling extraordinary items, such as rafts, fashion, antiques, artwork, and souvenirs reflecting the multi-layered cultural identity of Phuket.

6. Take Part in the Sunday Street Market Tour: Thalang Road turns every Sunday night into a buzzing and noisy market where the stalls with food, crafts, and live performances are pushed to come back and experience the next typical Sunday evening.

7. Go to Museums & Cultural Centres: Your next stop should be the Thai Hua Museum, plus all the little history exhibits that vividly show the island's tin-mining past, Chinese influence, and colonial heritage.

8. EEnrolin Cultural Workshops & Classes: A few places in town offer short courses in traditional arts, batik painting, traditional snacks, or cultural storytelling, etc, for the travellers who prefer a hands-on experience.

Best Visiting Times:

• Morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM): Quiet streets, cool walking weather
• Lunch to Afternoon (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM): Peak food exploration time
• Late Afternoon to Early Evening (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Golden hour sunlight, ideal for architecture photography
• Sunday Evening (4:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Street market, arts and performances

Best Seasons:

• November–April: Dry season with pleasant walking temperatures
• May–October: Fewer tourists, humidity higher, but still enjoyable with intermittent showers

Suggested Dress: Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, and sun protection for daytime exploration.

From Patong Beach

• Around 45 minutes by taxi or ride-share

From Phuket Airport

• Approximately 50–60 minutes by taxi or private transfer

From Kata / Karon Beach

• Around 50–60 minutes by taxi

Local tuk-tuks and ride-share services are readily available throughout Phuket and can drop you directly into the Old Town precinct.

• Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and capture architectural details in soft light
• Wear comfortable shoes — most exploration is done on foot
• Carry a reusable water bottle — there are many cafés for refills
• Cash is handy for small vendors and markets
• If visiting on Sunday, come before 5 PM for quieter photo opportunities
• Ask café staff for local food recommendations — often the best dishes aren’t on the main menus

Dining Options

• Heritage Cafés – Old shophouses converted into coffee spots with local brews
• Thai Street Food – Offerings include grilled skewers, noodles, roti, tropical fruits, and local desserts
• Fusion & International Cuisine – Boutique restaurants serving modern takes on Thai and global dishes
• Local Bakeries – Pastries, snacks, and traditional sweets

Shopping Options

• Boutique Stores – Fashion, curated design, home décor
• Souvenir Shops – Handmade products, textiles, beachwear
• Art Galleries – Local and contemporary art pieces
• Antique Stores – Historical items and collectables, its blend of culinary and retail experiences, Old Town invites slow exploration while rewarding curiosity.

Morning

• Arrive at Thalang Road and begin with heritage shophouse exploration
•  Stop at a local café for coffee and breakfast
• Visit Wat Mongkol Wararam and other nearby temples

Late Morning

• Wander the streets lined with murals and street art
• Photograph pastel façades and hidden laneways
• Visit boutique shops and art galleries

Lunch

• Enjoy traditional Thai cuisine or fusion dishes at a heritage restaurant
• Try local street snacks passed down through generations

Afternoon

• Explore local markets and hidden cafés
•  Visit the Thai Hua Museum or other cultural centres
• Take a short break at a scenic café with local coffee

Evening (Sunday)

•  Head to Sunday Walking Street Market on Thalang Road
• Sample street food, shop craft stalls, and enjoy live performances
• Watch sunset colours on the old town structures

1. Walk through heritage architecture on Thalang, Dibuk, and Krabi Roads
2. Capture the vibrant street art and murals across the district
3. Visit local temples and cultural centres
4. Dine at a heritage café and sample traditional Thai flavours
5. Experience the Sunday Walking Street Market for food, craft, and performances

Phuket Old Town stands apart as the cultural soul of the island, blending history, art, food, and everyday local life into one walkable experience. Beyond beaches and nightlife, it reveals Phuket’s true heritage through colourful streets, temples, cafés, and markets. A visit here offers a deeper connection, slower travel, and memorable cultural discoveries in 2026. Book Phuket tour packages from Pickyourtrail for a seamless and personalised travel experience.