Phuket, an island renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, also boasts a hidden treasure in its heart – the Old Phuket Town. A mosaic of cultural heritages, Old Phuket Town is a captivating blend of history and modernity, making it a must-visit for any traveler. This comprehensive guide delves into the essence of Old Phuket Town, offering a well-rounded walking tour that uncovers the rich tapestry of its streets, landmarks, and local life.
Phuket Old Town Walking Tour Summary
| Places to Visit | Notable Landmarks and Details | Time and Total Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Thalang Road | Begin your journey at Thalang Road, the cultural epicenter of Phuket Town. Here, you’ll encounter the lively Walking Street Market, the charming China Inn, and local favorites like Koptiam and Wilai. | Walk time: Around 9 minutes Total Distance: 600 Metres |
| Soi Romanee | Stroll down Soi Romanee, a street rich in history and color. Visit the serene Wat Mongkol Nimit Temple and take a quick peek at the Honda Motorbike Showroom, showcasing a unique blend of old and new. | Walk time: Around 4 minutes Total Distance: 125 Metres |
| Phang Nga Road | Continue to Phang Nga Road, where historical landmarks await. Discover the On On Hotel, Shrine of Light, the bustling Amulet Market, Old Standard Chartered Bank Museum, and the captivating Peranakan Itat Museum. | Walk Time: Around 19 minutes Total Distance: 1.4 km |
| Dibuk Road | Dibuk Road offers a sensory delight with the Pink Flamingo Cafe, the traditional Lock Tien Restaurant, and The Charm Phuket, a fusion of art and dining. | Walk Time: Around 7-8 minutes Total Distance: 800 Metres |
| Yaowarat Road | Yaowarat Road is a testament to local life and heritage. Visit Limpanon House, sample local delicacies at Kanom Jeen Shop, and unwind at Endless Summer Coffee Shop. | Walk Time: Around 21 minutes Total Distance: 1.5 km |
| Krabi Road | Krabi Road is a historical haven, housing the Thai Hua Museum, the elegant Phuket-the Chinpracha Mansion, the renowned Blue Elephant Restaurant, and the Luang Amnart Nararak Mansion. | Walk time: Around 9 minutes Total Distance: 600 Metres |
| Ratsada Road | Discover hidden stories on Ratsada Road with a visit to the Thavorn Museum and the enigmatic Old Mansion, each offering a unique glimpse into Phuket’s past. | Walk time: Around 6 minutes Total Distance: 350 Metres |
| Phuket Road | Phuket Road is a blend of nightlife and culture. Stop by Quip Rooftop Bar for panoramic views, explore the Wanlamun Shop, and dine at One Chun Local Restaurant for authentic Thai flavors. | Walk time: Around 10 minutes Total Distance: 700 Metres |
| Ranong Road | Conclude your tour at Ranong Road, home to the vibrant Phuket City Market, the traditional Lor Rong Market, and the spiritual Jui Tui Shrine. | Walk time: Around 12 minutes Total Distance: 850 Metres |
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Hai Leng Ong Statue (Golden Dragon Statue)
Standing majestically at the entrance of Queen Sirikit Park, the Golden Dragon Statue is a symbol deeply rooted in the island’s lore. This golden-hued sculpture of a dragon emerging from the water is more than just an artistic marvel; it’s a cultural cornerstone for the local community, especially those of Chinese descent.
The park surrounding the statue is a serene space, where the tale of the Hai Leng Ong is illustrated through captivating artwork. Visitors can learn how the dragon’s mythical anatomy intertwines with Phuket’s geography, adding a mystical layer to the island’s charm.
Thalang Road: The Beating Heart of Phuket’s History
The Historic Shophouses of Thalang Road
Thalang Road, stretching between Thepkassatri and Yaowarat roads, is a living museum. This area, bustling with history, showcases early 20th-century shophouse architecture, a testament to the tin mining era’s prosperity. One such example is a century-old shop, its shelves laden with history.
The Culinary and Artistic Soul
At the intersection, the Chino Cafe Gallery beckons. This cafe, soon to host a gallery, celebrates local talent with photographs adorning its walls. Further down the road, culinary delights await at Wilai and Kopitiam, offering delectable Thai dishes at affordable prices. The China Inn Cafe, housed in a beautifully renovated Chinese-style shophouse, presents a more upscale dining experience.
Read More: Restaurants in Phuket Town: Thai & More – Full Guide 2024
A Melange of Cultures and Trades
In the vicinity of the China Inn Cafe, a discreet Chinese shrine offers a quiet place of reverence. The road is lined with Muslim fabric shops, tool shops, quaint guesthouses, bookstores, boutiques, and numerous cafes. Notable establishments include Nguan Choon Tong, Phuket’s oldest herb store, and the historic China Inn, a former foreign money exchange, now a chic café.
Architectural Wonders of Thalang Road
The uniform design of Thalang Road’s shophouses, with their long, narrow structure and tiny facades, reveals architectural ingenuity. These buildings, with their distinctive doors and windows, create a rhythmic visual harmony along the street, while the archways provide shelter and a space for commerce.
Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market
Every Sunday, Thalang Road transforms into the bustling Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market. From 4 pm onwards, the street is alive with stalls offering everything from local snacks to unique souvenirs. This market is a feast for the senses and a must-visit for those seeking to experience the vibrant local culture.
Oasis Walking Street
Connecting Thalang Road to Phang Nga Road, Oasis Walking Street is a treasure trove of local snacks and original souvenirs. This passageway is not just a shopping haven but also a respite from the tropical heat or sudden downpours.
As you wander through the streets of Old Phuket Town, each corner unveils a story, each shop whispers tales of the past, and every bite of local cuisine speaks of the island’s rich cultural tapestry. This walking tour is not just a journey through Phuket’s streets; it’s a voyage through time, culture, and culinary delights.
Read also: Thalang Walking Street in Phuket Old Town & Its Roads 2024
Soi Romanee: A Colorful Mosaic of Phuket’s Past and Present
Nestled just off the bustling Thalang Road is Soi Romanee, a street that stands as a vivid testament to Phuket’s historical transformation. Known for its brightly colored buildings and picturesque charm, Soi Romanee was once the epicenter of Phuket’s red-light district and gambling scene. Today, it has evolved into a vibrant hub of cafes, guesthouses, and an ever-present Instagram-friendly backdrop.
The Revival of Rommanee Lane
Rommanee Lane, a jewel in the heart of Phuket Town’s Old Town, is a celebration of Sino-Portuguese architecture. This once notorious lane has been rejuvenated into a quaint street, bustling with boutique cafes and trendy shops. The beautifully restored buildings along Rommanee Lane, with their intricate facades and vibrant hues, are a nod to Phuket’s colonial past, blending seamlessly with contemporary establishments.
A Nighttime Wonderland
As night falls, Rommanee Lane transforms under the soft glow of Chinese lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. The street becomes a photographer’s paradise, with the warm light accentuating the architectural beauty and inviting leisurely strolls.
Spiritual Heritage at Wat Mongkol Nimit
At the end of Soi Romanee lies Wat Mongkol Nimit, a golden Chedi-studded temple significant to the local community. With beautiful heritage houses serving as monk dormitories, the temple offers a serene and spiritual experience.
Read More: Thai Temples in Phuket: A Full Guide for Tourists (2024)
Phang Nga Road: A Tapestry of History and Culture
On On Hotel: From Movie Fame to Heritage Landmark
The On On Hotel, famously depicted in “The Beach,” has a remarkable story. Once a budget hotel in disrepair, it underwent extensive renovations in 2013. Today, it stands as a beautifully restored budget hotel, retaining its cultural essence.
Read More: 20 Best Hotels in Phuket Town: Budget, Historical & Luxury Stay 2024
Shrine of the Serene Light: Unveiling the Hidden
Adjacent to the On On Hotel is the Shrine of the Serene Light. Long hidden behind a building and known only to locals, the shrine has been revealed and restored, becoming a significant landmark with its untouched charm.
The Amulet Market: A Hub of Mystique
Opposite the hotel is the amulet market, a haven for enthusiasts. Here, rare amulets are exchanged and discussed, their value often steeped in age, origin, and spiritual significance.
Peranakan Ittat Museum and the Old Standard Chartered Bank
The end of Phang Nga Road features the Clocktower building, previously a police station, now the Peranakanittat Museum. Across the street is the former Standard Chartered Bank, another historical gem now serving as a museum.
Read also: 12 Best Museums in Phuket: Art, History & Entertainment 2024
Phang Nga Road: A Mélange of Heritage and Commerce
Lined with tailors, sweetshops, and art galleries, Phang Nga Road is a testament to Phuket’s Chinese heritage. Historic sites like the old cobbler shop, a noodle house, and the juxtaposition of a defunct bank and a police station narrate stories of Phuket’s past, where security and commerce intertwined.
Dibuk Road: A Stroll Through History and Gastronomy
Dibuk Road, a charming street in Phuket Old Town, offers a delightful walk through beautifully renovated Chinese-style houses and a bustling two-way street.
The Culinary Delights of Dibuk Road
At the T-junction with Satun Road lies Pheteow Noodle Shop, a local favorite known for its bustling lunchtime crowd. Continuing along Dibuk Road, visitors can admire more of the classic shophouse architecture, characterized by archways designed for shelter from the elements. These shophouses are not just architectural marvels but also host a variety of shops offering typical Phuket sweets and bread.
Evening Gastronomy
As the day transitions to evening, The Charm Phuket emerges as a culinary destination, offering exceptional Phuket cuisine in a newly renovated setting. Further down the road, at the intersection with Yaowarat Road, is Lock Tien Restaurant, a trendy local food court known for unique Phuket specialties. Opposite Lock Tien is the Pink Flamingo Cafe, a quaint coffee shop that once served as the headquarters of the Kian Nguan Mining Company during the tin mining boom.
Read also: Thai Restaurants in Phuket: Best Local Food & Eateries 2024
Yaowarat Road: A Fusion of History and Modernity
A Journey from the Bus Station
Starting from the bus station and walking towards the fountain circle, turning left leads you to Yaowarat Road. Here, one can find the Limpanon House, an abandoned Sino-Portuguese mansion that adds a mysterious charm to the street. Across the street, an old pharmacy sells traditional remedies from wooden drawers, providing a glimpse into Phuket’s past.
Antique Shops and Traditional Treats
Further along Yaowarat Road, antique shops like the Kanom Jeen Shop offer excellent photo opportunities with their traditional and vintage ambiance. Nearby, the pharmacy with its wooden drawers offers a unique snapshot of traditional medicine. If you plan to take photos, a purchase is a courteous gesture, as the shop is more frequented by photographers than shoppers.
The Thalang Intersection
Approaching the Thalang intersection, the street offers an array of Phuket specialty cakes and pastries, including the refreshing Ice Kachang, perfect for cooling down. Opposite is the ancient Lock Tien food court, a must-visit for a taste of local cuisine.
The Other Side of Yaowarat Road
Crossing the intersection, the other side of Yaowarat Road features well-maintained small mansions, including the charming Endless Summer coffee shop and boutique. This area of Old Phuket Town has seen many shophouses transformed into coffee shops, heritage hotels, and guesthouses, blending the historical with the contemporary.
Krabi Road: A Journey Through Phuket’s Architectural Splendor
Thai Hua Museum: A Window to Phuket’s Past
Turn left onto Krabi Road and be greeted by the exquisite Thai Hua Museum, a vital landmark detailing Phuket’s evolution. A visit to this museum offers a deeper understanding of the island’s history and cultural heritage.
Blue Elephant Restaurant and Chinpracha Mansion
Further along, at the Satun road intersection, stands the Blue Elephant Restaurant, housed in a former governor’s mansion within a lush park. Renowned for its upscale Thai cuisine and cooking classes, the restaurant offers a glimpse into Phuket’s luxurious side. Adjacent lies the Chinpracha Mansion, a privately-owned museum with a storied past, featured in several films.
Luang Amnart Nararak Mansion
Turning right from Blue Elephant into Satun Road and then back into Dibuk Road, you’ll find the Luang Amnart Nararak Mansion, a beautifully preserved example of Sino-Portuguese architecture.
Yaowarat Road: A Blend of Gastronomy and Culture
From Thalang Road to Krabi Road
Journey back to Yaowarat Road for a culinary treat at the local Chinese restaurant serving moo hong (slow-boiled sweet pork). Nearby alleys like Soon Utis Lane offer delightful desserts. A right turn leads back to Krabi Road, where a quaint secondhand bookstore and the Thai Hua Museum await.
Phra Phitak Chyn Pracha Mansion
Crossing Satun Road, the Phra Phitak Chyn Pracha Mansion stands as a significant angmor-lao residence, a remnant of Phuket’s tin mining era. Further along is Chyn Pracha House, another splendid mansion open for exploration with a small donation.
Sam San Shrine: A Sea Goddess’s Abode
Don’t miss the Sam San Shrine, dating back to 1853 and dedicated to the sea Goddess Matsu. It plays a vital role in blessing ceremonies for new vessels, embodying Phuket’s seafaring legacy.
Ratsada Road: Unveiling Phuket’s Eccentric Side
Walking back through Phuket Road, Ratsada Road unveils two unique structures. The Thavorn Museum, nestled in the island’s first hotel, displays an eclectic collection of antiques and memorabilia. Behind it, a splendid old mansion stands, a hidden gem often open for exploration.
Phuket Road: A Gastronomic Haven
Phuket Road, while not rich in landmarks, is crucial for connecting Thalang and Ratsada Roads. It is home to the Casa Blanca hotel, the Quip Rooftop Bar, and One Chun Local Restaurant, recognized in the Phuket Michelin Guide. The Wanlamun Shop also offers an array of delectable Thai sweets.
Ranong Road: A Market of Wonders and Spiritual Heartbeat
The Gateway to Phuket City Market
Arriving in town via the local blue bus brings you to Ranong Road, adjacent to Phuket City Market. This market is a kaleidoscope of fresh produce, spices, and local specialties.
Jui Tui Shrine: A Spiritual Hub
Ranong Road is also known for the colorful Jui Tui Shrine, the center of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Here, visitors can seek guidance from the shrine’s oracle using bamboo blocks. Beside it is the ancient Pud Jow (God Talks) Taoist temple, adding to the road’s spiritual significance.
Conclusion: Phuket Old Town Walking Tour
In summary, Krabi, Yaowarat, Ratsada, Phuket, and Ranong Roads in Phuket Old Town each offer unique insights into the island’s rich history, architectural beauty, culinary diversity, and spiritual heritage. These roads are not just pathways but stories woven into the fabric of Phuket, inviting travelers to explore and immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of local life and culture.
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