The Old Town is undoubtedly one of the most exciting places to visit while on vacation in Phuket. You can readily explore the heritage-rich region on foot, and it is densely packed with cafés to keep you cool in the scorching heat.
Break away from the beautiful beaches in Thailand and take a walking tour in Old Town.
History of Phuket’s Old Town in a Nutshell
The island of Phuket was formerly known as a tin mining hub before becoming Thailand’s most popular tourist destination. The Hokkien Chinese brought the shophouse architecture that is so well-known in other Chinese-influenced towns such as Penang, Malaysia, and Singapore, among other places.
Because of the combination of this style with European architecture at the time, the result was an array of colorful and gorgeous structures that now line the significant streets of old Phuket Town.
Best Places to Experience Old Phuket Town
If you happen to be in Phuket during the festival, the Old Town is a terrific spot to stopover. Start at 11 a.m. so that you may include lunch (because Blue Elephant serves unique Royal cuisine). Evening visits are an option if the weather is too hot and you don’t want to be out in the sun all day and all night.
Thai Hua Museum
If you’re in Phuket during the festival, the Old Town is a terrific spot to stop. Starting at 11 am will allow you to include lunch, which is a good time to do so (because Blue Elephant serves unique Royal cuisine). Evening visits are an option if the weather is too hot and you don’t want to stroll about in the sun.
On display at the museum are exhibits on the waves of migrants who came to work on large tin mining operations on the island between 1824 and 1868 and information on their origins and why they came to the island. A fantastic chance to learn about comparable types of architecture in other regions of Asia, such as Penang and Malacca, is provided by this tour guide.
The Memory at On On Hotel
Opening sequences from the film The Beach include the Memory at On On Hotel, which has become well-known. Although it is not one of the most opulent hotels in Phuket, it is an excellent place to come if you want to relive the past. You may find a collection of antiquities from the tin mining heyday throughout the historical hostel.
The On On Hotel was owned by a well-known tin dealer, and it was here that Chinese merchants used to stay in Hong Kong. The bottom level is home to a silk and textile business, which would make for excellent keepsakes for visitors. Booking a private room costs USD35, whereas a bed in their dormitories is far less.
Phra Pitak Chinpracha and the Blue Elephant
The Blue Elephant Governor’s Palace and Cooking School is situated in this 105-year-old mansion in the center of Old Phuket, which serves as the Governor’s residence and cooking school. The restaurant is designed under the principles of Feng Shui and is situated on lush and verdant grounds. Each day’s set dish is exquisitely prepared, pompously delivered, and thoroughly savored in the royal dark wood and blue colonial parlor, which is adorned with excellent cutlery and elephant-decorated tablecloths.
China Inn
Restoration and refurbishment of the 100-year-old structure took the owners three years to complete. The air is filled with Chinese lacquer work, textiles, and antique fans as part of the refurbishment. The Chinese lacquer work, materials, and antique fans that fill the air in this vintage furniture shop, the front café seating area, and the Feng-shui-inspired garden are all well preserved. It took the owners three years to completely renovate and restore this historic shophouse to its former splendor.
Conclusion
Spend some time exploring Old Town Phuket, which is perfect whether you’re here for a relaxing villa stay, road trip, or bachelor party with your friends. Phuket’s Old Town is undoubtedly one of the most exciting places to visit while on vacation in Phuket.
Book your stay at The Yama Phuket! When you return after a day spent resting on the beach or touring our beautiful island, you will find yourself in a modern guest room with all of the amenities you would expect from a luxurious 4-star spa hotel in Phuket.