Phuket, Old Town Whispers and Island Elegance
The Vibe of the Past
Beyond its famous beaches and modern resorts, Phuket reveals a soulful, timeworn heart in its Old Town, a tapestry of Sino-Portuguese mansions, teakwood shopfronts, and quiet temples that speak to the island’s rich history as a tin-trading hub. This is where Chinese, Malay, and European influences blend effortlessly in both culture and cuisine. Mornings begin with monks collecting alms along ancient lanes, while evenings glow with lanterns and the lilt of traditional music. In Old Phuket, every shuttered window and tiled roof holds a story, and every scent, tamarind, jasmine, smoke from incense, is a key to memory.
Travel
Dibuk Road – Krabi Road – Phang Nga Road
These three historic arteries in Old Town reveal the best of Phuket’s architectural legacy. As you stroll past weathered wooden shutters and tiled five-foot ways, you’ll encounter family-run cafes, vintage clothing shops, and a lingering atmosphere of turn-of-the-century elegance.
Address: Dibuk Road – Krabi Road – Phang Nga Road, Talat Nuea, Muang, Phuket, Thailand
Soi Romanee
Once a lively red-light district, Soi Romanee has transformed into one of the most charming streets in town. Its restored buildings, now housing artful cafés and boutique guesthouses, offer a dreamy backdrop for an afternoon wander steeped in color and nostalgia.
Address: Talat Yai, Muang, Phuket, Thailand
Museum Phuket
Set in the historic Old Chartered Bank on Phang Nga Road, Phuket Museum offers a quiet, enriching glimpse into the island’s multicultural past. The Peranakan Nitat exhibition answers questions like who the Peranakans are and where they came from, through five themed rooms filled with vintage photos, tin mining relics, and cultural displays that trace Phuket’s diverse heritage.
Address: The Chartered Bank, Phang Nga Road, Talat Nuea, Muang, Phuket, Thailand
Opening Hours: Tue – Sat 9.00 – 16.30 / Sun 13.00 – 20.30 Close on Monday
Eat
Blue Elephant Phuket
Dine like royalty at Blue Elephant, located in a grand old governor’s mansion. The restaurant offers a refined take on Thai cuisine, presenting traditional dishes with flair and sophistication in an elegant setting.
Address: 96 Krabi Road, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Opening Hours: Daily 11.00 – 24.00
Raya Restaurant
Set in a beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese house, Raya is a favorite for its authentic southern Thai dishes like moo hong (braised pork belly) and crab curry, rich, spicy, and full of tradition.
Address: 48/1 Dibuk Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Opening Hours: Daily 11.00 – 22.00
BAAN 92
A true hidden gem, BAAN 92 specializes in old-town street food served with passion. From Hokkien noodles to roti with sweet milk, each bite is a tribute to the multicultural culinary landscape of Phuket. Rich, hearty, and unmistakably local.
Address: 92 Thalang Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Opening Hours: 10.00 – 18.00 Close on Tuesday
Stay
The Memory at On On Hotel
As Phuket’s oldest hotel, The Memory at On On offers colonial charm and a sense of historical continuity. Located in the heart of Old Town, it’s the ideal base for slow strolls and nostalgic exploration.
Address: 19 Phang-Nga Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Website: www.thememoryhotel.com
Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel
A charming hotel with white colonial architecture and elegant interiors, Casa Blanca offers a peaceful stay just steps from the Sunday Walking Street Market and Old Town’s highlights.
Address: 26 Phuket Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Website: www.casablancaphuket.com
Hotel Verdigris Phuket
This design-forward boutique hotel brings together local art, tropical greenery, and heritage-inspired interiors. With only a few rooms and personalized service, it’s ideal for travelers seeking style and intimacy in a historic setting.
Address: 154 Yaowarat Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Website: www.hotelverdigris.com
