10 Best Things to Do in Phuket Old Town

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by Chiang

Thailand is a well-known island paradise, famous for stunning beaches and coastlines, lush hills, ancient temples, and busy shopping centers. But one of its best-kept secrets remains the vibrant neighborhood of Phuket Old Town (also known as "Old Phuket Town"). An age-stained historical sight, it is famous for its Sino-Portuguese buildings, and unique culture. Expect rainbow-colored walls, intricate street art, quaint souvenir shops, and lively Sunday bazaars.

Phuket City View Point

Transportation in Phuket Old Town

You can easily get around Phuket Old Town, as it is accessible from most parts of the area. Buses are cheap and common modes of transportation - however, travelers prefer exploring the town on colorful bicycles and tuk-tuks, which are 3-wheeled local auto rickshaws.

>>To make your stay convenient and hassle-free book affordable, all-inclusive half-day tours to Phuket Old Town on Trip.com.

10 Best Things to do in Phuket Old Town

The History of Phuket Old Town

Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town

Before Phuket became a sought-after destination for tourists, it made a fortune in the field of tin-mining. People from Europe, India and other parts of the world flocked to this part of the city during that time, and made Phuket Old Town what it is today. You'll especially find descendants from China, also called the "Baba community," and a rich mix of Thai-Chinese heritage.
Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town

Explore the many age-soaked museums, and temples in the area to learn more about the fascinating history of Phuket Old Town.

| 📍Location: 42 Krabi Road, Phuket Town, Phuket, 83000, 42, Phuket 83000, Thailand

| Opening hours: open all day

Visit Walking Street

Visit Walking Street
Walking Street is a long stretch, located in the heart of Phuket Old Town. A must-visit spot for tourists, and shoppers, it is famous for its boutiques, restaurants, and bars. The Sunday market here is especially popular, where you can find some of the most interesting handicrafts and artifacts, along with secondhand goods, and vintage jewelry.

| 📍Location: Thalang Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District

Eat at China Inn

Eat at China Inn

(Source: @ural_8_low/unsplash)

One of the most popular eateries in Phuket Old Town is China Inn. It is decorated with vintage décor, antique fans, old Chinese posters, and boasts stunning Chinese culture and heritage. It offers a mouth-watering fusion menu with local Thai dishes and western flavors, and is particularly lauded for its spectacular food presentation.

| 📍Location: 20 Thalang Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District

Stay at The Memory at On On Hotel

On On Hotel

On On Hotel

Although built in 1929, On On Hotel earned its reputation among recommended hotels in Phuket Old Town, after it was used as a filming location for Leonardo DiCaprio's hit movie "The Beach." Today it is known for its charming Sino-Portuguese architecture, which draws tourists from around the world.

| 📍Location: 19 Phangnga Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District

Hotels Nearby🏨

Take Photos for your Instagram

Take Photos for your Instagram
Phuket Old Town is teeming with colorful buildings, vibrant townhouses, and picturesque murals, which are also some of the best photo-ops you'll find. Tourists stroll around for hours taking pictures against decorated walls.

| 📍Location: Thalang Road, Phangnga Road, and Soi Romanee

Phuket Instagram Tour: The Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive)

️ Phuket Instagram Tour: The Most Famous Spots

️ Phuket Instagram Tour: The Most Famous Spots

Itinerary:

  • Big Buddha Phuket
  • Chaithararam Temple (Wat Chalong)
  • Old Phuket Town
  • Karon Viewpoint
  • Windmill Viewpoint
  • Soi Romanee

Pricing:

TicketsPrices
Adult
(Age 11-99)
US$199
Child
(Age 3-10)
US$99

Witness Chinpracha House

Sample Local Street Food
Once called "Baan Chinpracaha," this two-storied mansion is famous for its vintage Portuguese ambiance. What's especially noteworthy about it is that it hasn't had a single renovation or since it was built in 1903. Chinpracha House has also been featured in movies, including Young Indiana Jones and Heaven and Earth.

📍Location: 98 Krabi, Tambon Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District

Sample Local Street Food

Phuket Old Town is big on street food ― one always eats well here. From mouth-watering dumplings and spicy noodles, you can bite into a range of flavors. You'll also find local eateries and food stalls serving unique dishes, such as exotic fruit salad, fish ball soup, and durian ice cream.

| 📍Location: Various

Pray at Shrine of The Serene Light

Shrine of The Serene Light

Shrine of The Serene Light

Shrine of The Serene Light was once the untouched hidden gem of Phuket Old Town. It was built in 1889 by a Chinese family. What many don't know is that it initially had two hidden entry points, one of which was located behind the toilet of a local restaurant.Today, this beautiful temple features a charming garden and traditional architecture, along with a calm, serene setting.

| 📍Location: Phang Nga Road, Mueang Phuket District

Go Café Hopping

Go Café Hopping

Go Café Hopping

Phuket Old Town has a thriving café culture. You'll find most streets lit with lively eateries and coffee shops. The Old Phuket Coffee Station is a charming café known for its one-of-a-kind rustic décor.
Eleven Two & Co

Eleven Two & Co

Source: We***53/ Trip moments

Eleven Two & Co. has a little souvenir shop inside, from where you can buy local postcards and handicrafts. It serves a delicious mix of Asian-Western dishes, and is complete with a relaxed, breezy ambiance.

|📍Location: Old Phuket Coffee Station - 2 Thalang Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Eleven Two & Co. - 112 Thalang Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District

Experience Nightlife at Phuket Old Town

Experience Nightlife at Phuket Old Town
While you can find a whole day of things to do in Old Phuket Town, the nightlife here is unmissable. It is filled with a wealth of karaoke bars, laid-back watering holes, and soothing live gigs. In a town bursting with crowded pubs and throbbing night scenes, this one is a refreshing change.

| 📍Location: Various

Phuket Night Street Food Walking Tour

Phuket Night Street Food Walking Tour

Phuket Night Street Food Walking Tour

Itinerary:

  • Saphan Hin Park
  • Old Phuket Town

Pricing:

TicketsPrices
Adult
(Age 12-85)
US$71.83
Child
(Age 3-11)
US$43.10

Hotels Nearby

To make your trip more exquisite, book flight tickets on Trip.com, and stay at our recommended hotels in Phuket Old Town: Baan Suwantawe (SHA Extra Plus), and Sino House Phuket Hotel (SHA Extra Plus).

FAQs about Phuket Old Town

  • Is Phuket Town worth visiting?

    Phuket Old Town is a must-visit spot in Thailand, and offers an experience unlike any other. Tourists flock here for its famous Chinese shrines, vibrant townhouses, and beautifully lit alleys.


  • What can you buy in Phuket Old Town?

    Phuket Old Town is a treasure trove of souvenirs, vintage handicrafts, and traditional jewelry. You can also buy secondhand items, antiques, fabrics, and local street food.


  • What is there to do in Phuket Town at night?

    Phuket Old Town is famous for its late-night food stalls, and laid-back nightlife. From bar-hopping to night markets, it offers a plethora of options.


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