As you know, I traveled to Phuket on March 23-27. On March 25, I went to the Phuket Old Town. Today I would like to share my photos of Phuket Old Town, Street arts, Food and Coffee shop.

The Old Town is an area of historical interest in the city of Phuket.

Phuket Old Town is known for brightly painted, colorful 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese townhouses. Also has a rich history as a tin-mining country peopled by Siamese, Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians, and sea gypsies.

HISTORY: Since the 16th century, Europeans have been involved in the tin trade of Phuket. In the 18th century, much of the island’s tin mining was carried out by Hokkien Chinese who were instrumental in building the old part of the city. In the early-20th century, under Governor Phraya Rassada Nupradit, major European mining companies were invited in, and major public infrastructure such as roads and canals was built.

No one knows exactly when the first building in this style was constructed, but photographs from the reign of King Rama V (1853–1910) show that it was already well established by then. Two styles of building, in particular, stand out: the shop-house (Sino-Portuguese style) and the big mansion.

The main streets of Old Town are Thalang, Phang Nga, Krabi, Dibuk, and Yoawarat. Old Town is noted for Sino-Portuguese buildings on both sides of the street. Many old buildings have been converted into shops, hotels, restaurants, and museums.

Phuket Old Town’s aspect is rather similar to Georgetown’s in Penang: shophouses with arcades flank both sides of the streets, and Chinese shrines are more numerous than Buddhist Temples.

Old buildings

In Remembrance of his majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a group of teachers and students called 4 Studio painted this picture of his majesty. 

At LAYER’S espresso bar. See inside this coffee shop that was built between two buildings. Interesting interior design. Good double espresso with orange juice. Liked this menu.

I had lunch at Lock Tien Food Court. The location at the intersection of Dibuk and Yaowarat roads. Lock Tien is a well known Thai Chinese, kind of indoor street food, restaurant in Phuket town serving a mixture of Hokkien and local adapted dishes. I had Fujian fresh spring roll and Hokkien Chinese style stir fried yellow noodles.

Hope you like my today’s post. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Stay safe and take care!