Phuket is definitely famous for being a beach resort and a popular island getaway destination for adventure seekers, romantic couples, and young people looking to discover the world and to have the times of their lives. However, what most people are unaware of is that Phuket has a lot more to offer than just the beaches, resorts, clubs and bars. Phuket is in fact steeped in rich history, and one can catch a glimpse of this in its historical town, known as Old Phuket Town.

Formerly known as “Tongkah”, the old quarter of Phuket Town is where the Baba, a mixed race of Thai-Chinese people call their home. Tongkah started out as a tin mining town and the riches gained from this once very precious commodity was used to build the town. The architecture of the Baba community buildings is rather unique in Thailand. It has a so called “Sino-Thai architecture” which resembles buildings of those in the former British Straits Settlements, Penang, Malaysia in particular. Examples of such building can be found on Deebuk Road and Krabi Road. These roads are lined with two-story buildings or “shophouse” as they’re called, where the lower level serves as a shop while the upper level is the living area. The entrance of the building typically has a beautifully carved door which is flanked by two windows that are decorated with bat-shaped vents and embossed glazed tiles. A Chinese calligraphy sign hangs above the door to complete the entrance’s decoration. The upper floor is decorated with tropical “French windows” that usually don’t open out to a balcony, but has a railing at the bottom.

In addition to the “shophouses”, taking a stroll through historical Phuket Town, you’ll find many quaint looking cafes, Buddhist/Chinese temples and shrines, as well as public and private museums interestingly. Some recommended places to check out in Phuket Town are

Thalang Road
Thalang Road is famous for textiles and Chinese herbal medicines. The majority of the shopkeepers are Baba, but a few are of Muslim and of Indian decent. The Thai Muslims in the area sells batik and roti, while the Thai Indian sells textiles that are imported directly from India. If you’re a coffee lover and love to read, you can drop by Bo(ok)hemian Café. It’s a coffee shop/art gallery/film club. For those that are into alternative medicines, stop by the oldest Chinese herbal medicine shop located at 16 Thalang Road. They are famous for combining Eastern and Western remedies for most ailments.

Soi Romani
Soi Romani is located next to Thalang Road and it is the former naughty district of Phuket Town. Soi Romani was once flanked by brothels and opium dens that were frequented by Chinese miners.
Pithak Chinapracha House Museum
The Pithak Chinapracha House Museum is a private museum that’s located at 98 Krabi Road. The “house” is more like an elegant mansion that was built by Pithak Chinapracha or Tan Ma Siang (1883-1949) as he was commonly called. Today it’s a museum as the name indicates, and it won a Conservation Award from the Thai government and is also famous for being in many Hollywood films such as “The Killing Fields”.

Thai Hua School Museum
The Thai Hua School Museum is on Krabi Road as well. It is Thailand’s oldest Chinese school being founded in 1911. The architecture of the building is a perfect example of a European-Sino-Thai design. The museum houses many artworks by local artists as well as historical mementoes.

Thavorn Hotel
Thavorn Hotel is located on Rassada Road and it is famous for having a large collection of interesting memorabilia in its lobby. They have intriguing items such as ancient toys, old type writers, strongboxes (safe), as well photographs from the old days.

Enjoy the splendors rich history of Phuket Town! Discover the unreported nooks and cranny and do share your Thai Xperience with us.