Phuket Old Town

Due to the compact size of Phuket Old Town, the area lends itself well to walking tours and is easy to explore in a couple of hours. It's a popular choice for visitors with limited time. The majority of Phuket sightseeing tours combine a stop at the old town with a visit to Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most famous Buddhist temple, and the Karon Viewpoint. More in-depth tours of Phuket Old Town reveal the wet market and Chinpracha House (Baan Chinpracha).

• Phuket Old Town is a must-see for travelers interested in colonial history and architecture.

• Don’t miss the Amulet Market for special Buddhist souvenirs.

• Wear comfortable shoes and a hat if you’re planning to explore old town on foot.

• By day and night, old town takes on a different identity, so it’s worth visiting twice.

If you’re planning to explore Old Phuket Town on foot, its recommended to do so early in the morning, before the midday heat makes sightseeing uncomfortable. If you do need a break, Phuket Old Town has a plethora of cafes and bars that you can dip into for a cold drink. At night, Phuket Old Town’s bars come to life with live music and free-flowing drinks.

If you’re staying by the beach, you can take either public transport or a chartered taxi to old town. If you’re staying in one of the many nearby hotels, all attractions are within walking distance.

Phuket’s vibrant mix of cultural influences means that its cuisine is as rich and varied as its architecture. A prime location beside the sea means it’s a great place to try seafood and classic southern Thai dishes such as tom som pla krabok, a hot and sour fish soup, and gaeng sataw, a combination of green beans and prawns.

Phuket Old Town is a historic area in central Phuket, located at the southeastern end of the island. Known for its colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings, the area has many temples, museums, shops, cafés, and restaurants. The main streets to explore are Thalang, Diduk, Krabi, Phang Nga, and Yaowarat.

Since Phuket Old Town is quite compact, you can see many of its highlights in around an hour. However, if you want to visit museums or temples, go shopping, or try some of its many culinary offerings, you should plan to visit for half a day or more.

Phuket Old Town features in many Phuket sightseeing tours. Most tours combine it with other popular attractions—such as Wat Chalong, the Big Buddha, and Karon Viewpoint—while some focus on themes, such as food or photography.

Some of the best and most popular restaurants in Phuket Old Town are the Michelin-listed Blue Elephant (which also offers cooking classes), One Chun Café & Restaurant, Tu Kab Khao, Surf & Turf by Soul Kitchen, local favorite Go Benz, Ka Jok See, Raya Restaurant, and Natural Restaurant Phuket (Tammarchart).

Phuket Old Town can be easily explored on foot, but it’s best to set out early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Should you want to stop for a break or refreshments, there are plenty of cafés, restaurants, and bars.

Phuket Old Town plays host to many cultural events and festivals, including the Phuket Old Town Festival in February, which sometimes coincides with Chinese New Year; the Baba (Peranakan) Wedding Festival in June, a traditional Chinese event; the Hungry Ghost Festival, a month-long celebration August honoring the dead; and the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, usually around October.