Phuket Old Town — A Slow Half-Day Guide
Published · Angel Phuket Tours
A walkable half-day in Phuket's Sino-Portuguese Old Town — shophouses, shrines, museums and where to eat. Written by a local guide.
Start on Thalang Road
Thalang Road is the spine of Old Town. Walk it slowly from west to east: pastel shophouses on both sides, the China Inn Café for breakfast, and Soi Romanee — the prettiest single lane in southern Thailand — opening to the north.
Thai Hua Museum
Set in a former Chinese-language school, the Thai Hua Museum is the best place to understand who built Old Town and why. Allow 45 minutes; small entrance fee.
Chinese shrines
Jui Tui Shrine on Ranong Road is the most important of Phuket's Taoist shrines — at its busiest during the September Vegetarian Festival but worth a visit any time. Quieter, and more photogenic, is Shrine of Serene Light tucked off Phang Nga Road.
Where to eat
Lock Tien (Yaowarat Road) for Hokkien-Phuket street food at long shared tables. Raya (Dibuk Road) for proper Phuket-style crab curry in a heritage shophouse. One Chun (Thep Krasattri) for a sit-down lunch in a restored 1920s home.