Phuket Old Town, Thailand

welcome to Phuket!

Phuket Old Town is a culturally rich and vibrant area located in the heart of the island. It offers a glimpse into Phuket's colonial architecture, multicultural heritage and rich history.

When you are there, do look out for the colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture, colourful buildings, street art and temples.

My last trip to Phuket was pre-Covid in 2019 and it was nice that I went back recently to visit this charm again.

Phuket old town over the years.... 2012, 2016 and 2024.

During my recent adventure in Q3 2024, I noticed there were quite a bit of changes. The trick eye museum which I visited in 2016 has closed down early this year and many of the quaint shophouses have become clubs with live bands, cafes or restaurants.

When I was there, Phuket was having its vegetarian festival and there were decorations in the streets and temples were opened for visitors to pay respects.

mobile food trucks and stalls on Chartered Walking Street

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dance moves on Chartered Walking Street

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music performance on Chartered Walking Street

Phuket old town celebrated Sundays in a big way where streets like Phangnga Road and Thalang Road became pedestrian walkways lined with stalls selling accessories, clothes, decorative items, food, souvenirs, etc. and performers entertaining visitors with dance moves, music and songs.

Thalang Road was long known as the Sunday Walking Street Market or locally as Lard Yai/Talaad Yai and Phangnga Road joined in the fun and was launched as the Chartered Walking Street on 5 November 2023.

Stalls on Thalang Road Sunday Walking Street Market

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Music performer on Thalang Road Sunday Walking Street Market

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Use promo code 'BetterOnApp' to get 5% off your first booking on the Klook mobile app.

iseasywith.me Public Service Announcement

On 9 May 2024, the Phuket City Development and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation launched the free Phuket city EV bus line known as the Phuket Smart Bus Dragon Line. The blue and white buses run from 1100 to 2200 hours at 15 minutes intervals.

The bus stops are located as follow:

Opposite Limelight Phuket
CIMB (Bank)
Phuket Terminal 1
Royal Phuket City Hotel
Opposite Pearl Hotel
Kaset Market
Office Mate
Ko-Ang Seafood
Opposite Red Plaza
Coffee Talk
Opposite Krungthai Bank
Islamic Bank
Phuket Thaihua
Dibuk Rd
Wat Mongkolnimit
Limelight Phuket

You can take the bus in a hop-on-hop-off manner to explore the town.

iseasywith.me Public Service Announcement

If you are in Phuket old town and in need of a pharmacy, most of them open at about 0900 hours but I came across Santi Health Care located at 156/2 Phangnga Rd, just opposite the road when you walk out from bus station 1. They open daily from 0730 hours.

Food and Beverage

As with my other adventures, food is included. Below were what I tried.

Dairy Queen

72 Moo 5, Chalermprakiat Road, Vichit, Phuket 83000 Thailand

Ovaltine Volcano Lava Cone (THB20). WYSINWYG, where's the volcano? 🫠

Gorjan

161 Kra Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand

pork rib in sour soup (THB150), launaea sarmentosa (THB120), lotus stem (THB180)

Khao Tom Thanon Di Buk

185/11 Phang-Nga Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand

roasted pork spare ribs (THB129), iced Phuket black coffee (THB30)

Loba Bang Niao

18/61 Mae Luan Road, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand

loba assortment (THB120), fried pork roll (THB20)

McDonald’s

11, 13 Ongsimphai Rd, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000

McPork burger (THB49). the burger and patty were razor-thin. 🥺

Mu Krop Chi Hong (Vichitsongkhram Road)

66/6 Vichitsongkhram Road, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand

Nueng Nom Nua

94 Patiphat Rd, Tambon Talat Nuea, เมือง, Phuket 83000

small set of 3 bread sticks with Hokkaido fresh cream dip and uji matcha green tea milk (THB100)

Phuketique

2 Ranong, Tambon Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000

burnt butter toast with Hokkaido milk ice cream (THB180)

Roti Chaofa

44 Chaofa Road, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand.

2 slices of plain roti with small beef massaman curry and coffee (THB70)

Desserts

Tried the following ice creams from convenient stores as well.

mango sticky rice (THB20) and soy milk with black sesame sauce (THB40) ice creams

💡

Use promo code 'BetterOnApp' to get 5% off your first booking on the Klook mobile app.

iseasywith.me Public Service Announcement

For those who you who intend to travel to Phuket old town on a day trip with your heavy backpacks or luggages in tow, good news!
Similar to Taiwan which I have experienced, lockers are now available near bus terminal 1, next to bloo hostel.

There are small and large lockers available. Small ones are at THB120/day or THB20/hour. Large ones are at THB240/day or THB40/hour. Payment is by cash. Do prepare the exact amount as the machine does not provide change.

iseasywith.me Public Service Announcement

Travelling to other parts of Thailand is easy from Phuket old town. Buses are available from both bus terminals 1 and 2 to various parts of Thailand. Bus terminal 1 is located on Phang Nga Road and bus terminal 2 is located on Thepkasatri Road. There is a pink lory-bus which connects the 2 terminals.