Old Phuket Town: Sino-Portuguese Streets, Street Art & Sunday Walking Market
Beyond the beaches, Phuket's UNESCO-worthy old town is a foodie and photo paradise. Here's the local guide.
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Why go
Old Phuket Town is having a moment. Instagrammable Sino-Portuguese shophouses, an exploding café scene, and one of Thailand''s best street-art trails make it the perfect half-day escape from the beach.
The must-see streets
- Thalang Road — pastel shophouses, tailor shops, boutique hotels.
- Soi Rommanee — the most photographed lane in Phuket.
- Dibuk Road — quieter, older, great for coffee stops.
Street art trail
Over 20 large-scale murals commissioned by the city — start at The Book Hemp café and follow the map. Highlights: the giant boy with the fighting fish, the old lady with the puppet, and the Baba wedding couple.
Sunday Walking Street (Lard Yai)
Every Sunday 4pm–10pm, Thalang Road closes to traffic and transforms into a food market. Don''t miss:
- Oh-aew — shaved ice with red beans and jelly.
- Moo Hong — Phuket-style braised pork belly.
- Apong — crispy coconut pancakes.
Where to eat any day
- Raya — Phuket-Peranakan fine dining in a heritage mansion.
- One Chun — famous for crab curry and Hokkien noodles.
- Torry''s Ice Cream Boutique — local flavours like durian and salted egg.
Getting there
25–40 min from Patong, Kata, or Karon. Grab is easiest; parking near Surin Circle is free.
Ask us about combining Old Town with a food tour or cooking class for a full cultural day.
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