In Part 1 of this article, we looked at reasons why Phuket should be on your bucket list of places to visit, and a brief history of this popular tourist destination. We also gave you some of the best places to visit.
Since there are a lot of awesome places that Phuket has to offer for both local and international tourists, here are some more recommendations of where you can go when you visit Old Town Phuket:
Temples and Shrines
In Phuket Old Town, you may find a few temples and shrines to visit if you’re looking for some peace. The Shrine of Serene Light, located near the On On Hotel, is the most well-known of these structures. This Hokkien shrine was first established in 1891 and, along with its ornate terracotta dragon roof, reminded me very much of Thian Hock Keng Temple in Singapore.
If you happen to be in Phuket during the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival, Jui Tui will be the place where you want to be. Wat Mongkol Nimit is a beautiful temple with a golden Chedi (stupa) in the rear worth visiting. While the documents are only written in Thai and Chinese, save them for a later date when you may have them translated by a professional translator.
Old Phuket Town Markets
In Phuket’s Old Town, the economic heart of the island, you’ll find some of the world’s top marketplaces, including those in Bangkok. You may get anything from clothes and fresh fruits to raincoats and incense at these markets, among other things. A vast facility with signs in both Thai and English, it is open from 05:00 to 11:00 a.m. on weekdays and closed on weekends and holidays.
Located at Phuket’s Sunday Walking Street Market (Lard Yai), this market is mainly geared towards foodies looking to experience the authentic Thai street-food experience firsthand. It is available to the public every Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. on Thalang Road and is situated on the first floor. Stroll from Thepkasattri Road to Phuket Road, and eat whatever appears delicious to your eyes.
Soi Romanee
In many of the shophouse facades, the two windows symbolize the eyes of a dragon and the entry represents the mouth. This site was formerly the focus of nocturnal entertainment, and this photograph is from that era. Look up to see the vividly colored shutters, antique motorbikes parked outside, and the buildings’ winding façade.
Locals are going about their business today, the buildings and shophouses are pastels in color, and there is a sense of calm in the air. Keep an eye out for the archways under the doorways that link the continuous structures. Take note of the archways that run under the shophouse doorways, which help to connect the constant facilities.
Thavorn Hotel Museum and the Drawing Room
The Thavorn family opened a full-service hotel in Phuket before it became a major tourist destination. The owner used the famed “build it and they will come” attitude while creating Thailand’s largest island. However, the hotel never took off as planned. It is situated in the historic On On Hotel, a tin mining structure from the town’s past.
The infrastructure was not yet in place when tourists came, and the airport was not finished until a few years later, further delaying the influx of visitors. The dark wooden foyer seems like a museum, with ancient furniture and photos reflecting the family’s success in the tin industry. It is worthwhile to take a break to be reminded of the importance of timing.
This workshop and gallery let local artists show off their work while creating new products. Along with large-scale pieces of art that cover whole walls, Vespas and collage paintings are on display. You can also enjoy a specialty drink and a tour of Chalong Bay Rum Distillery, before heading off to the best beaches in the world while watching the stunning sunsets.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in Phuket for a relaxing vacation with family or a solo trip, you’ll never run out of things to see and do. Visit Old Town Phuket and explore everything it has to offer!
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