A Stroll through Phuket Old Town

A Stroll through Phuket Old Town

Located about 30 kilometres southeast of Trisara Villa Resort is Phuket Old Town. While most travellers to Phuket are drawn by the natural beauty and warm weather, there is more to this idyllic isle. Once a thriving tin-mining centre and home to expansive rubber plantations, Phuket attracted traders from distant lands looking to trade.

 

Those from China and Europe had a strong influence on the architecture as seen by the Sino-Portuguese style buildings that populate Old Town. Colourful and picturesque, these structures make for a fascinating backdrop when you stroll along the main streets. Dibuk, Phang Nga, and Ratsada roads are excellent for viewing displays of this stunning construction.

As you roam the streets of Old Town, be sure to check out other cultural attractions that give a wonderful insight into the rich history of the region. The historical The Memory at On Hotel located along Phang Nga road will be familiar to fans of Leonardo DiCaprio led film, the Beach. It is the islands oldest hotel and features a lovely silk and textile shop where you can get souvenirs.

 

 

The Thai Hua Museum on Krabi Road is a repository for the history and artefacts of Chinese migrants that came to the island in the 1800s to work in tin mines.  The building itself is an excellent and beautifully maintained example of the region’s Sino-Portuguese architecture. The museum features over a dozen exhibition rooms and a garden area.

Take a break around lunch or dinner to grab a meal at the Blue Elephant. Besides being one of the finest restaurants on the island offering Royal Thai cuisine, it was also the governor’s mansion. This 105-year old stately building has been carefully restored, breathing new life into opulent surroundings.

Like the rest of Thailand, Phuket Old Town offers a wonderful variety of eateries with a strong emphasis on Thai and other Asian cuisines. Visit Tunk-Ka Café for some delicious stewed pork belly or drop in at Torry’s Ice Cream for tasty local desserts like a-pong and o-aew.

Trisara- The Hidden Gem Of Phuket Island

Trisara- The Hidden Gem Of Phuket Island

Phuket is considered the top tourist destination for travellers to Thailand. And with good reason when you consider the fantastic landscape, beautiful beaches, hospitable locals, and conducive weather. Now there is another reason to want to visit. Trisara is one of the most luxurious and private villa resorts for holidaymakers wanting to enjoy a romantic and relaxing vacation.

 

Arriving guests can request free airport transportation provided in the form of either an SUV or shuttle service. The resort is just a 20-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. At the hotel, you will be welcomed by the sight of beautifully landscaped lawns and pagoda styled lobbies with fantastic ocean views. You will also catch a glimpse of the amazing tiered waterfall.

Accommodation ranges from junior suites to six-bedroom villas. All suites and villas offer ocean views and a private pool surrounded by thick foliage for privacy. Wood flooring, ceilings, and white walls are the common motif, complemented by tasteful furnishings and amenities including a well-stocked minibar, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. The bathrooms are spacious and well-appointed. Those in more luxurious accommodation also get to enjoy full kitchens, defined living areas, and generous outdoor patio space for entertaining.

 

Located on a private beach, Trisara offers guests the welcome opportunity to frolic on the white sands without the worry of congestion. The clear blue waters are a wonderful lure for those that enjoy swimming and diving. Those looking to go on excursions can easily hire kayaks to take them further off-shore.

Closer to home, guests have access to a well-equipped modern gym, tennis courts, and an infinity pool. Guests can also take up yoga and Thai boxing classes. The resort also has its own wellness spa that offers a range of rejuvenating and relaxing therapies.

The menus at Trisara are based on what is freshly and seasonally available. A generous breakfast buffet and à la carte dining on the patio are the norm. You can however request room service or have a private barbecue at your villa or on the beach.

Discover The Magic Of Koh Waeo

Discover The Magic Of Koh Waeo

For travellers to Phuket Island looking to explore and have fun, there are many excursions to consider both offshore and inland. One of the best places to get started is Nai Yang. This beach is just 10 kilometres north of the Trisara resort. It is one of the most tranquil beaches in the region that does not attract crowds. It is a great starting point for diving excursions to various locations along the coast.

 

A trip to Koh Waeo is a must for those who prefer somewhere off the beaten path. This rocky outcrop in the Andaman Sea may seem desolate, but its surrounding waters are absolutely teeming with life. An excellent location for snorkelling and diving, the clear unspoiled blue waters make for the perfect place to spot barracuda, parrotfish, turtles, and much more.

Further on is the Tin Mining Wreck. Marine life has beautifully colonised this vessel, offering an immense diversity of sea and coral life to discover. The wreck is at a depth of 14-15 metres and is home to porcupine fish, lionfish, blue-spotted rays, to name a few.

 

For more diving pleasure, the Stone Coral Garden is a must to visit. As the name suggests, this shallow dive site is famed for its huge variety of hard corals that can be discovered in depths as low as 12 metres. There are amazing schools of fish that will swim by, including juvenile reef fish and snapper. Be on the lookout for moray eels and sun rays that also frolic amongst the coral formations.

The best way to access these sites is by boat. At Nai Yang, you can easily hire a suitable vessel that will comfortably take you to whatever diving spots in the area. Come ready to have fun and be amazed at the beautiful natural surroundings that make Phuket one of the top tourist destinations in the world.