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.