A colourful array of traditional Sino-Portugese buildings. Look out for street art Phuket town. It was struggling during summer 2021 with lots of places closed and hopefully it is back to its busy, bustling self. It is the best town in Phuket to visit.
Sino-Portugese refers to a mix of Chinese and European style architecture which is all around the old town. Here is a guide to a few places we found open and enjoyed on our two trips into the town during Phuket Sandbox. Make sure to look out for street art Phuket town whilst you are there.
Street Art Phuket
Make sure to look out for the famous street art Phuket when wandering around Phuket old town. There is a collection of Thai artists all around the town walls most of which celebrates the food and local lifestyle of Phuket. Apparently, 12 artists collaborated on a series of murals around the town in response to the town’s award in 2015 ‘UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy’ – how much of the street art Phuket can you spot?
Thalang Road Phuket Old Town
This is the main street in central Old Town Phuket. The most famous street and a great place to get dropped off and start walking around. It is adorned with colourful, traditional shop fronts making for popular photographs. There are some boutique shops selling locally made clothes, bags and souvenirs, a handful of coffee shops, cafes and restaurants and one or two bars dotted along the road.
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Thalang 31
A tiny, charming bar on Thalang Road. It used to be a Chinese pharmacy that was transformed into a bar and still has the colourful floor tiles and an old medicine cabinet. A great pit stop when wandering around.
Soi Romanee in Phuket Town
This is a short, narrow street leading off Thalang Road, it used to be the red light district for the Chinese immigrants who worked in the tin mines. ‘Romanee’ is a Thai word that means beautiful or adorable. It is a fitting name for the cute, colourful architecture that line this street. It is quickly noticed by the street art Phuket on the walls at the start of the road. Take a wander down here, taking in all the beauty and then double back before continuing to the end of Thalang Road.
If you take a left here and walk down Yaowarat Road you will pass by the Hog’s Head Pub (we didn’t go in as there was the alcohol ban). Opposite, is a lovely shop where you can buy cheap, traditional Thai crockery. Continue here and take a left into Phang Nga Road.
Torrey’s Ice Cream
An attractive looking cafe on Soi Romanee that is famous for Instagram pictures but also has the most delicious ice-cream and desserts. We back-tracked here after lunch at Tu Kab Khao and finished off with a tasty ice-cream. With plenty of choice (we went for the Phuket Cookies and Cream – all of us!) and also an array of cakes and desserts to choose from too. A welcome escape from the heat on a beautiful little street.
Phang Nga Road
As you turn into Phangnga Road here you will see one of the most famous street art Phuket images. A huge 3D street art lobster on the wall. This street art is just next to a fabulous traditional Thai restaurant (scoll down for further information). On the opposite side of the street is a Chinese shrine which is interesting to check out. We also noticed a Singaporean cafe called Lao Pau Sat – named after one of our favourite Hawker Markets in Singapore. We didn’t go in but it looked good!
Further down the street is the The Old Kasikorn Bank, a big white building that is hard to miss. If you continue down the road here, at the junction with Phuket Road is the yellow clock tower which is Museum Phuket. Unfortunately, this wasn’t open when we were there.
Tu Kab Khao Restaurant
A traditional Thai SHA+ approved restaurant that was like stepping into my grandma’s house. Complete with old pictures on the wall, tatty sofas, blue and white plates, an old TV set and the slight whiff of dogs. An utterly charming restaurant with an extensive Thai menu. We opted for the Thai spiced fish, vegetable spring rolls, pad thai and chicken rice for the kids – our plates were spotless. Definitely check out this restaurant in Phuket old town.
Sang Tham Shrine
Directly opposite the restaurant is this shrine ‘Shrine of the Serene Light’ which is a place of worship to Chinese deities. It is easily spotted by the street art Phuket on the walls leading into the shrine. A very peaceful escape from the busy main road. No photographs are allowed in the main part of the temple.
Brasserie Phuket
We wandered off Phangnga Road in search of a restaurant. Turning right at the bank and found a French style restaurant with a great Thai menu too on Ratsada Road close to the roundabout. We had delicious satay, red curry and pad thai and the kids enjoyed their spaghetti and meatballs. Just don’t order the Sauvignon Blanc as it comes out of a bag! The prosecco is a much better option!
Beer Sound Bar Phuket Old Town
If you continue to the end of Phangnga Road past the bank and hit the clock tower. Look directly opposite and you will find an American style bar with Turkish and European food – think burgers, chips and beers! They have live music in the evenings. We missed this but the stage inside is all set up. A dark, live music venue with interesting pictures on the walls – movie and album covers and a big ET statue out the front which the boys loved. One of the only places we saw open during Summer 2021 when wandering around.
Don’t miss the little ice cream shop opposite this bar, it had the best salted caramel ice-cream I have had in a long time. Nice and salty! The boys loved the Oreo ice cream cones too!
Where to Stay in Phuket Town
There are many guesthouses and hotels in Phuket old town. If you are looking for 5 star hotels in Phuket Town then look no further than Westin Phuket Siray Bay. It is a stunning cliffside hotel with a private beach, delicious restaurants. You can read our review on the Westin Phuket here.
Alternatively, check out Villa Zolitude the intimate boutique hotel nestled on a hill. There are individual cottages with private pools and a spa. A true escape from the bustling town but also close by.
If you are looking for more affordable central options check out the Marriott Courtyard which is a central, modern hotel with a swimming pool. Alternatively, the Travelodge Phuket Town which is budget friendly, bright with a swimming pool.
Booking.comAlso check out our post on 6 Best Family Hotels in Phuket if you’re looking for the best hotels with kids in Phuket.
If you enjoyed this post on Phuket Town then check out our 2 week Phuket itinerary for a family holiday. For things to do have a look at fun family activities in Phuket and Phuket 5 best beaches. If you are looking for other family trip inspiration then check out our Destinations Page.
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Thanks for this blog about beautiful
Phuket town. I recognise many of the photos as I too was a Sandbox visitor in July and August. Wish I’d found those ice cream places though. Hope to return in October.
Thank you so much, it is such a gorgeous area isn’t it. Oooh the ice-cream is delicious, definitely try next time!