Phuket town, Phuket

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This small museum is housed in the former post office which is a delightful single storey building, just to the east of the town centre. It exhibits some old post office equipment such as telex machines, scales, telephones, and a few stamp displays.

Open: 9.30am-5.30pm. Admission: Free.

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The beginning of the tin boom in the 19th century led to construction of many fine mansions and shops that are still well preserved in Phuket Town. The architectural style, typical of the region, is described as Sino-Portuguese and has a strongly Mediterranean character. Shops present a very narrow face onto the street but stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk Road, have old wooden doors with Chinese fretwork carving.

Other streets, forming what might be called "Old Phuket", with similar structures are Phang-nga, Yaowarat, Thalang, and Krabi, and a walking tour of the area is easy and delightful.

Phuket is a small local town which mainly has just a shopping centre. Today the chief attractions in Phuket Town is the architecture in the old Sino-Portuguese buildings, the detailed Thai temples, and the public markets.

In downtown Phuket which is referred to as Chinatown, you will find Chinese shrines and shophouses , these have resulted from a large scale of Chinese immigrations who arrived seeking out of the tin wealth. Walking is the best way to experience Chinatown. The best way to appreciate the full layout of Phuket is to hike up Rang Hill, just to the town’s north. On the north side of the hill about half down is a giant nine metre tall seated figure of the Buddha in the ‘Suppression Evil' pose.

Phuket Town has an active community of Chinese, so it is no wonder, that you can find chinese temples here.

You have to look a little bit around to find them. The one in the picture was only reachable through a tiny entrance way that goes from the road where also the On On Hotel is (see tip there): Thanon Phang Nga. If you stand with your back to the hotel, turn right and follow the road for about 50 m, then you come to the entrance on your right.

The Temple was decorated for chinese New Year when we visited it. Quite a view.

Few realize that Phuket is actually very hilly. I took the photo of the town from a mountain top not too far from the town centre. yes, patong beach is busy and commercialised more quiet places are easily found in the outskirts of town. Thie other phto is taken from Surin beach (I think, the beach that is shared by The Chedi and Amanpuri.

Some streets in downtown such as Thalang street,.. I saw many beautiful antique buildings, also some areas around the town. The locals said the architecture of buildings is the old Sino-Portuguese, were constructed nearly a hundred years ago, during the period of the first great tin boom. The landscape of the town is also beautiful and many nice small streets. In central of the town, the best way to explore is by foot I think. I spent most of the time of my trip in town and enjoyed many things the town offer, nice scene of city / streets, Saphan Hin park, shell museum, shopping and also enjoyed an easy meal in night market, more......

The best way to enjoy the full layout of Phuket town and southern part of the island, is to ride a car up to Rang Hill, or we call Khao Rang. Its just at the north of the town. Unfortunately I got there in the evening so what I can see is like on my picture. There are also a nice park and some restaurants up on the hill. If you visit Phuket town, don't miss !!

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This is the environment of the local people living in the Phuket Town area. One of the reasons for them living there is due to the tourist influx that raised the property prices throughout Phuket with Patong being the most expensive sites.

This picture is taken in the vicinity of where i stayed at a homestay in Phuket Town, Summer Breeze Inn.

Have a taste living with the local Thai people.