Phuket Town

Phuket Town is the capital city of our glorious tropical island mecca. It is located slightly southeast to the center of the island and is one of the oldest city in all of Phuket. The city played a pivotal role in the early days of export, as one of the main ports of distribution. It is also where many of the Chinese immigrants who sought work in the tin mines arrived during the eighteenth century.

Situated on the west of the Malay-Peninsula, this thriving city gave way to many Indians, Chinese, Europeans, Malays and Sea gypsies eager to work in the mining industry, and their influences can still be seen around the old city today.

The remnants of the 'once a thriving metropolis' can still be seen in the architecture of the buildings in Old Phuket Town which forms the core of Phuket Town. During the tin mining era, the city was very prosperous and as such grandiose buildings with a great European influence were erected.

Today, the original buildings still exist although they have been renovated to fit the modern era with many fronts turned into intriguing cafes, restaurants and shops. There are two prominent styles that emerged from the wealth of the mining industry: the Sino-Portuguese style and the Sino-Colonial style.

Today the mix of 'old new' hold great excitement. With the newer areas boasting fine dining restaurants, museums, small cafes, low-key bars as well as discotheques, while the old area (Old Phuket Town) maintains its simple peaceful sophistication with its endless number of alleyways, all leading somewhere exciting and mysterious, and its nooks and crannies hide some of the best cafes, restaurants and boho-boutiques. One of the best features of Old Phuket Town is that of the Sunday night market, a small intimate market that runs only along the main street (Thalang Road) and consists of small kiosks and stands selling food, beverage and hand made trinkets.