10 Best Things to Do in Phuket Town

There are plenty of memorable things to do in Phuket. Get away from the beaches, and you will discover that the island has a beautiful, historical Old Town District, great viewpoints and iconic cultural attractions. Here’s our recommended guide to Phuket Old Town and Old Phuket Town things to do nearby.

1. Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is the island’s cultural heart. There are many colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings to explore, colonial mansions, Chinese shrines and Buddhist temples. Phuket Old Town also has dozens of coffee shops and restaurants, plus colorful street art. Don’t miss Thalang Road and Soi Romanee, the Shrine of Serene Light on Phang Nga Road, and make sure to try local Phuketian dishes at Kopitiam by Wilai on Thalang Road.

2. Phuket Walking Street

This Sunday night market takes place in Phuket Old Town on Thalang Road. It’s lively and fun. There are a large variety of food vendors, artists selling handicrafts, and live music. The Phuket Walking Street has a great atmosphere and it’s a wonderful place to see local residents and tourists come together and enjoy all of the Sunday fun this market brings.

3. Baan Chinpracha

One of the most interesting Phuket Old Town things to do is visit Baan Chinpracha, a beautiful Sino-colonial mansion that was built in 1903 by a Chinese tin baron. Generations of the family still live in the house, but certain rooms are open for viewing. It is incredible to see how a wealthy Phuket family used to live decades ago, and the house features many family heirlooms and original furnishings.

4. Baan Teelanka - The Upside Down House

Old Phuket Town things to do nearby include Baan Teelanka - The Upside Down House, a quirky attraction that is fun for the entire family. It’s a fully furnished 3-storey house that is turned upside down! Entering the attraction, you walk on the ceiling from room to room, and everything is hanging from the floor. Behind Baan Teelanka, there’s a maze in the garden that provides hours of endless entertainment. Baan Teelanka - The Upside Down House is a fun place to take photographs, too!

5. Jui Tui Chinese Shrine

Not sure what to do in Phuket Old Town? Make a point to visit Jui Tui Chinese Shrine. It’s pivotal to the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, and one of the most oldest and respected shrines on the island. The temple has an attractive facade and three large altars with statues of Chinese gods. Jui Tui Chinese Shrine is located just off of Ranong Road in Phuket Old Town.

6. Thai Hua Museum

Located on Krabi Road in Phuket Old Town, Thai Hua Museum is a Sino-colonial mansion that was once a Chinese-language school. In 2008 after an extensive renovation, it reopened as a museum and features dozens of exhibition rooms highlighting Phuket’s tin mining past. The well-preserved museum is factual and informative, and worth visiting to understand the island’s past

7. Khao Rang Viewpoint

One of the Old Phuket Town things to do nearby is to visit Khao Rang Viewpoint. It’s one of the most charming viewpoints in Phuket Town and showcases views to the south of the island all the way to the Big Buddha statue. The viewpoint has a beautiful open pagoda with a viewing platform, and there are many local restaurants to dine at. This is a popular spot with both locals and tourists, and on a clear day, the views are truly exceptional.

8. Phuket Philatelic Museum

Stamp collectors will not want to miss the Phuket Philatic Museum located nearby Phuket Old Town. The building itself is 80-years old and well-preserved. Inside, there are many different sections and exhibitions explaining how the Thai Postal Service started. There’s also a lot of antique equipment and machines as well as stamp collections and Thai stamps for sale.

9. Saphan Hin

Old Phuket Town things to do nearby include spending an afternoon at Saphan Hin, a lovely coastal park and beach near Phuket Old Town. It’s a wonderful spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic under the trees, and a favorite amongst locals in Phuket. There are plenty of places to sit and relax and street vendors selling grilled meat on sticks, and other authentic Thai street food.

10. Thavorn Hotel Lobby Museum

Located in the lobby of the Thavorn Hotel in Phuket Town, this small museum is interesting and eclectic. It’s home to an assortment of photographs and heirlooms including old tin mining equipment, movie posters and traditional Chinese wedding hats. Visiting this museum is like stepping into the Phuket of the past, and the small entrance fee is worth it to look at all of the artifacts.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to Phuket Old Town. It really is a must-see when visiting Phuket, and we highly recommend you take a day to explore what to do in Phuket Old Town.