Neighbourhood guide: Fun things to do, must-try dining and where to stay in Phuket old town

Museum Phuket

Housed in two colonial yellow Sino-European style buildings on Phang Nga Road, this modern museum features two permanent exhibitions that explore the rich history of Phuket and the Peranakan culture. The Phuket Nakara exhibition traces the city’s evolution, from its golden age as a tin mining centre to its significance during WWII and the rise of tourism. Just across the road, the Peranakan Perspectives exhibition offers an insightful look into the heritage, lifestyle, and arts of the Peranakan people. This museum is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in history and culture.

Museum Phuket
Address: Phangnga Road, Talat Yai Sub District, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, +6694 807 7873

Phuket Thai Hua Museum

In the heart of the old town, the Phuket Thai Hua Museum occupies a charming Sino-European building that once served as a school to teach the southern Chinese language, Hokkien. Today, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the Chinese history of Phuket, showcasing photographs, artefacts and historical items from daily life in times past. A visit transports you back in time, allowing you to experience Phuket's heritage up close.

Phuket Thai Hua Museum
Address: 28 Krabi Road, Talat Nuea Sub District, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, +6676 211 224

Chuan Heang Dim Sum

No visit to Phuket’s Old Town is complete without immersing yourself in the local breakfast culture, and there’s no better place to do so than at Chuan Heang Dim Sum. This historic restaurant, serving traditional dim sum for over a century, offers a variety of delicacies, including freshly made dumplings and the signature bak kut teh (pork rib soup), a dish also beloved in Singapore and Malaysia. Open from 6am, it’s recommended to arrive early to savour the freshest offerings. A true taste of Phuket’s rich culinary history, this spot is a must for food enthusiasts.

Chuan Heang Dim Sum
Address: 11 Chanacharoen Road, Talat Yai Sub District, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, +6676 216 271

Read more: 7 fine dining restaurants in Phuket to indulge your inner gourmand

Hé House

Hidden in plain sight on Thalang Road, this minimalist yet stylish café offers an exclusive, private experience for coffee connoisseurs. With a focus on high-quality beans and a passion for the art of coffee, Hé House allows guests to learn about coffee brewing techniques while enjoying a perfect cup. With only a limited number of reservations available, book ahead for an experience not to be missed if you’re a coffee enthusiasts.

Tatler Tip:

A reservation has to be made via Facebook Messenger only.

Hé House
Address: 23 Thalang Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket

Tian Tian Phuket Dessert Café

For those with a sweet tooth, Tian Tian Phuket Dessert Café offers traditional Phuket desserts in a charming, old-world atmosphere. Specialising in “oh aew” – a refreshing ice dessert served with chewy jelly-like strips and syrup – this café also serves other local delicacies such as Phuket-style toast with custard and ice cream. It is a perfect spot for a break while soaking in the vintage charm of the old town.

Tian Tian Phuket Dessert Café
Address: 29/2 Phangnga Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket

Ryn Tearoom

For tea aficionados, Ryn Tearoom offers a tranquil escape with its range of premium matcha teas sourced from Japan. The minimalist decor and intimate atmosphere make it the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of carefully brewed tea. In addition to tea, the café also serves slow-drip coffee and a selection of light bites, while its shop offers a range of teapots and accessories for sale.

Ryn Tearoom
Address: 8 Krabi Road, Talat Nuea Sub District, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, +6692 442 5469

The Loof Bar & Co

Perched atop a heritage building, The Loof Bar & Co offers a distinctive rooftop experience, featuring breathtaking views of the old town as the sun sets. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails or enjoy a tower of beer while watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the vibrant historic streets. With live DJs or bands setting the mood in the evening, this is one of the best spots in the old town for an unforgettable night out, combining great drinks, lively music, and a stunning view.

The Loof Bar & Co
Address: 110 Thalang Road, Talad Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, +6698 015 9960

Read more: Cocktails, drinks and live music in Phuket old town

Shhh

Hidden away in the heart of the old town, Shhh is an immersive cocktail bar where art meets mixology. With floor-to-ceiling projections of rotating art pieces, the space transforms into an interactive art gallery while you sip on expertly crafted cocktails. It’s a secret spot for those in the know, offering a stylish atmosphere and unique cocktails.

Shhh.
Address: 12 Thalang Road, Talat Yai Sub District, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, +6684 989 9525

Memory at On On

For a truly immersive Phuket old town experience, consider staying at Memory at On On, the island’s first-ever hotel, housed in a charming century-old Sino-European building. This boutique hotel beautifully blends heritage with modern comfort across its 12 exquisitely designed rooms. Once the residence of a wealthy business family, the building now also functions as a museum, with knick-knacks, photographs, clothing, and decorative items from a bygone era subtly integrated into the decor, transporting guests back to the time when Phuket thrived as a prosperous mining town. Conveniently surrounded by local cafés, restaurants, and shops, the hotel’s prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring the old town.

Memory at On On
Address: 19 Phangnga Road, Talat Yai Sub District, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, +6676 363 700

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