About Phuket Old Town
Phuket Old Town is the historic heart of Phuket Town, built during the tin-mining boom. Pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses line streets such as Thalang Road, Dibuk Road and the tiny Soi Romanee.
Come for street art, coffee shops, museums and some of the island's best local food. On Sunday evenings Thalang Road turns into a walking street market.
Getting there by car
Follow Route 402 south from the airport all the way into Phuket Town. Near the town centre, follow signs for the old town and park before you reach the narrow streets.
Highlights
Thalang Road & Soi RomaneeThe most photographed streets, with restored shophouses and small cafés.
Sunday Walking StreetFood stalls, crafts and music on Thalang Road on Sunday evenings.
Museums and mansionsChinese clan houses, shrines and old merchant mansions such as the Thai Hua Museum.
Local foodTry Phuket noodles (mee hokkien), dim sum breakfasts and roti.
Parking
Where to leave the carUse paid car parks and marked bays around the old town rather than stopping on the narrow streets. Parking gets harder on weekend evenings.
Tips before you go
TipPark first, then walk
Old-town streets are narrow and many are one-way – exploring on foot is far easier.
TipSunday traffic
Thalang Road is closed to cars during the Sunday market.
TipFestival dates
The Vegetarian Festival (Sep/Oct) closes streets for processions.
Opening hours, entry fees and boat schedules change – please check with the site or your operator before you go.
Questions about visiting Phuket Old Town
About 40 min (32 km) in light traffic. Follow Route 402 south from the airport all the way into Phuket Town. Near the town centre, follow signs for the old town and park before you reach the narrow streets.
Use paid car parks and marked bays around the old town rather than stopping on the narrow streets. Parking gets harder on weekend evenings.
Park first, then walk: Old-town streets are narrow and many are one-way – exploring on foot is far easier.
The main highlights: Thalang Road & Soi Romanee, Sunday Walking Street and Museums and mansions. See the highlights above for details.
Time needed: Half a day. Add the drive from Phuket Airport – 40 min each way in light traffic.
Other places in the same area include Wat Chalong, Big Buddha, Heroines Monument – easy to combine on a road trip with your rental car.
Yes – with your own car you can arrive early before the crowds, stay as long as you like and combine it with nearby sights, instead of fitting in with a tour schedule. Festival dates: The Vegetarian Festival (Sep/Oct) closes streets for processions.