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What to do in Old Town Phuket: Foodies, Coffee Lovers, Culture Seekers
As the sun sets on Sundays in Old Town Phuket, the air hangs thick with spice and sweetness. Motorbikes buzz past century-old Sino-Portuguese buildings painted in faded pastels, while locals chat over steaming bowls from various vendors at plastic tables spilling onto sidewalks. These probably aren’t the typical scenes of Phuket you’ve seen on social media or in travel shows, but this historical heart of the island is where Thailand's past and present collide with flavor, color, and culture.
When planning what to do in Phuket Old Town, most visitors feel overwhelmed by options. The district packs an extraordinary amount of character into its compact grid of streets. Instead of trying to see everything, focus on these curated experiences for food lovers, caffeine enthusiasts, and culture seekers.
Here's your essential guide to experiencing the best of Old Town's scene without missing the essence of what makes this district special.
Explore Old Town Phuket’s Food
Phuket Old Town food culture runs deep, blending Thai, Chinese, and Malay influences into something distinctly local. If your belly is grumbling, try out these local favorites:
Tu Kab Khao sits in a restored mansion that once belonged to a prominent Phuket mining family. The setting is rich with antique furniture and black-and-white photographs, which transport you back to a simpler era. Their menu specializes in authentic Southern Thai cuisine, known for its assertive heat and complex flavor profiles. The crab meat curry (Phoo Phad Phong Curry) and pork belly stewed with Chinese herbs (Moo Hong) showcase the region's historical connection to both mainland Thailand and Chinese immigrants.
Aroon Porchana has been feeding locals since 1946, a pure testament to its quality. This Muslim-Thai establishment specializes in roti with rich beef curry, oxtail soup, and murtabak (stuffed pancakes). The flavors highlight Phuket's diverse cultural heritage, particularly the influence of Muslim traders from India, Malaysia, and Indonesia who settled here centuries ago. Arrive hungry, as the portions there are generous and meant for sharing.
One Chun (meaning "Monday" in Thai) is a vintage shophouse-style restaurant. Their crab meat curry with coconut milk and wild betel leaves (Kang Phoo Bai Cha Plu) is built on layers of flavor, which return scores of hungry families. The old photographs and worn wooden furniture create an atmosphere that feels like dining in someone's home rather than a restaurant.
Caffeinate and Indulge
Old Town Phuket's café scene has grown tremendously in recent years, with specialty coffee shops and dessert spots taking over restored shophouses and breathing caffeinated energy into historic streets.
Graph Café stands at the forefront of Phuket's craft coffee movement. This minimalist space serves meticulously prepared coffee from single-origin beans, roasted in small batches. The Japanese-inspired interior provides a cool refuge from afternoon heat, while their signature cold brew offers the perfect pick-me-up between Old Town explorations. In not so many words, Graph is a downright cool spot to hang out and recharge.
Coffee Talk Old Town Phuket is where contemporary café culture meets traditional Thai hospitality. The space welcomes today's digital nomads and tourists alike while also maintaining its historical shophouse aesthetic. The second-floor seating area provides a bird's-eye view of Old Town's bustling street life, making it an ideal spot to plan your next adventure or simply watch local life happen below with a fresh cup
Torry's Ice Cream, tucked away in the active Soi Rommani, serves handcrafted frozen treats with distinctly Thai flavors. Think coconut ice cream swirled with veins of Thai tea, durian sorbet, and refreshing lemongrass gelato. The shop's vintage décor includes antique ice cream makers and black-and-white photographs documenting Phuket's evolution. On a hot day, everybody seeks out ice cream, so expect a line when you visit.
Immerse Yourself in Local Heritage
Between meals and café breaks, Old Town Phuket offers cultural experiences that connect visitors to the area's rich history and artistic heritage.
Thai costume rental shops have sprung up throughout Old Town, allowing visitors to transform themselves in elaborate traditional clothing for photo sessions against the district's colorful architecture, of which there is plenty!. These shops provide professional photography services and styling assistance, ensuring you capture perfect memories of your visit. The most popular option includes outfits inspired by the Peranakan culture, the descendants of Chinese immigrants who settled throughout Southeast Asia and developed a distinctive fusion culture.
Street art and Old Town Phuket shopping opportunities converge around Soi Rommani, where massive, colorful murals depict scenes from local history and daily life. Artists have transformed once-unremarkable walls into Instagram-worthy backdrops, while boutiques on and around the Soi sell locally designed clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and souvenirs that are unique to Old Town Phuket’s shopping scene.
Thalang Road Night Market transforms the heart of Old Town every Sunday evening. Known locally as "Lard Yai Walking Street," this market showcases local food, handicrafts, and live performances that seemingly stretch on and on. Traditional dancers and musicians perform in the more spacious areas while vendors lining the main street sell everything from grilled meats to artisanal soaps made with local ingredients.
Your Phuket Experience Starts at Thavorn Palm Beach Resort
After exploring the streets, distinctive flavors, and cultural richness of Old Town, you'll appreciate returning to the tranquility of a luxurious beach hotel in Phuket like Thavorn Palm Beach Resort. Located on Karon Beach, the resort offers the perfect balance of action and quiet, giving you full control of how you want to spend your holiday.
Old Town's historical character complements the natural beauty of Karon Beach, collectively creating an ideal Phuket experience. Consider this as you plan your things to do in Phuket Old Town: the island's true magic lies in the harmony between Phuket’s natural and cultural beauty.
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