Old Phuket Town: A 3-Hour Walking Route
Phuket Town is the main historical district of the island. It preserves Sino-Portuguese houses from the 19th century, street art, the best Phuket restaurants, and the Sunday Walking Street. UNESCO has awarded the city its City of Gastronomy status. Over 4 years I have walked here 50+ times — below is a 3-hour walking route with a map and tested stops.
Start: Soi Romanee — The Most Photogenic Street
Begin at Soi Romanee — a narrow alley with colorful Sino-Portuguese houses and small cafes. The most Instagrammable spot in Phuket. People come here for bridal photoshoots and the like.
Length — 200 meters, walk slowly, take photos at every facade. On Soi Romanee there is Macau Street Food (dim sums 30-80 THB) — a great breakfast spot.
Head to Thalang Road
The main historical street. On both sides — two-story Sino-Portuguese houses from the 19th century: pastel facades, shutters, arcade sidewalks (known in Thai as "five-foot way"). The buildings were constructed by Chinese tin merchants 100-150 years ago.
Walk slowly. Note Hua Lampong House, the Standard Chartered Bank Building, and China Inn. On Sundays, Thalang Road hosts the Walking Street. Also check out our guide to Phuket night markets — they are in the same area.
Street Art: Find the Murals
Old Town has more than 30 street art murals. The main ones:
- "Girl with Lotus" — on Phang Nga Road
- "Boy with Parrot" — on Soi Romanee
- "Auntie with O-Tao" — at the entrance to Old Town
- "Old Chinese Man with Cigarette" — on Krabi Road
Download a PDF map of the murals from the Phuket Old Town Foundation website so you do not miss any.
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Message usCafes and Lunch
The Old Town area has the highest concentration of the best food in Phuket. Not for nothing did the city receive its UNESCO City of Gastronomy title. More details in our guide to the best restaurants in Phuket.
- Kopitiam by Wilai (Thalang Road) — Phuket noodles 80-150 THB, 1960s atmosphere
- Raya Restaurant — Baba-Ya Phuket cuisine in a 1900 house, 350-700 THB
- One Chun Cafe — modern Baba-Ya in an antique house, 400-700 THB
- Tu Kab Khao — spicy Southern Thai cuisine, 400-600 THB. Even royalty visits
- Bookhemian — literary cafe, flat white 100 THB, mango sticky rice 130 THB
Museums and Attractions
- Thai Hua Museum (Thalang Road) — history of Chinese immigrants in Phuket. Ticket 200 THB, 1 hour.
- Peranakannitat Museum — Baba-Ya ethnography. Ticket 200 THB.
- Khao Rang Hill — 5 minutes by scooter from Old Town, viewpoint over the entire city. Free.
- Standard Chartered Building clock tower — the oldest bank building in Southeast Asia (1907), now a museum inside.
After the museums you can ride to Big Buddha — it is 20 minutes by scooter from the center.
Sunday Walking Street
If you are in Phuket Town on a Sunday — you absolutely must visit the Sunday Walking Street from 4:00 to 10:00 PM. Thalang Road is closed to traffic and 200+ food stalls set up. Street food, music, shows, shopping.
The atmosphere is like a Thai carnival. Best to arrive at 4:30 PM — after 6:00 PM it becomes packed.
Sunset: Khao Rang Hill
End your day at Khao Rang Hill. A 5-minute scooter ride from the center, with a viewpoint. Tunk-Ka Cafe is the best panoramic restaurant offering Thai and European cuisine. Dinner costs 800-1,200 THB. Sunsets here are stunning.
How to Get to Old Town
From Patong — 20 km, 40 minutes by scooter/taxi (300-500 THB). From Karon — 18 km, 35 minutes (350-500 THB). From Mai Khao — 35 km, 45 minutes (700-900 THB).
Parking — everywhere on Old Town streets, free. Best spot — near Thai Hua Museum. If you are planning a route around the whole island — read things to do in Phuket beyond beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do you need for Phuket Town?
At least 3 hours for a walking tour. With lunch — 4-5 hours. With museums — 6 hours. You can stretch it to a full day with sunset at Khao Rang Hill.
When is the best time to visit Old Town?
Morning (8:00-11:00 AM) — few people, great for photos. Sunday evening — Sunday Walking Street, amazing atmosphere. Weekday after 4:00 PM — good balance.
What are the must-see spots?
Soi Romanee (photos), Thalang Road (architecture), street art murals, Kopitiam cafe, Raya restaurant for lunch, Khao Rang Hill for sunset.
Is Old Town free to visit?
The district itself is free — you walk around freely. Only museums are paid (Thai Hua, Peranakannitat — 200 THB each) and some historical houses (50-100 THB).
Can you visit with children?
Yes, but in the heat (11 AM-3 PM) it is tough. There is little shade. Bring water and hats. Kids love the street art and Sunday Walking Street sweets.