10 things to do in Phuket Old Town

Exploring Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is a destination often, rather unfortunately, overlooked by people travelling to Phuket. Although it is not a major town to explore, it is certainly one that is rich in both culture and history, with enough picturesque cafes and sino-portuguese style architecture to dedicate at least a half-day of exploring to.

For this reason, Club Med has produced a quick guide outlining 10 things to do in Phuket Old Town:

1 - Night Market at Lard Yai and The Library

1. Check out the Sunday “Walking Street” Night Market at Lard Yai

Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market, or Lard Yai Market as it is known to the locals, is certainly one of the top things to do in Phuket Old Town and something that everyone should experience at least once. The market takes place every Sunday from 4pm - 9pm on the historical Thalang Road. The popular road is lined with food and clothing vendors. You can purchase snacks; enjoy live entertainment or just opt to embrace in the lively hustle and bustle of the road during these hours.

2. Visit “The Library” Prohibition-Style Restaurant and Bar

The Library is a quirky and modern restaurant and cocktail bar, located in the heart of Phuket Town, with a 1920’s American feel to it. The Library appears to be a small and quiet local bar from the outside and then you are greeted by staff and escorted through the subtle sliding door to the main bar area. This is the perfect location for a fun and lively evening with friends with live DJs often playing into the early hours and the skilled bar tenders regularly hosting impressive flare-shows from the main bar itself.

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2 - Thai Cooking Class and Dine at Natural Restaurant

3. Master a Thai Cooking Class at Blue Elephant Restaurant

Embrace yourself in Thai culture while exploring Phuket Old Town and attend a Thai cooking class at one of Phuket’s best cooking schools - Blue Elephant Restaurant. The Blue Elephant restaurant resides in one of Phuket Town’s most stunning sino-portuguese style mansions. In the past it was the home of Phuket Governors but since being abandoned has been refurbished into a fine restaurant and host to Blue Elephant cooking school, which originated in Bangkok. The grounds and architecture alone are something to be admired and the interior is equally as impressive.

4. Dine at Natural Restaurant

Accurately described as a “tropical oasis” in the heart of Phuket Town, is Natural Restaurant. Locally known as Tamachart Restaurant, Natural Restaurant and their Thai food options are a popular favourite for both locals and expats. Not only is the food impressive, but the tree-house like design to this restaurant creates a fantastic atmosphere to enjoy dinner with family and friends.

3 - Sunset at Estrela Sky Bar and Khao Rang Breeze

5. Catch the Sunset at Estrela Sky Bar

Situated at the top floor of Phuket Town’s Novotel is the impressive, and not to be missed Estrela Sky Bar - the first of its kind in Phuket Town. After a day of walking and exploring Phuket Old Town, treat yourself to a skilfully crafted cocktail and enjoy the stunning views of the sunset over the town you have just spent the day walking the streets of.

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6. Visit the idyllic Khao Rang Breeze

Situated at the top of Phuket Old Town’s Rang Hill - popular for its scenery, monkeys, restaurants and temple, is the stunning hillside viewpoint restaurant Khao Rang Breeze. Although the Thai food here costs a little more than the average price, it is worth it for the panoramic views and picturesque settings that the restaurant is located in.

4 - Thalang Road Chinese Shrine, Vanich Walking Street, Soi Romanee and Explore a Film Setting

7. Admire the Thalang Road Chinese Shrine

An almost hidden shrine located in the heart of Phuket Old Town is the Thalang Road Chinese Shrine. The shrine is tucked away inside an unassuming entrance and is sure to be something to be admired on your exploration of Phuket Old Town.

8. Shop at Vanich Walking Street

Vanich Walking, or ChimJae, Street is a long and narrow passageway located between two buildings which connect Thalang and Phang Nga Road in Phuket Old Town. This passageway is lined with vendors selling a variety of items, from clothes and authentic thai souvenirs to local snacks. If you enjoy checking out local Thai markets, this is one not to be missed.

9. Capture Photos on Soi Romanee

Once known as Phuket Old Town’s red light district and located just off the popular Thalang Road is Soi Romanee. This street is one of the most popular in Phuket with instagrammers and influencers often flooding it to capture the best photos amongst its colourful buildings.

10. Explore a Film Setting from the popular “The Beach”

Popular for its debut in the movie, “The Beach” is the On On Hotel located on Phuket Old Town’s Phang Nga Road. Many people believe that the hotel is set in Bangkok, as they’re led to think in the film, but actually the scene was filmed in this quaint hotel in Phuket Old Town. In 2013, the popular tourist attraction was cleverly renovated to keep the original essence of the hotel alive while still allowing it to remain a relatively cheap option for accomodation.
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If you are interested in engaging in any of the activities listed above, book your stay with Club Med Phuket today and our resort staff can assist in making the necessary transport and booking arrangements if required. At Club Med Phuket you can enjoy a truly stress-free, all-inclusive stay at our fantastic resort whilst having a multitude of activities on offer, both on and off site, to enjoy throughout your stay with us.