You can tell that such history really did take place, thanks to all the different architecture you encounter in Phuket Old Town, where many of the migrants once settled down.
To help these migrants feel at home, they started building various structures—temples, houses, and more—based on the designs of their home country. If you were to walk around Phuket town today, you will see all they built, from temples that look Chinese-based as well as shophouses based on Sino-Portuguese architecture. The shophouses served as a home and a shop, where the front end is the store and the back the home to the family that runs it.
While time took a toll on many of these structures, many of these structures have been beautifully restored to their former glory, allowing tourists to experience the past while walking down Thalang Road. Today, the road enjoys a lively crowd of people looking to sell their products. Beginning at 4:00 p.m., over a hundred stalls start to show up and are ready to do business. Here, you’ll find various food and items to purchase, from fried chicken to hand-made souvenirs.
What sets this market apart from any other, however, is the creative minds you’ll encounter. Here, plenty of young souls perform for the crowd, showcasing their dance talents while others show off their painting, bringing into life their creativity.
Speaking of painting, don’t miss Soi Romanee, especially if you genuinely want to see a piece of history or want to look at something unique. On this narrow street, you’ll find walls covered with paintings of time past and present. This place is perhaps one of the most photographed areas of the entire Phuket Old Town.
