8 Beautiful Old Phuket Houses
Sino-Portuguese Houses, Shophouses and Mansions in Phuket
A must-do in Phuket is a walk in the old part of Phuket City, around Thalang, Dibuk and Krabi roads. The beautiful architecture along these roads will take you back to the charm of a century or more ago. The architecture is a reflection of European influence on the island.
The Europeans, including the Portuguese and the British, had been interested in Phuket’s tin wealth since the 16th century. Check out our list of the most beautiful old Phuket houses to visit when you’re out and about in this historical part of the island.
Good for: History, Photo
Baan Chinpracha is a fine example of a Sino-colonial mansion in Phuket Town. Located on 98 Krabi Road, it’s just a few doors away from the famous Blue Elephant Restaurant. Visitors not only will have a sneak peek of how a wealthy Phuket family used to live many decades ago but they also get a tour of the property by its owner, Jaroonrat ‘Daeng’ Tandavanitj. Read more
Location: 98 Krabi Road, Phuket Town, Muang, Phuket, Thailand
Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 4.30 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +66 (0)76 211 167 or +66 (0)76 211 281
Baan Chinpracha
2. Baan Klung Jinda Restaurant
Good for: History, Photo, Food
Baan Klung Jinda Restaurant is found in Phuket Town, at the intersection of Yaowarat Road and Mae Luan Road. The building was originally built, over 108 years ago, as the official residence of the town treasure. An additional wing was added to the original building after a local businessman leased and converted it into a high-end Thai restaurant.
Location: 158 Yaowarat Road, Talat Yai, Mueang, Phuket, Thailand
Phone: +66 (0)76 221 777
Baan Klung Jinda Restaurant
3. China Inn Cafe
Good for: Shoppers, History, Photo, Food
China Inn Café & Restaurant is a beautifully restored example of a Sino-Portuguese building in Phuket’s old town. You enter through an antique store, which displays goods dating back to the island’s tin mining era. The cafe also has seating in its quaint open-air courtyard. Food-wise, China Inn Café specializes in Thai and western favorites such as som tam (papaya salad), massaman curry, and fried rice.
Location: 21 Thalang Road, Talat Yai, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Open: Sunday, Tuesday–Wednesday from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm, Thursday–Saturday from 10.30 am to 9.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +66 (0)81 979 8258
China Inn Cafe
4. Phuket Provincial Hall
Good for: History, Photo
The Phuket Provincial Hall holds the offices of the province’s highest official, the Provincial Governor. It’s open to the public every day except on special occasions. The building dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, and there are more than 50 pictures of old Phuket on display inside.
Location: Narison Road, Talat Yai, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Phone: +66 (0)76 212 215
Phuket Provincial Hall
5. Phuket Philatelic Museum
Good for: History, Photo
Phuket Philatelic Museum occupies an 80-year-old building on Montri Road. It has 3 sections – the first part exhibits posters explaining how the Thai Postal Service has developed since its start during the reign of forward-thinking King Rama V.
The second room houses a good amount of antique equipment and machines, such as telegraph tickers, telephones, and parcel-weighing machines. The last section is a souvenir room where you can buy Thai stamps. All information is in English and Thai. Entry is free.
Location: Montri Road, Talat Nuea, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Phone: +66 (0)76 216 951
Phuket Philatelic Museum
Good for: History, Photo
Thai Hua Museum on Krabi Road is one of the best looking and well-maintained Sino-Portuguese buildings in Phuket. This renovated building serves as a museum, exhibition space, and an occasional function hall. In 2008, the Thai Hua Museum was given an award in the category of constitutional and public buildings by the Siam Architect Association under the King’s patronage for its outstanding role in conserving architectural arts. Read more
Location: 28 Krabi Road, Talat Nuea, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +66 (0)76 211 224
Thai Hua Museum
7. The Memory at On On Hotel
Good for: History, Photo
Established in 1929, The Memory at On On Hotel was the first hotel to open in Phuket. It was made famous after appearing in the Leonardo Di Caprio film, The Beach,in 2000. The external architecture is typical Sino-Portuguese in style, with 2 open courtyards. It still operates as an affordable hotel in Phuket Old Town.
Location: 19 Phangnga Road, Talat Yai, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Phone: +66 (0)76 363 700
The Memory at On On Hotel
Good for: Couples, History, Photo, Food
Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion is named after its owner, who made his fortune partly from tin before starting construction of the mansion during WWII. After undergoing a complete renovation, the Sino-Portuguese building houses the Blue Elephant Restaurant, which specializes in classic Thai food. Read more
Location: 98 Krabi Road, Talat Yai, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Open: Daily from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm and from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm
Phone: +66 (0)76 354 355
Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion
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