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Phuket Old Town
The old quarter of the world famous holiday place Phuket is full of cultural charm, ranging from remarkable architecture from various influences to delicacies inherited from ancient times.
The narrow streets in Phuket Old Town are always lined with street food stalls, hawker hubs and family-run restaurants. Delicacies available here include everything from local pancakes, or a-pong, Chinese-style fried noodles to somtam. They reflect the culinary influence of different countries that played a role on this island.
In the morning, you can meet the locals at the typically busy dim sum shops such as the century-old shops like Juan Hiang on Chana Charoen Road, and Boonrat which lies behind the fresh market on Bangkok Road. Have a seat, the waiters fill your table with a vast selection of dumplings, steamed buns and fried snacks.
If the light meal is not enough for you, Phuket-style Kanom Jeen which are rice noodles may suit your hungry morning. Po Lamai, at the intersection of Satun and Dibuk Road, serves one of the best Kanom Jeen topped with various thick and creamy curries.
Phuket Old Town was built on the prosperity of tin mining the last century. It is compact enough to stroll around and witness grandiose Sino-Portuguese style mansions and shophouses with beautiful facades. The unique architectural style reflects the mixed influences of various cultures in Phuket. The Thai-Hua Museum on Krabi Road is one of the best places that tell interesting stories of Chinese descendants and heritages on the island.
Take a stroll in the early morning and you will be impressed by Phuket’s cultural richness.
How to get there: Phuket is 690 kilometer south of Bangkok. Many airlines operate several daily flights from Bangkok.