Located off the western coastal belt of Thailand, the province of Phuket is home to the largest island in the country: the famed Phuket which, conversely, is also one of its smallest provinces. Incidentally, the island only slightly smaller than the city state of Singapore and is located on a well used trading route between the Republic of China and mainland India. Given its location, its proximity to the Krabi province, another tourist hotspot, and Phuket’s abundant natural beauty, the island is well geared to accept tourists and a Phuket luxury resort can be found with ease. With the global spotlight on the Thai capital becoming brighter, a number of chain hotels whose reputation often precedes them, such as COMO Hotels and Resorts, are expanding to Thailand as well.
Given the degree of development that has taken place in Thailand, much is in a constant state of flux, including the Old Phuket Town. The Old Town seeks to reclaim the charm and allure of the past without allowing modern development to change too much. As a result, the administration is following a restoration and renovation plan and has even applied to the UNESCO to be endowed as a World Heritage Site.
Phuket’s Old Town is truly a sight to behold. Replete with Buddhist temples, Chinese shrines, small museums and quaint cafes, the Old Town maintains some of its mystic allure. To explore the town, the best place to begin is Thalang Road: the most well known street in the area. Along Thalang Road, tourists will be able to see ancient mansions being refurbished, yet retaining its original architectural structure such as the Phra Phitak Chyn Pracha Mansion which is now home to a restaurant.
Exploring the Old Town is truly worth it for one never knows what they might discover: the most beautifully preserved mansion, the quaintest café or the oldest building that seems to whisper its stories to anyone who would listen, could be just around the corner.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+