Experiencing Old Town for the first time will dazzle you with its sights. The vibrant houses with balconies and galleries set "Old Town’s" architecture apart from anything else on the island. But how did it come to be here?
Old Phuket Town is the island’s heart, characterized by a block peppered with a network of passages and driveways. The dense, lively pattern is formed by rows of two-story houses built in the 19th century, a construction style necessitated by high property taxes based on facade width, with length untaxed. Often, the long side facade is nearly windowless, with several sections of sloping roofs alternating with internal courtyards, balancing light and air. This configuration allowed residents to enjoy larger spaces while paying minimal taxes.
A distinctive feature of these homes is the commercial use of the ground floor for workshops, craft shops, and stores, with the second floor for living, known locally as "shophouses." This lifestyle remains preserved today.
The architectural heritage left from the tin boom era is attributed to the Sino-Portuguese style (Peranakan). Tin mining, which began on the island in the 16th century, led to the migration of various peoples. By the 19th century, it was predominantly in the hands of the Chinese from British settlements, particularly Penang, which influenced Phuket’s urban design.
Wandering through the narrow streets, one can observe both Asian and European features, such as carved shutters on window openings and red tiles on roofs. The shophouses are connected by a continuous arcade, providing shade, shelter, and safety for pedestrians.
Old Phuket Town stands out as uniquely charming, with its own story. Its atmosphere is incomparable, inviting a closer look at each building. If you find yourself in Phuket, be sure to visit this heart of the island.