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Phuket town is a small urban treasure full of surprises, many of which are not readily apparent to the visitor simply passing through. Spend some time exploring the narrow alleys and back streets - you'll be surprised by the hidden gems you encounter.

The rich cultural heritage of Phuket, evidenced in its architecture, is perhaps the foremost of attractions here. But don't miss the shops for the buildings - there are fascinating markets bursting with local colour, Chinese shrines and Buddhist temples and shopping opportunities both modern and traditional.

Phuket town was largely founded by Chinese who immigrated to the island in the late 19th century to work the booming tin mines. Many began as penniless coolies but ended up as rich moguls. Thus, much of the interesting architecture of the town is Chinese in style and origin. Thais, of both Buddhist and Muslim origin, lived largely in rural villages, where the finest examples of their temples and mosques are found.

Viewing Phuket town:
One excellent way to get an overview of Phuket town is to go to the top of Rang hill, one of the two very prominent hills on the northern edge of town. Rang Hill (Khao Rang) is the westernmost of these hills, the one uncrowned by telecommunications towers.

At the very peak of Rang hill is one of the best Thai restaurants in the city, Tunka Ka Café, run by a true gourmet and lover of Thai cuisine, Khun Thira. This is a great place to enjoy the view of the town – and a great place to eat. Khun Thira makes sure every dish in his restaurant is just right. If you want to see the love that goes into food here, try Thira’s Som Tam (hot papaya salad). Khun Thira is also one of the best-known characters in town, and your day is made if you chance to meet him. And since Tunka Ka is a favourite hang-out for the Thai staff of PHUKET Magazine, you might well find us there also – always with Som Tam on the table.

Sino-Portuguese Mansions
Sino-Portuguese Mansions [20806 bytes]

This description is given to several score houses set in grand gardens and built by Chinese moguls, often about 100 years ago at the height of the tin mining boom. The name Sino-Portuguese reflects the dual origin of this unique style of architecture. Wealthy Chinese owners built their houses in the European style often seen in Singapore and Malaysia, where the Portuguese had set the first standards for grand tropical mansions. In fact, most of the Sino-Portuguese buildings in Phuket town were built by Italians, whom the wealthy Chinese employed. They also imported many of the materials, like tiles and fittings, from Italy.