Phuket Town is nowhere near as happening as the well known beach area. However, this doesn’t mean there is nothing noteworthy here. The island of Phuket was a well known tin source and it provided income to the kingdom for hundred of years. The colonial powers at that time, the Dutch, English and the French were right at the doorstep of Phuket island. This has probably left a strong imprint in the culture of Phuket. Actually, the opposite is true.
The Chinese merchants from Singapore and Malaysia came and settled in Phuket and brought with them the architectural rage at that time. Buildings constructed during this time were of the Sino-Portuguese style, which is particularly prominent in the islands of Singapore, Malacca and Penang. It was surprising that despite the colonial’s influences, architecture had to come from elsewhere in the region.
Walking through the old quarter of the city, you can immediately notice the old style buildings that are not unlike the shophouses I can see in Singapore and Malacca. In fact, you probably won’t be able to tell the difference. These structures are owned and used by ethnic Chinese who have settled here in Phuket. However, I won’t be surprised to know that these ethnic Chinese do not speak a word of Chinese anymore.
The town of Phuket is surprisingly historical with a lot of these Sino-Portuguese style buildings still intact. Some of them were turned into stores others were turned into hotels. I think it would be fascinating to be able to stay in one of these hotels. On the downside, the historical quarter of Phuket town is right downtown so there are a lot of vehicles passing by including very noisy motorcycles. Touts will no doubt find you and ask if you want a taxi or not, which, to say the least is annoying.
This was one aspect of Phuket I wasn’t expecting and I was glad I was able to explore some of it. So, as it turns out, Phuket is not just about sun and sand, history buffs could get quite a kick out of this place too.
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