A typical day in Phuket is usually filled with beach exploration and island hopping, while the nights are for clubs, seafood galore, and night markets adventure. But don’t forget to visit the serene and historic Phuket Old Town for a change of scenery.

Did you know that Phuket Old Town also has a very famous night market? Popular amongst locals and tourists, this weekly event is a must visit attraction if you happen to be in Phuket during the weekend. 

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Phuket Old Town was once a major hub for tin mining. This historic area is still filled with Sino-Portuguese buildings that blend Eastern and Western architecture. Most buildings have been through many restorations over the years and now painted with bright beautiful colors, adding charm to the neighbourhood. 

Popular to visit in the morning and afternoon, Phuket Old Town also offers an interesting sight during nighttime. The old town area would turn lively on Sunday night, due to the weekly Phuket Old Town Sunday Night Market or also known as the Lard Yai Night Market. 

There’s much to see, try, and buy at the Lard Yai Night Market. Come early, as early as 4.00pm when the market opens. Enjoy the late afternoon warmth and sunset glow while looking around for interesting art and crafts, clothing, accessories, knick knacks, and not to forget the tempting food and drinks stalls along the road.

Placed in front of the lovely historic buildings, nearby the famous murals, you can enjoy being elbow to elbow to the locals and visitors filling the market. Let the live music performance serenade your steps. Stay until the sky turned completely dark and the street lights turn on, for a lovely sight at the Old Town, before heading back to rest.

Address: 53 Thalang Rd Old Phuket Town, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Opening hours: Sunday, 04.00pm - 11.00pm

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While waiting for the night to come, you can also spend a day filled with great food in the Old Town. Here are 5 best restaurants and cafes to dine in Phuket Old Town:

Address: 6 Thep Krasattri Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Opening hours: 07.00am-12.00pm

Dine like the locals! This famous breakfast spot has been around for over 70 years. Always filled with locals and visitors, the thin crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside (reminds you with a piece of roti canai) can be enjoyed plain, with eggs, bananas, or dipped inside beef/chicken/fish curry.

Try as many ways as you want along with a cup of coffee, tea, Ovaltine, or goat milk. Prices start from THB 20 (RM 2.50), super affordable for a super tasty breakfast, which was once mentioned in the Michelin Guide. 

Address: 48, 1 Thep Krasattri Rd, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Opening hours: 10:00am - 10:00pm 

Filled with antiques, sitting inside the One Chun Cafe and Restaurant feels like being at grandma’s house. Located inside a 19th century building, the interior and furniture could almost remind you of peranakan houses.

Famous for its Thai delicacies, this restaurant also serves the region’s local foods and drinks. Crab Meat Curry, Fried Fish with Fish Soup, and Fried Grill Pork with Chilli, Pepper and Garlic are some of the favorite menus here. Come with friends and family to enjoy ordering many dishes to share. 

Address: 59 14 Bangkok Rd, Tambon Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand 

Opening hours: 9.00am - 8.00pm 

For affordable and varying options, Lock Tien Food Court could be your go to place to eat in Phuket Old Town. This place would remind you of the old-school Singaporean and Malaysian hawker center, with some familiar Hokkien style foods as well.

Hokkien style fried noodles, Popiah Sod (Fresh Spring Rolls), Lo Bah (deep-fried internal pig organs) are some of the dishes you could order. Don’t go home before ordering a refreshing bowl of Oh Aew, a local shaved iced often found in Phuket that features a white jelly made from banana mixed with some Chinese herbs, grass jelly, red beans, and syrup.

Address: 31 Soi Rommani Old Phuket Town, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand

Opening hours: 8.00am - 7.00pm 

A little shelter to hide from the unforgiving Phuket midday sun. Coffee aroma will welcome you the second you’re stepping inside RUSH Coffee Rommani. Coffee, matcha, a slice of cake, a portion of tiramisu, or some cookies will accompany you.

Sit by the window on the first floor to watch the Phuket passerby and read a book. There are outdoor areas on the second floor. If you enjoy the coffee, bring home some quality beans to brew at home. 

Address: 27 Ratsada Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Opening hours: 8.00am - 6.00pm

As the name suggests, this lovely and cute delightful pink cafe stood at the heart of Phuket Old Town. Serving American-style breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee, and homemade desserts, all made from scratch. 

Their tasty avocado toast, mac n cheese, smoothie bowls, and New York cheesecake will blow your mind. This family owned cafe are praised for their top notch hospitality and lovely food presentation (of course paired with great taste!)

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The charming Phuket Old Town will be the icing on the cake on your Phuket and Thailand adventure. Make sure to put venturing the Old Town and visiting the Lard Yai Night Market on Sunday, inside your Phuket itinerary. Good food, great atmosphere, and historic buildings awaits you in Phuket.

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