Thalang Road is the most renowned street in the historic area of Old Phuket Town. Thanks to the efforts of the municipality and property owners, many of the old Sino-Portuguese shophouses have been beautifully restored, and the unsightly overhead cables that are often associated with Thailand have been hidden away. Selfies have become a common sight in Thalang, especially at the little Soi Romanee, previously regarded as among the most beautiful streets in the world.
There are a lot of restaurants, hip stores, and little cafes all along the street. These locations have come to appeal with their elegant décor in recent years, drawing more patrons ready for pictures. Each establishment is adorned with nostalgic memorabilia from Phuket’s past, providing even more photo opportunities, many of which are truly stunning.
Attractions on Thalang Road
All of the shophouses along Thalang Road share a similar design: long and narrow structures with small facades that allow breezes to flow through, keeping the interiors cool. The front typically features a door flanked by windows, with two small windows above resembling eyes. The covered area in front of each shophouse creates a long archway that provides shade and shelter, while also serving as a display space for products.
Cleared and radiating beauty is this long path. Particularly on weekends, you may see numerous young people posing for pictures in this lovely location throughout the day. Even the parking signs have grown to be really fashionable backgrounds!
Though I value the improvements, I find myself pulled to the historic houses in their natural state. Having seen innumerable lives and secrets throughout the years, they have a physical sense of history.
The old Chinese pharmacies feel timeless, and the hair salons seem to have stepped out of a 1960s film. Be aware that if you wish to take photos inside, you might be asked not to, as many businesses here cater more to customers than to photographers. Although many shophouses are privately owned, some residents are gradually moving away from Thalang due to the influx of tourists and limited parking.
Soi Romanee
Short and vibrant, Soi Romanee splits off Thalang Road to reach Dibuk Road. Originally the gambling and red-light area of Phuket, this 125-meter-long street boasts a storied legacy. These days, it is a hip neighborhood full of chic guesthouses and coffee shops.
Hainan Shrine
Unless for its striking crimson entryway, the Chinese shrine known as the Hainan Shrine is easy to ignore. Despite its shophouse-style width, it stretches far into the property. Although visitors are welcome to enter and explore, as this is a place of worship, it is advisable to keep courteous.
Shopping Along Thalang Road
Phuket Town used to mostly serve local business, and visitors concentrated their holidays on the beach. Thalang was almost empty on weekends and silent throughout weekdays. Still, the region has changed dramatically recently. The attractiveness of the recently rebuilt Soi Romanee has attracted more tourists, which has driven more restorations and the development of interesting businesses.
Phuket Weekend Walking Street
Thalang Road shuts to traffic every Sunday between 5 and 10 PM, turning into a hive of activity pedestrian street market. Although Phuket has several night markets, this one is very lively and appealing. Framed by vibrant Sino-Portuguese shophouses, the street presents a breathtaking vista with sellers arranging their booths in the middle.
This is your opportunity to taste a delicious combination of locally grown cuisine and sweets difficult to get elsewhere. While some foods could be somewhat strange (have you ever tried Yum Kai Mangda Talay?), some may be familiar. This market is a must-visit with street events and an amazing range of handicrafts and clothes.
Thousands swarm the pedestrian street each week, where every store opens to highlight a range of local dishes and sweets. Mixing with the residents is a great experience, but be ready for throngs!
The Oasis Street (Vanich Walking Street)
Added recently to the Old Phuket Town scene is the Oasis Walking Street, sometimes known as Vanich Walking Street. This long, narrow covered walk links Thalang Road to Dibuk Road, surrounded with little booths offering food, clothes, accessories, and souvenirs! Since the entry looks like a little shop, it might be difficult to find and a pleasant hideaway should the weather change.
Local Shopping Highlights
Bulan is a well-loved local clothing store that specializes in indigo batik. There are also a few fabric shops at the beginning of Thalang that offer colorful and distinctive items.
Dining Options
Thalang Road runs alongside a number of little cafes and eateries. China Inn is particularly noteworthy for its beautiful surroundings; however, it has limited seats and a somewhat expensive price tag. “Preserving the spirit of an old house costs even more than turning an old house into a lovely new one.” Popular photo stop China Inn is one of the few businesses in Phuket that has made large investments in preserving its genuine identity.
- Kopitiam by Wilai is a neighborhood restaurant renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine, including Hokkien fried noodles.
- Perfect for a quick meal or reviving drink while exploring the energetic streets, Old Phuket Coffee is a vintage café situated at the junction of Yaowarat Road and Thalang Road.
- Along with some of the greatest coffee in town, Macchiato House & CakeBox is a charming coffee house noted for its great cakes and snacks.
- Eleven Two & Co.: A little pub on Thalang Road with a terrace and a variety of trinkets to peruse that has fostered a friendly environment.
- Open every day from 11 AM to 11 PM, Baan 109 Bar & Restaurant is a casual bar with retro decor situated at 109 Thalang Road.
- Popular Japanese barbecue restaurant Koku Yakiniku, with grilled meats and seafood, has been a mainstay of Phuket for almost 15 years.
Architectural Features of Thalang Road
The two-story shophouses in Old Phuket Town serve dual purposes: commercial and residential. Their unique character features a narrow front and extensive depth. The façade includes a covered walkway, or “arcade,” that lines the street, known in Hokkien as “Ngor-Ka-Kee.”
The ground floor is typically divided into five sections:
- Shop Front: Characterized by doors and windows, with an air void above, resembling a dragon’s face.
- Guest Area: Either a shop or a welcoming space for visitors.
- Central Area: Often includes a water well, providing light and ventilation.
- Dining Area: Connected to the kitchen for convenience.
- Restroom: Considered the “tail” of the dragon.
The second floor, known as “Lao-Teng,” serves as the sleeping quarters, protruding slightly over the ground floor to shelter the walkway below from rain.
Beyond Thalang Road
Old Phuket Town’s rebuilt streets present a wealth of picture possibilities highlighting the magnificent Sino-Portuguese architecture. Among the highlights are some lovely sites and the Thai Hua Museum. One of the first streets to bury ugly electric lines under, Thalang Road is notable for its famous archways shielding people from the sun and rain. The shophouses have a similar design: three levels with tiny windows that guarantee protection while yet allowing airflow.
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