Curator’s statement
Phuket Town is special to me because it feels like stepping into a living postcard of old Southeast Asia—those vibrant Sino-Portuguese shophouses in pastel yellows, pinks, and greens are so perfectly preserved and full of character. I’ve returned to this town many times over the years, and even after all these visits, I still stumble on new hidden corners and places to explore. Above all, the food here is pure joy—I’ve worked my way through almost every spot in the local Michelin guide, plus countless street stalls and family-run eateries serving Hokkien noodles, roti, and dim sum that keep drawing me back. It’s the heart of Phuket’s real history, far from the beach crowds, and every trip feels like discovering the island all over again.
The Fora Difference
Book with Dean Hawkes to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Phuket Town
Unlock perks by contacting Dean Hawkes to book your trip.
Things to do in Phuket Town
Soi Romanee
Walk Soi Romanee
This is the famous “Instagram street”—you literally can’t walk past without stopping to take photos. Heaven for anyone who loves the color pink, with its perfectly restored pastel shophouses glowing in soft pinks and corals.
Eat at Michelin-recommended Ton Mayom
My personal favorite no-frills spot, run by a wonderful old lady who always greets me like family. It’s been Michelin-recommended for at least the past five years. Order the spicy fried fish (it’s worth traveling for) and a few other dishes. A full meal for two (typically four dishes) costs no more than 800 THB (~$24 USD).
Stroll Thalang Road
Wander the main historic street lined with vibrant Sino-Portuguese shophouses in yellows, pinks, and blues—especially beautiful in the morning or late-afternoon light. It’s the heart of the town’s timeless, laid-back charm.
Take a Thai cooking class
Join a half-day class (like at Blue Elephant) to learn classic dishes with fresh local ingredients—it’s hands-on, fun, and you eat everything you make. A delicious way to understand Phuket’s Thai-Chinese-Peranakan food fusion.
Explore the Sunday Walking Street Market (Lard Yai)
Every Sunday evening, the main street becomes a lively night market with street food stalls, crafts, and music. It’s the easiest spot to try a huge range of cheap, authentic eats—from Hokkien mee to grilled seafood and mango sticky rice.
Eat at Naam Yoi
This is a proper local family-run Thai food place—nothing fancy at all, just honest, delicious home-style cooking that locals love. Michelin-recognized, but still super modest and welcoming: rich Southern Thai curries made fresh each day with market produce, spice levels you can dial down if needed. No English menu—just point and enjoy. The food speaks for itself, and that’s why it’s always busy with regulars.
Wander the side alleys for hidden murals & cafés
Get a little lost in the quieter sois off the main roads—you’ll find street art, tiny galleries, quirky cafés, and beautifully restored buildings. It’s where Phuket Town feels most personal and unspoiled.
Enjoy Roti Thaew Nam
Simple things in life don’t need to be expensive—this Michelin-recommended roti spot has people queuing up because it’s that delicious. At this 70-year-old Halal breakfast place, soft, crispy, non-oily roti emerge from a huge charcoal pan in the blink of an eye, shaped, fried, and served piping hot, often topped with a fried egg.
Places to eat & drink in Phuket Town
Ton Mayom spicy fried fish!
Ton Mayom
My absolute favorite no-frills family-run spot—Michelin-recommended for years and still run by the same wonderful old lady who greets me like family every time. The spicy fried fish is worth the trip alone, and a full meal for two (usually four dishes) comes in under 800 THB (~$24 USD).
Naam Yoi
A proper, humble local family-run Thai food place—nothing fancy at all, just honest, delicious home-style cooking that locals love. Michelin-recognized, but still super modest and welcoming: rich Southern Thai curries made fresh each day with market produce, spice levels you can dial down if needed. No English menu—just point and enjoy. The food speaks for itself, and that’s why it’s always busy with regulars.
Roti Thaew Nam
This 70-year-old Halal breakfast institution has queues every morning because the roti is that good—soft, crispy, non-oily, cooked over a huge charcoal pan in seconds, and often topped with a fried egg. Simple, cheap, and one of the best morning treats in town.
Kopitiam by Wilai
A classic old-school Hainanese coffee shop with strong kopi, kaya toast, roti, and dim sum in a relaxed, nostalgic setting. Perfect for a slow, traditional Phuket breakfast that feels like stepping back in time.
Raya Restaurant
One of the town’s oldest and most beloved spots—elegant in a simple way, with incredible crab curry and other Southern Thai classics. A bit more sit-down than street food, but still authentic and always packed with locals and savvy travelers.
Lock Tien
A tiny, no-nonsense Michelin Bib Gourmand place famous for Hokkien noodles and other classic Phuket dishes. Super local, super quick, and the kind of spot where the food quality punches way above the humble setting.
Sunday Walking Street Market (Lard Yai)
Every Sunday evening, the main street turns into a food lover’s paradise—dozens of stalls with fresh grilled seafood, Hokkien mee, satay, mango sticky rice, and more. It’s casual, cheap, lively, and the best way to sample a ton of different tastes in one go.
Krua Praya
A true hidden gem for authentic Southern Thai food—modest and family-run in a cozy converted house setting. Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized, it serves bold, flavorful dishes like crispy fried pork belly with curry paste and young coconut shoots, all made with fresh market ingredients. Great value and worth the short drive from Phuket Town if you’re chasing real Phuket tastes.
Need to know
Here are the key tips I always share with clients heading to Phuket Town—small details that make the difference between a good trip and a great one.
Best time to visit the old town: Go in the morning (around 8–11 am) or late afternoon (4–7 pm) when the light is soft and the heat is bearable. Midday can be very hot and bright—perfect for photos but less comfortable for walking. Avoid rushing through in the peak sun.
Getting around: The historic core (Thalang Road, Soi Romanee, Phang Nga Road) is very walkable—everything is within 10–15 minutes on foot. Wear comfortable shoes—some sidewalks are uneven. Tuk-tuks or Grab bikes are cheap for longer hops (e.g., to Krua Praya or other spots outside the center).
Money & payment: Cash is still king for street food, markets, and small local shops—bring small THB notes (20s, 50s, 100s). Most sit-down restaurants and cafés take cards or mobile payments but have cash ready for the best street eats.
Dress & respect: Casual is fine (shorts, t-shirts), but cover shoulders/knees if entering temples or shrines. Phuket Town is laid-back and multicultural, so just be respectful of local customs—smile, say “sawasdee” when greeting.
Food safety & spice: Street food is generally very safe (locals eat it daily), but if you’re sensitive, watch for places with high turnover. Always ask for “mai phet” (not spicy) or “phet nit noi” (a little spicy) if you’re not used to Thai heat—they’re happy to adjust.
Bonus tip: Before you arrive, download the Grab app (Thailand’s version of Uber). It saves a lot of money on taxis, Grab bikes, and even food delivery—plus it’s much more convenient, reliable, and often cheaper than hailing random taxis or tuk-tuks.
Phuket Town isn’t flashy—it’s real, relaxed, and full of flavor. Take it slow, follow your nose, and you’ll leave with stories and a full stomach. If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help make it even better!
Travel Advisor
Dean Hawkes
Get in touch with Dean Hawkes
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Dean Hawkes within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Phuket page.