Shopping & Snacking Through Old Town Phuket: Where to Spend, Splurge & Snack in Style
If you think Phuket is just beaches, cocktails, and boat trips, think again. Hidden among the island’s turquoise shores and buzzing nightlife is Old Town Phuket, a charming, colorful, and insanely Instagrammable part of the island that’s a paradise for shoppers, foodies, and anyone with a love for vintage vibes.
With its Portuguese-Chinese architecture, indie boutiques, and street food that will make you weak in the knees, Old Town is THE place to get lost (and spend all your baht) for an afternoon. Whether you’re hunting for handmade jewelry, artsy souvenirs, or the best Thai food you’ll ever eat, here’s your ultimate guide to shopping, eating, and exploring in Old Town Phuket.
What to See: Color, Culture & Street Art
Old Town Phuket isn’t just a shopping district—it’s a walking museum of culture, history, and vibrant street life. Before you dive into the boutiques, take a minute to soak in the sights.
1. Thalang Road: The Main Event
Think of Thalang Road as the Beverly Hills of Old Town—except way cooler and with actual personality. This street is the heartbeat of the area, lined with colorful shophouses, quirky cafés, and stores selling everything from silk scarves to vintage movie posters.
Don’t Miss:
- The bright yellow, pink, and blue colonial-style buildings (A photo-op in itself!)
- The Sunday Walking Street Market (If you’re here on a weekend, it’s unmissable.)
- Thai-style popsicles from a street vendor (Mango, coconut, or dragon fruit? You decide.)
2. Soi Romanee: The Prettiest Alley in Thailand
Soi Romanee is Phuket’s most photogenic street, and if you’re not stopping for a few hundred selfies here, are you even on vacation? Back in the day, this was a notorious red-light district—but now it’s filled with artsy cafés, tiny galleries, and boutique hotels with pastel-colored facades.
Must Do:
- Grab a Thai iced coffee and people-watch
- Hunt for handmade soaps & candles in the tiny gift shops
- Appreciate the restored architecture & street art
What to Buy: Chic Finds & Souvenirs That Don’t Suck
Tired of the same old elephant-print pants and touristy keychains? Old Town Phuket is where you’ll find unique, locally made treasures that you won’t regret buying after two cocktails.
1. Batik Textiles & Silk Scarves
Phuket has a rich tradition of batik fabric-making, and if you love vibrant patterns, you’ll find hand-dyed scarves, sarongs, and wraps that scream chic tropical goddess.
Where to Buy:
Chana Charoen – One of the best spots for authentic batik fabric, hand-painted by local artisans.
2. Handcrafted Jewelry
If you want to bring home a statement ring or delicate silver earrings that don’t look mass-produced, check out the local silversmiths and jewelry boutiques.
Where to Buy:
Thai Hua Museum Gift Shop – Surprisingly stylish jewelry made by local designers
Atelier A – If you’re into modern, minimalist, and totally unique silver pieces
3. Spices, Tea & Thai Coffee
For the foodies in your life (or, let’s be honest, for yourself), grab some authentic Thai spices, herbal teas, or locally roasted coffee.
Where to Buy:
Ban Boran Phuket – Amazing locally sourced coffee & tea blends
The Spice House – Everything from dried lemongrass to handcrafted curry pastes
4. Funky Vintage Finds & Artisanal Goods
Old Town is full of antique stores, indie art galleries, and hipster-approved vintage shops where you can score some serious one-of-a-kind treasures.
Where to Buy:
Sino-Portuguese Art Gallery – A mix of local art, handwoven textiles, and ceramics
Memory at On Hotel – Vintage film posters, postcards, and retro Phuket memorabilia
Where to Eat: Because Shopping Is Hard Work
If retail therapy is your cardio, then food is your reward. Old Town Phuket is packed with legendary eateries, trendy cafés, and street food that will ruin you for life. Here’s where to fuel up between shopping sprees.
1. Blue Elephant – High-End Thai Cuisine with a Side of History
Located in a restored colonial mansion, Blue Elephant is where you go when you’re feeling fancy AF and want to try Michelin-worthy Thai food.
Must Try:
Massaman curry – A rich, slow-cooked masterpiece
Miang kham – A traditional leaf-wrapped appetizer bursting with flavor
2. Raya Restaurant – Thai Comfort Food Done Right
This legendary spot has been serving traditional Phuket-style Thai food for decades, and it’s a local favorite for a reason.
Must Try:
Crab curry with coconut milk – The dish that made them famous
Caramelized pork belly – Sweet, sticky, and insanely good
3. The Old Phuket Coffee Station – Retro Vibes & Iced Lattes
This hip little café serves Thai-style iced coffee and tea, perfect for cooling off after a long shopping spree. The vintage decor and old-school Thai movie posters make it a vibe.
Must Try:
Thai iced coffee – Strong, sweet, and served in a glass bottle
Pandan-infused iced tea – Refreshing and uniquely Thai
Final Thoughts: Is Old Town Phuket Worth a Visit?
1000% YES.
If you want to escape the beach clubs and tourist traps and see a side of Phuket that’s full of history, culture, and damn good shopping, Old Town is where it’s at.
Go for the vintage charm, the batik fabrics, the silver jewelry, and the legendary food—and leave with a suitcase full of stylish souvenirs and a heart full of adventure.
Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to beat the heat, and if you’re lucky enough to be here on a Sunday, don’t miss the Walking Street Market for even more incredible shopping & street food.
