8 Beautiful Old Phuket Houses

Baan Chinpracha is a fine example of a Sino-colonial mansion in Phuket Town.  Located on 98 Krabi Road, it's just a few doors away from the famous Blue Elephant Restaurant. Visitors not only will have a sneak peek of how a wealthy Phuket family used to live many decades ago but they also get a tour of the property by its owner,  Jaroonrat 'Daeng' Tandavanitj. 

Baan Klung Jinda Restaurant is found in Phuket Town, at the intersection of Yaowarat Road and Mae Luan Road. The building was originally built, over 108 years ago, as the official residence of the town treasure. An additional wing was added to the original building after a local businessman leased and converted it into a high-end Thai restaurant. 

China Inn Café & Restaurant is a beautifully restored example of a Sino-Portuguese building in Phuket's old town. You enter through an antique store, which displays goods dating back to the island's tin mining era. The cafe also has seating in its quaint open-air courtyard. Food-wise, China Inn Café specialises in Thai and western favourites such as som tam (papaya salad), massaman curry, and fried rice. 

The Phuket Provincial Hall holds the offices of the province’s highest official, the Provincial Governor. It's open to the public every day except on special occasions. The building dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, and there are more than 50 pictures of old Phuket on display inside. 

Phuket Philatelic Museum occupies an 80-year-old building on Montri Road. It has 3 sections – the first part exhibits posters explaining how the Thai Postal Service has developed since its start during the reign of forward-thinking King Rama V. 

The second room houses a good amount of antique equipment and machines, such as telegraph tickers, telephones, and parcel-weighing machines. The last section is a souvenir room where you can buy Thai stamps. All information is in English and Thai. Entry is free.

Thai Hua Museum on Krabi Road is one of the best looking and well-maintained Sino-Portuguese buildings in Phuket. This renovated building serves as a museum, exhibition space, and an occasional function hall. In 2008, the Thai Hua Museum was given an award in the category of constitutional and public buildings by the Siam Architect Association under the King’s patronage for its outstanding role in conserving architectural arts.

Established in 1929, The Memory at On On Hotel was the first hotel to open in Phuket. It was made famous after appearing in the Leonardo Di Caprio film, The Beach, in 2000. The external architecture is typical Sino-Portuguese in style, with 2 open courtyards. It still operates as an affordable hotel in Phuket Old Town.

Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion is named after its owner, who made his fortune partly from tin before starting construction of the mansion during WWII. After undergoing a complete renovation, the Sino-Portuguese building houses the Blue Elephant Restaurant, which specialises in classic Thai food.