Hello everyone

This morning, the sky was heavy with clouds, but my excitement to wander through the colorful streets of Phuket Old Town brightened my mood. It had been far too long since my last visit, and I was eager to rediscover the charm of its historic streets. There’s something magical about walking through this old city in the quiet hours of the morning—it feels like stepping into a living postcard. 🌤️✨

After dropping my son off at school, I decided to head straight to the town, which is conveniently just 9 kilometers away. Although rush-hour traffic made the journey slower than I’d hoped, it didn’t take long before I arrived. Thankfully, mornings in Phuket Old Town are peaceful, and finding a parking spot was easy—no need to park at the temple, as I usually do during the busy afternoons.

With the streets quiet and the weather cool, it felt like the perfect moment to explore and soak in the beauty of this cultural gem. 🌺

As I arrived, I parked my car near the iconic yellow clock tower, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Phuket Old Town. This striking building, with its bright yellow facade and elegant Sino-Portuguese architecture, has stood here for over a century. Built in the early 1900s, the clock tower originally served as a commercial hub, reflecting Phuket's booming tin mining era when the town was thriving as an international trade center.

The clock tower has since become a beloved symbol of the old town’s heritage, blending European influences with local culture. Its design is a testament to the prosperous period when Chinese and European merchants settled in Phuket, leaving behind this unique fusion of architecture. Standing tall at the heart of the town, the clock tower serves as a reminder of Phuket’s vibrant past while continuing to be a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. ⏰✨

It’s often said that a visit to Phuket Old Town isn’t complete without a photo by the yellow clock tower, and I couldn’t agree more. This beautiful structure captures the essence of the old town: timeless, elegant, and deeply connected to its rich history. 💛

Nearby, the wide-open yard surrounding the tower serves as a venue for many of Phuket's major events and celebrations throughout the year. Today, the area was transformed with vibrant decorations for the Po Tor Festival, also known as Sart Chinese. This festival is a meaningful tradition for the local community, honoring ancestors and celebrating cultural heritage. The yard was filled with vivid red displays, the centerpiece being the red turtles—symbols of good fortune and blessings.

The red turtles are crafted from a mix of flour, sugar, and red food coloring, and their striking color symbolizes prosperity and joy. As I wandered through the decorations, I felt a deep connection to the cultural identity of this vibrant town. The Po Tor Festival not only highlights Phuket's Chinese influences but also its ability to blend past traditions with present-day celebrations, creating something truly unique.

Surrounded by such vibrant decorations and steeped in history, I couldn’t resist taking a few photos to capture the moment. Walking through this area reminded me why I love Phuket Old Town so much—it’s not just a place to visit but a living, breathing celebration of culture, art, and community. 🌟

This morning, the streets of Phuket Old Town were unusually quiet, with no tourists wandering around. The silence gave the town a different charm, allowing me to enjoy the serene beauty of the colorful shophouses and empty streets. As I strolled through the old town, a familiar and irresistible aroma wafted through the air—the sweet, inviting smell of freshly made roti. 🥞✨

Unable to resist, I stopped by one of my favorite Islamic breakfast restaurants. This humble spot is always bustling with locals in the morning, enjoying a hearty start to their day. Even though I wasn’t particularly hungry, the tempting smell of roti was enough to change my mind. I ordered a roti with eggs and paired it with a cup of steaming Thai tea, a classic combination that never fails to delight.

The roti was as delicious as I remembered—crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside. The Thai tea, with its rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced sweetness, complemented the roti perfectly. Sitting there, surrounded by locals chatting and savoring their meals, I felt a deep sense of connection to the town’s everyday life. These little moments, like a simple breakfast in a quiet corner of the old town, are what make Phuket feel so special to me.

After finishing my delicious roti and Thai tea, I continued my walk through the quiet streets of Phuket Old Town. The weather was pleasantly cool, and the stillness of the morning made the town feel almost magical. This is truly my favorite time of day—the streets are calm, and the usual buzz of activity hasn’t yet begun. Walking through the old town felt like having it all to myself, a peaceful moment to soak in its charm. 🌥️✨

Phuket Old Town is a maze of interconnected streets, and no matter which direction you choose, you always seem to find your way back to familiar corners. I wandered aimlessly, letting my curiosity guide me. The colorful shophouses, with their ornate doors and vintage shutters, stood silently, waiting for the town to come alive. It’s in these moments of stillness that you can truly appreciate the town’s beauty and history.

Initially, I had planned to stop by a café before heading home. Phuket Old Town is famous for its charming, Instagram-worthy cafés, but many of them open later in the day.

So instead, I continued my walk, enjoying the quiet streets and capturing photos of the unique architecture. Sometimes, it’s better to embrace the unexpected and simply enjoy the journey. ☕

As my morning walk through Phuket Old Town came to an end, I arrived at one of the town’s most eye-catching spots—the Tu Kab Khao Restaurant, famously adorned with its giant, colorful lobster sculpture mounted on the wall. This whimsical and vibrant lobster has become a symbol of the area, drawing visitors to stop and snap a quick photo or two. 🦞✨

The restaurant’s quirky decor perfectly complements the playful atmosphere of the old town. Of course, I couldn’t resist taking a few selfies with the lobster—it’s practically a tradition for anyone passing by! The sight of this iconic sculpture marked the perfect finale to my leisurely morning stroll, and I walked away feeling refreshed, happy, and ready for the rest of the day. 🌟

As I wrapped up my stroll through Phuket Old Town, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much joy these little moments bring. From the quiet streets in the early morning to the vibrant charm of the yellow clock tower and the playful lobster sculpture, every corner of this town holds its own magic. It’s not just about the sights but the way the old town makes you feel—connected to the past, inspired by the present, and excited for what’s to come. 🌟

I hope you enjoyed joining me on this journey through one of my favorite places. If you ever find yourself in Phuket, I wholeheartedly recommend a morning walk like this. You might just fall in love with the colorful shophouses, the aroma of fresh roti, and the rich stories that linger in the air. 🏡✨

Thank you for reading and sharing this little adventure with me. I’d love to hear your thoughts—have you visited Phuket Old Town? What’s your favorite memory of exploring a new place? Feel free to share in the comments! 💬❤️

Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring! See you on the next adventure. 🌍✨

Sawadee kha! 🙏💛
@baiboua