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Uniquely Phuket: Discovering the Island’s Sino-Portuguese Style

December 2019

Phuket is a diverse island. Popular for its plentiful beaches, the island boasts a wide variety of activities to please holidaymakers. Beyond the beaches, Phuket is most famous for its party scene and glitzy lifestyle, however, there is another side of this tropical paradise that is well worth exploring. Phuket truly has a unique culture and an interesting history. During the 18th century, much of Phuket’s booming tin mining was carried out by Hokkien Chinese. It was the Hokkien Chinese who became most invested in building the part of the island that is now referred to as Phuket Old Town. Two styles of buildings were popular during this time: shophouses and mansions depicting the Sino-Portuguese style of design and architecture.

 

  Photo gallery : Uniquely Phuket: Discovering the Island’s Sino-Portuguese Style

The Sino-Portuguese buildings of Phuket provide a certain charm to Old Town and are lovely backdrops for photographs

The Sino-Portuguese buildings of Phuket provide a certain charm to Old Town and are lovely backdrops for photographs

The island’s unique history and culture is worth exploring in Phuket Old Town

The island’s unique history and culture is worth exploring in Phuket Old Town

Soi Rommanee is a charming lane perfect for photographs and selfies

Soi Rommanee is a charming lane perfect for photographs and selfies

Intricate details are everywhere in Phuket Old Town

Intricate details are everywhere in Phuket Old Town

Baan Chinpracha is a living museum open to the public

Baan Chinpracha is a living museum open to the public

Hidden in Phuket Town, the Limpanon House is one of the most beautiful Sino-colonial mansions on the island

Hidden in Phuket Town, the Limpanon House is one of the most beautiful Sino-colonial mansions on the island

Thai Hua Museum is a glowing example of the beautiful Sino-Colonial architecture

Thai Hua Museum is a glowing example of the beautiful Sino-Colonial architecture

Thai Hua Museum is a glowing example of the beautiful Sino-Colonial architecture

Thai Hua Museum is a glowing example of the beautiful Sino-Colonial architecture

Phuket Old Town’s famous Thalang Road is alive colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses and unique street art

Phuket Old Town’s famous Thalang Road is alive colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses and unique street art

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