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Everything You Need to Know about Thalang Road

Everything You Need to Know about Thalang Road

| Last Updated: April 2024

Even if you’ve been to the most stunning of beaches Phuket’s known for, you really can’t claim a complete journey if you haven’t seen Thalang Road. Chances are, given all the good things the place offers, you’ll drop by because you want to.  

And it’s not just the numerous Sino-Portuguese buildings, chic cafes, and charming local attractions. There are tons more you don’t want to miss in Thalang when traveling to the island province.

Are you already itching to get there? Hang tight! Read our guide first to find out how to reach this centuries-old popular town road and discover all the local haunts and specialties that could make your heart skip a beat. 

Things to Know

Time Zone: Indochina Time (UTC/GMT+7)

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: (+66), (075)

Location: Thalang Road, Talat Yai Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Nearest Airport: Phuket International Airport (33 km)

Operating Hours: 24/7

Best Time to Visit Thalang Road in Old Phuket Town

The best time to visit Thalang Road in Old Phuket Town is between the end of October and February. These months experience the least amount of rain which makes the weather conditions perfect for strolling and sightseeing activities around town.

It’s also perfect if your goal is to take plenty of photos of the town’s iconic Sino-Portuguese architecture. These colorful buildings look more vibrant when the sun is out, so it’s best to see them during the dry season.

Thalang Road is more peaceful and less crowded in the early mornings, so you’ll have the best photo opportunities during this time. Otherwise, it’s ideal to explore during the afternoon when most of the shops and its night market are open.

Thalang Road in a Nutshell

Right off the bat, Thalang Road is the most famous road in the whole of Phuket island. Located at the heart of the historic center of Phuket Town, this road is 600 meters long starting from Montri Road and ending as it meets Yaowarat Road.

For decades, businesses have thrived on Thalang Road. Part and parcel of Old Phuket, you can find a colorful mix of old stores here, from fabric shops to hardware stores, and the pathway is also notorious as the red light district/gambling capital of Phuket. 

Today, Thalang Road is a veritable tourist attraction. For one, the government and businesses have worked hard to brush up on Thalang Road’s appeal, doing away with pesky cables and putting up IG-worthy shops that showcase old Sino-Portuguese style.

How to Get to Thalang Road

Airport Bus: Old Phuket Town is part of the greater town area which is the capital of the island, so there’s no shortage of buses from Phuket International Airport going here. You can pre-arrange a bus transfer with your carrier or just look for a bus upon arrival.

Bus tickets only cost 90 to 120 baht, so it’s also the cheapest mode of transportation from the airport. It takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Old Phuket Town by bus.

Songthaew: If you’re at any of the popular beaches in Phuket, boarding a blue Songthaew is the cheapest option to reach Thalang Road. For example, a Songthaew ride from Patong Beach to Phuket Town only costs 20 baht.

You can flag down these minibus-like vehicles along the road and they’ll have a buzzer that you press to designate your stop. Songthaews can get you as far as Ranong Road in Phuket Town, which is approximately 192 meters southwest of Thalang Road.

Taxi: Taxis are everywhere in Phuket which makes them a convenient way to get to Thalang Road. You can also book them using the Grab app, so they can pick you up from any location on the island.

It’s more expensive than riding a bus, but the travel time is faster since you won’t be making any stops along the way unless you ask the driver to do so. Phuket is one of Thailand’s pricier locations, so expect to pay around 500 baht for the taxi ride.

Rental Car/Motorbike: There are rental vehicles at Phuket International Airport, so it’s a great option if you want more freedom when traveling to Thalang Road. This way, you can make numerous side trips along the way.

Renting a car is recommended when traveling in a small group with friends or family since you can split the rental price. You must present a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit to rent a vehicle in Phuket.

What to See and Do in Thalang Road

Check out the colorful buildings along Soi Romanee

Media credit: naoya_bkk

Directions

Thalang Road is popular among tourists who frequent Old Phuket Town for its Sino-Portuguese buildings. Soi Romanee, in particular, is a fan-favorite street because it’s dotted with shops, cafes, and restaurants with charming architectural styles.

That’s why the crowds going to Soi Romanee mostly consist of tourists. If you’re looking for a great place to take Instagram photos, you’ll most likely find the perfect spot along this street.

Discover the local specialties at the Sunday Walking Market

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Directions

The place to be if you enjoy shopping for street food, clothes, handicrafts, and accessories. On Sundays from 5 to 10 p.m., Thalang Road turns into a bustling night market where local vendors sell various goods.

It’s a walking market, so don’t expect to see any vehicles as they’re not allowed on the road during this time. The foodies on our team particularly love this night market because of the diverse selection of local street food you can find here.

You can find local specialties like Hokkien fried noodles, grilled fish balls, omelet rice, roti, Old Phuket sausage, Phuket fried noodles, and more. There are also vendors selling Western staples like burgers, hotdogs, and french fries.

Browse for medicinal herbs at Nguan Choon Tong

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Directions

If you’re a fan of herbal medicine, you don’t want to miss visiting Nguan Choon Tong. It’s the oldest herb shop in Old Phuket Town, so expect to see a wide selection of traditional herbs, herbal teas, and tonics you won’t find anywhere else on the island.

Some of the herbs available here include safflower, black cumin, mace, garden cress, gingko biloba, and licorice. They even sell exotic Chinese medicines like dried geckos.

See Bulan’s selection of Indigo Batik

Media credit: kj_warun

Directions

Bulan is the go-to shop along Thalang Road for Indigo Batik products. It’s managed by one of the Thai-Chinese families in Old Phuket Town which makes it one of the more unique shops you’ll find during your visit.

In case you’re unfamiliar, Indigo Batik is a traditional textile art form with ties to ancient cultures in China, Egypt, India, and West Africa. This results in products like clothes and accessories with a distinct indigo color and elaborate wax-resistant designs.

Go to the Golden Dragon Monument in Queen Sirikit Public Park

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Directions

The Golden Dragon Monument in Queen Sirikit Public Park is a unique sight on Thalang Road, and it’s definitely worth visiting. It’s the perfect subject and backdrop for your Instagram photos.

Plus, it looks even more stunning if you visit it in the evening when there are lights all over the park. It’s a popular hangout spot, so expect to see tourists and locals sitting around the benches and stairs around the Golden Dragon Monument.

Media from aungkuphuket

Directions

Cafe-hopping is one of the most popular activities to do on Thalang Road. It helps that the road is home to some of the trendiest cafes in Phuket like Aungku Cafe, Coffee & Burgh, and Eleven Two & Co.

There are also traditional coffee shops like The Old Phuket Coffee and Kopitiam by Wilai. These are great places where you can sample the town’s local specialty coffees.

Stop by the Chinese shrines in Old Phuket Town

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Directions

Going to the Chinese shrines in Old Phuket Town is your best chance to learn more about the history of its local Thai-Chinese community. Shrines are also more relaxed, so they’re perfect if you need a quick break from your exploration.

The one closest to Thalang Road is Hainan Shrine, but there’s also the nearby Sang Tham Shrine. Though Sang Tham Shrine’s main entrance is located on Phang Nga Road, you can also access it from the secret passage behind Kopitiam’s kitchen.

Where to Eat in Thalang Road

China Inn Cafe and Restaurant

Media from chinainnphuket

Address: 20 Thalang Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Operating Hours: 

  • 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Wednesday – Saturday)
  • 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 7 635 6239

Website: https://www.facebook.com/chinainnphuket/

Prices: ฿฿

China Inn Cafe and Restaurant is a fan favorite. It serves a wide selection of classic Thai and Chinese-style dishes at reasonable prices.

That makes it ideal if you prefer a food place that offers good variety and affordability.

It’s most notable for its classic Thai dishes like massaman curry, tom yum goong, pad Thai, mango sticky rice, Phuket-style yellow curry, and pad kra pao.

Aside from the food, China Inn has a great selection of drinks. Think soft drinks, coffees, teas, infused water, beers, cocktails, and wines.

Kopitiam by Wilai

Media from kopitiam_by_wilai

Address: 18 Thalang Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Saturday)

Contact Number: +66 81 895 4278

Website: http://www.facebook.com/kopitiambywilai

Prices: ฿฿

Though Kopitiam is more popular for its coffee, it’s also one of the best food places along Thalang Road. It specializes in classic Thai dishes: massaman curry, panang curry, green curry, kaeng sapparod, tom yum goong, tom kha kai, and many more.

They made them traditionally, so expect the dishes to come out rich and spicy which is how locals like them. You’ll know you’re ordering something spicy when you see an image of chili beside the item on the menu.

Baan 109 Restaurant

Media from ao.baan109

Address: 109 Thalang Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 95 421 1827

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Baan109/

Prices: ฿

This hybrid antique store and restaurant is great for foodies looking for cheap eats on Thalang Road. Baan 109 Restaurant serves home-cooked dishes, so it’s a great starting point to get to know the local cuisine.

Just know that Baan 109 Restaurant serves traditional Thai dishes, so expect most of the items to be spicy. Also, its charming interior has numerous antique displays which give it a relaxed and homely atmosphere.

Yakiniku Koku

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Address: 10 Thalang Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 93 745 8567

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Yakinikukokuphuket/

Prices: ฿฿

For grilled meat lovers, Yakiniku Koku is a solid option. It’s a Japanese-style Yakiniku place, so they’ll only serve you fresh cuts of meat that you’ll have to grill on your table.

It’s great for dinner with friends and family. For the best experience, we recommend having grilled meat with beer and yes, don’t forget to take a bite out of a their now-famous Korean mixed rice serving. 

Note that the food here is available for dine-in, take out or delivery. To facilitate your choices, their social media should be handy. 

One Chun

Media from onechun_phuket

Address: 48 1 Thep Krasattri Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 7 635 5909

Website: http://www.facebook.com/OneChunPhuket

Prices: ฿฿

This Thai restaurant is a fan favorite in Old Phuket Town. It serves affordable local specialties like red curry, yellow curry, prawn and veggie stir-fry, pad Thai, tom yum goong, and traditional Phuket-style steamed pork belly.

The crab yellow curry, in particular, is a top pick. It comes with a lot of fresh crab meat and a rich, savory turmeric-based broth.

Where to Stay in and Near Thalang Road

99 Oldtown Boutique Guesthouse

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Address: 99 Thalang Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 92 265 5961

Prices: ฿

This guesthouse is great for tourists who want quick access to the attractions in Old Phuket Town. It’s along Thalang Road, so expect to see the beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture from your room’s window.

99 Oldtown Boutique Guesthouse is also one of the most affordable accommodations in town, so it’s perfect when traveling on a budget. That means you’ll have more money to spend on other things during your visit.

Even better, this place is family-run. So you’re pretty much assured your needs are taken care of during your stay.

The Memory at On On Hotel

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Address: 19 Phangnga Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 7 636 3700

Website: https://www.thememoryhotel.com/

Prices: ฿฿

The Memory at On On Hotel is one of the best accommodations in Old Phuket Town. It’s located along Phangnga Road, so it puts you close to the adjacent Thalang Road.

It has improved significantly from the time it was featured in the classic Leonardo DiCaprio-led film “The Beach.” Though the hotel still has its charming Sino-Portuguese architecture, the rooms were redesigned and modernized.

In case you’re wondering which room Leonardo stayed at, it’s said to be room 204. Don’t worry if you need anything here (and can’t locate Leo’s room), you’re covered by a 24-hour front desk which should ready help anytime. 

The Rommanee Classic Guesthouse

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Address: 4, 6 Krabi, Tambon Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 92 218 9292

Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheRomManeeClassic/

Prices: ฿

This is another charming Sino-Portuguese accommodation near Thalang Road. It blends classic and contemporary designs, so expect to see chic modern rooms and timeless walls and ornaments in its lobby.

That means you’ll get a comfortable room to stay in while also getting a chance to sneak a peak at the old town’s rich history. Plus, it has an in-house cafe that serves some of the best coffee in the area.

What’s more, guests get a complimentary light breakfast. It’s biggest come-on, perhaps, is that the Rommanee is a hostel with private rooms and bathrooms so you get quality service at the least price. 

Media from woogalleryandboutiquehotel

Address: 83000 ภูเก็ต 43/1 The Phangnga Road, Talat Yai, Subdistrict Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 7 635 3719

Website: https://www.woogalleryhotel.com/

Prices: ฿฿

Woo Gallery and Boutique Hotel is a well-preserved accommodation in Old Phuket Town. It uses classic Thai-Chinese designs, ornaments, and utilities which gives you a chance to experience the local culture.

It’s like a museum, so we recommend staying here if you like to learn more about Old Phuket Town’s history. Since this is located on Phangnga Road, you’ll only be a block away from Thalang Road.

That said, you should not be put off by the old building on which the hotel is housed. Not only is it renovated like new, but also, the lovely rooms that are packed to the teeth with modern features and the friendly staff should win you over in no time. 

Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel Phuket

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Address: 26 Phuket Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 7 621 9019

Website: http://www.casablancaphuket.com/

Prices: ฿฿

Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel is a contemporary hotel with elegant rooms and artsy decor. Inside the hotel, you’ll see numerous indoor plants, murals, paintings, and oriental ornaments.

There’s also an indoor pool, a feature that most neighboring hotels don’t have. This is a solid option if you want to get as many amenities while staying close to Thalang Road, which is only about 80 meters away.

So, don’t be fooled by that old-school colonial building charm that Casa Blanca puts out, this hotel is as vibrant and as responsive to your needs as you want it to be. Tons of positive reviews online should be telling. 

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