Wat Karon, or Wat Suwan Khiri Khet, sits just inland from Karon Beach and has been part of the local community since 1895. It received its royal charter in 1939, marking its official status as a Buddhist temple in Phuket.
San Chao Mae Yanang Shrine, stands on Krabi Road in Phuket Town. A Chinese migrant founded the temple in 1853 during Phuket’s tin-mining boom, when many Chinese families settled on the island and brought their beliefs and rituals with them.
Sam Pai Kong Shrine, often called Bangku Shrine, stands on Thepkasattri Road in Koh Kaew, a few minutes east of the British International School. They believe Chinese tin mine workers built the first modest hall more than 100 years ago.
Tucked behind Vachira Phuket Hospital on Yaowarat Road, San Chao Jeng Ong Shrine is easy to miss. A banyan tree guards the entrance, filtering afternoon light onto a red facade trimmed with jade-green tiles and twisting dragons.
Jok Samui Restaurant sits near the Jui Tui Temple intersection where Ranong Road meets Pattiphat Road in Phuket Town. The small shophouse is old and packed with character. Faded green tiles, humming ceiling fans, and two stainless steel tables set the scene for bowls of comfort that draw a crowd each night.
A Walk Along Ratsada Road, Phuket Town Ratsada Road (Rassada Road) sits just a few blocks north of the more photographed streets like Thalang and… Read More »Ratsada Road in Phuket Town
One of Phuket Town’s lesser-known Hokkien shrines San Chao Cho Ong, or Tai Yuan Tang, is a small but very old Chinese shrine on the… Read More »San Chao Cho Ong Shrine
Rong Kopi (โรงโกปี๊) is a small, always-busy restaurant tucked beside the Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town. It’s the kind of place you might walk past if you’re not paying attention—but once you step inside, it’s hard to forget.
Pun Tuao Kong Shrine (San Chao Phra Pun Tao Kong) is a small Chinese shrine sitting quietly on the edge of the road at the top of Patong Hill. Many people drive past it without noticing, but locals know it well.
Sui Boon Tong Shrine is a lesser-known Chinese shrine, but despite its discreet location and modest entrance, it remains an active spiritual site and plays a meaningful role during the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival.
Besides the Westin Siray Bay Resort and the temple, Koh Sirey is home to a Sea Gypsy village also known as Chao Lay. It’s not very large and not impressive, but it has a certain charm, as it hasn’t changed in ages
You can’t miss this mint-green building when you walk through the heart of Phuket Old Town — it sits right at the corner where Dibuk Road meets Yaowarat Road, just opposite the Locktien Local Food Court, a beautiful example of the island’s old Sino-Portuguese architecture.
Phuket is known today for its beach clubs, resorts, and nightlife, but beyond the modern lifestyle, there is another side that many forget — what we call the “Real Phuket.” This side of the island hasn’t disappeared. It’s just a little quieter and often hidden.
Roti Thaew Nam is one of those rare places in Phuket Town that never seems to change. Set right at the entrance of the Sunday Walking Street Market on Thalang Road, this tiny shop has been around for more than 70 years—and it feels like time stood still inside.
Long Hun Keng Shrine (肜雲宮) is a small and lesser-known Chinese shrine located along Thepkasattri Road in Phuket Town. Despite its modest size and low profile, it holds cultural significance for the local Chinese-Thai community, especially during the Vegetarian Festival.
Krua Praya Phuket Restaurant is a hidden gem that offers an authentic Southern Thai dining experience. Nestled in a beautiful garden setting under the shade of small trees, this restaurant provides a casual yet charming open-air atmosphere.
Palai Seafood has been around for a long time — one of those names that come up when people talk about where to eat seafood near Chalong. It’s not hidden or secret; in fact, it’s right by the sea on the road that leads to Mor Mu Dong.
Kaset Market is in Phuket Town, behind Robinson shopping centre. It may be a bit smelly and dark for the first-timers, but it offers really good local produce in a fun local atmosphere and a good choice of goods)
Wat Baan Kamala is a modest temple near the entrance of town. It is quite modest, but the long lines of small golden Buddhas are worth a photo and a glimpse of real Thai life. Remember that this is a religious site so don’t wear too short clothes.
Wat Suwan Kirikhet is a small but beautiful temple in the back of Karon Beach. You’ll find it by driving inland from the Karon Circle. This temple frequently hosts the popular Karon Temple Market and occasional funfairs, which are always fun to visit.
