A Walking Guide to Phang Nga Road
Contents
Phang Nga Road is another historical street that runs parallel to the famous Thalang Road, in the Old Phuket Town. Phang Nga Road maybe is less known, but it has a lot of charms, a few local restaurants, and several important historical landmarks and museums. As you walk around, take the time to look at the superbly renovated architecture.
The Memory at On On Hotel
The Memory at On On Hotel is a beautifully renovated but affordable hotel with a fun history. 40 years ago, it was just a run-down cheap hostel for many years, and while it had some ‘character’, people didn’ really look at it twice: there were better places to stay.
The movie ‘The Beach’ came along and a scene at the beginning of the movie was shot inside On On Hotel. It was a little exaggerated (I never saw anyone washing the walls), but it wasn’t far from what On On looked at the time. It was also proportionally cheap, with rooms starting at 180 baht, and luxury rooms at 350 baht, with private bathroom!
Old photos of On On Hotels
The Old Kasikorn Bank
The old Kasikorn bank on Phang Nga Road got a massive facelift and since became a selfie favourite.
Tu Kab Khao Restaurant
Tu Kab Khao was always a beautiful heritage building. It hosted boutiques and restaurants in the past, but success only arrived with the opening of Tu Kab Khao, an excellent restaurant serving southern specialities. Read more
Shrine of the Serene Light
The Shrine of the Serene Light (Sang Tham Shrine) used to be ‘the little hidden Chinese temple’ tucked away right under your nose on Phang Nga road, one of the most famous streets of Phuket Town. While most Thais knew all about it, only a few foreigners would be aware of its existence and proudly whisper its secret location to newbies like an old secret passage to some mystic temple. Read more
Amulet Market
The Phuket Amulet Market is a hidden alley connecting Phang Nga Road to Ratsada Road. It has been opened for more than 25 years (when I first arrived) and is still very popular with collectors. These amulets are usually blessed by monks and have special powers, some will protect you or bring you luck. Depending on their age and rarity, amulets can be extremely expensive. Read more
Peranakannitat Museum
The Baba Museum or Peranakannitat Museum is inside the yellow old ‘Standard Chartered Bank’, at the intersection of Phang Nga Road and Phuket Road. It’s a rather modest museum modest, but the location and the Sino-Portuguese building itself is worth a photo. Read more
Museum Phuket
Museum Phuket is another well-known landmark of Phuket for its clock tower standing high above the main building. Not so long ago, this building was white and neglected, rather anonymous if it was not for the clock that was sometimes working, sometimes not. We’ll review the museum shortly.
Phang Nga Road Map
More nearby streets to explore
