This has to be my first real post of the island of Phuket. I am in a guesthouse that is smack dab in the centre of the most charming part of the city. Everywhere I look, I see quaint buildings with decorative features of years past. The beautiful architecture of Old Town Phuket is another level of enchanting.
Brief History
Centuries ago, Phuket was a bustling port and frequented by traders from China and India. In the 16th century, a Portuguese explorer arrived in Thailand and the flood gates were open to European traders. The island has been mined extensively for tin, and this was the main product that was being exported.
What visitors see today in the core of Old Phuket, are the Sino-Portuguese shophouses that were built from the 17th century onward. The Portuguese hired the Chinese to build their townhouses, structures that had a business on the ground level, and residential quarters above.
These houses were built with a Portuguese architecture style, but decorated with Chinese elaboration and thus Sino-Portuguese architecture, or Chinese Baroque was found.
Colours
Many of the buildings are painted bright Easter egg colours which both highlights and stucco details and gives a playful look to the streets. I am completely captivated by these beautiful bright blues, pinks and greens and feel like I’m walking around in a candy store.
Details
If one stands and has a close look, the detailing on the facades, that has been added to these buildings is absolutely gorgeous. Lots of floral accents and Chinese symbols can be seen as well as animals like monkeys, sea life and lions.
The pretty balconies and railings can be so ornate. Large wooden shutters and shade barriers create a dramatic look to the windows as does the prominent use of arches.
Large Buildings
There are quite a number of larger, multi-story buildings as well, and they follow in much the same footprints of the shophouses. I cannot image how time consuming it has been to upkeep the paint on these structures, but I am sure glad the effort has been made.
The best part of my day, is walking around this charming area, early in the morning, before the hoards of tourists and cars fill the streets and sidewalks. I have the time, to walk slowly and pause to notice the extraordinary detail of these beautiful old buildings. I am so glad I booked to start this exploration of Phuket, right in the middle of Old Town.
