Phuket has more to offer than beaches -- a walk down the old commercial centre offers a peek into another side of Phuket --its old Sino-Portuguese homes.  
An afternoon stroll along Thalang Road can turn into an expedition into the past.
This path features Sino-Portuguese houses built by Malaysias and Singaporean merchants over a century ago. The first sign that you've been transported into the 18th century is when you begin to notice arches looming over the sidewalk every few metres. The ambience begins to feel distinctly European, but on closer inspection a very different cultural influence emerges. Adorning the entrances to two-storey shop houses are Chinese writings, some vivid, while others have faded with age.
Although Sino-Portuguese homes can be spotted throughout Phuket town, privately-owned mansions are less visible. One of the few examples is Chin Pracha House, constructed in 1907 by Phuket-born merchant Phra Bhitak Chinpracha, the house is a virtual museum containing everything from family history to worn out utensils.

TAT local office: tel. 076-212-213, 076-211-036