Uniquely Phuket: Discovering the Island’s Sino-Portuguese Style

Phuket is a diverse island. Popular for its plentiful beaches, the island boasts a wide variety of activities to please holidaymakers. Beyond the beaches, Phuket is most famous for its party scene and glitzy lifestyle, however, there is another side of this tropical paradise that is well worth exploring. Phuket truly has a unique culture and an interesting history. During the 18th century, much of Phuket’s booming tin mining was carried out by Hokkien Chinese. It was the Hokkien Chinese who became most invested in building the part of the island that is now referred to as Phuket Old Town. Two styles of buildings were popular during this time: shophouses and mansions depicting the Sino-Portuguese style of design and architecture.