A morning on Mai Khao’s long, quiet beach feels a world away from the colourful streets and Chinese shrines of Phuket Old Town. Travelling between the two reveals a different side of Phuket, from its open coastline to the island’s rich trading heritage.
Mai Khao Beach: Phuket’s Quieter Northern Coast
Bordering Sirinat National Park, Mai Khao Beach stretches along Phuket’s north-western coast, with an expansive sandy shoreline. It is a different setting from the island’s busier southern beaches, with space for coastal walks and views across the Andaman Sea. During the monsoon season, check local warnings before swimming, as strong currents can make the water dangerous.
Thalang Road: Old Phuket’s Historic Streets
Thalang Road is one of the best places to see Phuket Old Town’s colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, many dating back to the island’s tin-mining boom. Chinese merchants helped shape the neighbourhood, and traces of that history remain in its architecture and long-established shops. The contrast with the quieter northern coast, where properties such as Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas are located, shows how much Phuket’s scenery and atmosphere can change across the island.
Soi Romanee: Colourful Architecture and Cafés
A short walk from Thalang Road, Soi Romanee is one of Old Town’s most photographed lanes. Pastel-coloured façades, restored shophouses and small cafés make it an appealing stop between visits to local museums and shrines. For visitors looking to stay at Phuket luxury resorts, pairing a northern beach stay with an afternoon in the old quarter offers two distinct sides of the island.
Sunday Walking Street: Food and Local Finds
Every Sunday, Thalang Road hosts Lard Yai, a walking street market that generally runs from 4 pm to 10 pm. Food stalls fill Thalang Road with local favourites, while vendors sell handmade accessories, clothing and souvenirs along the way. Go early in the evening to look around before the crowds build, and remember that Lard Yai operates on Sundays rather than every night.