Stunning Murals & Beautiful Street Art in Phuket Old Town, Thailand
Visiting Phuket? Love Street Art?
The island of Phuket is certainly a tale of two halves; part of it is tourist central, in particular, Patong, where I ended up. With its shopping malls filled with Westernised brands, fast-food restaurants, soulless high-rise accommodations and an in-your-face-flashing-lights-deafening-music-nightlife scene. To put it short – on first impressions, I hated Phuket.
This, was before I realised the street art Phuket had to offer. Phuket Old Town is absolutely charming, and where you’ll find be best street art in Phuket.
In this article, I’ll be showing you the top spots to head to find the beautiful Phuket Old Town street art.
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Beautiful Street Art in Phuket Old Town, Thailand
A short ride from what felt like my kinda hell – aka Patong, you’ll find a much more sympathetic side to Phuket.
Streets lined with cute colourful wooden houses, intertwined with grand Portuguese-influenced ornate buildings, pretty flower and art-clad boutiques and trendy hipster hangouts.
To top all this off, I was super stoked to find out that there is a thriving street art scene in Old Phuket Town.
A Note on Phuket Street Art
One of the beauties of street art is that it’s ever-changing. Most likely, some of the pieces in this Phuket street art article no longer exist in the same form that I saw them, or have been changed completely.
While I was visiting, I was trying to track down street art in Phuket Old Town that I’d seen online. Lots no longer existed – I showed the photo to a local who told me it was no longer there. The plus side of this ever-changing scene, is that exciting new pieces are constantly springing up.
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Street Art Phuket
Admittedly, I did very little research into Phuket Island. I was using Patong as a gateway for some tropical island getaway during my trip around Thailand, so the clubbing scene wasn’t high on my agenda – I didn’t consider just how tourist-naff Patong was.
So after my initial distaste for the island (yes, I ended up judging the whole island on just one town) it was like a shining light to discover that the Phuket street art scene was actually a ‘thing’.
This alone, changed my impressions of the island and Phuket was like a little gift that kept on giving – there are a ton of things to do on the island which don’t involve going anywhere near Patong such as the outstanding adventure sports scene and of course the charming old town.
The more I explored and spent time in the Old Town of Phuket, the more street art I discovered.
Interesting Fact
Artwork by Alex Face (real name Patcharapol Tangreun) often features a child-like character, her name is Mardi. She is often drawn wearing animal costumes and with an extra eye. This is because Patcharapol believes that spirits can only be felt and not seen with just our two eyes. The third eye on Mardi represents a world that can be seen beyond what human eyes can see.Â
The old-world charm that you’ll instantly find in Phuket Old Town makes it a popular hub for anyone wanting to avoid the oh-so-tacky tourist hub of Patong.
Phuket’s Old Town has had a bit of a revival over recent years it’s evident that this area is still clinging to its traditions, yet it’s embraced the cool and the hipster – the street art Phuket showcases this contrast; peeling paint, crumbling plaster and wooden houses are complemented by the vibrant and bold street art and murals.
How Did the Phuket Street Art Scene Come About?
Back in 2016, a collaboration between a local artist and a property developer spawned an initiative called F.A.T Phuket. (F = Food, A = Art, T = Town). Word spread about the idea which in turn attracted some of Thailand’s top street artists.
This is why there is a ton of street art in Phuket Old Town – and why so much of the street art Phuket has features food. Have I mentioned the amazing night food markets yet? #drooling!
Like with pretty much all street art around the world, these murals around Phuket can be controversial, political and satirical, however, sometimes they are just created as a piece of art and to brighten up a dingy area which in turn entices people to explore a different part of town.
In addition to this, street art is constantly changing and evolving. My hometown of Bristol, UK has a vibrant street art scene (it’s also home to the street artist Banksy) which frequently has new pieces of art literally pop up overnight.
Most likely since writing this article, the artwork will have changed, but that is part of the excitement of the urban art scene. There is always something new to look out for.
If you’ve visited Phuket recently, I’d love to hear which pieces have changed or popped up in the area since writing this article.
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Phuket Street Art Vs The Old Town
Some might argue that graffiti is just vandalism – and yes, I agree to a certain extent. I’m not a big fan of tagging or trashing a building façade by mindlessly scrawling over it.
However, street art and murals have a story behind them and in the case of the pieces in Phuket Old Town, it gives the perfect accolade to the district. There is a hub of shabby-chic and independently-owned design shops and cafes around the centre. The street art and murals perfectly contrast the traditional Sino-Portuguese style buildings, while not overpowering them.
Once dingy street corners, peeling old shop fronts and dodgy-looking alleyways have now had a fresh lease of life, with people now exploring these slightly off-beat areas and previously unattractive areas.
What’s more, the locals I spoke to while tracking the street art in Phuket, have embraced the F.A.T initiative and often gave me tip-offs on where to find more murals. The street art of Phuket has had a win-win outcome; more tourists are exploring a wider area of the Old Town.
The influx of tourists using social media such as Instagram, has encouraged a wave of people coming to the area on the hunt for Insta-fabulous shots of the colourful, and sometimes interactive murals away from the classic tourist route.
In turn, this has meant tourist money being spent with the result of tons of locally owned independent shops, cafes and restaurants popping up in the area. Kudos to this!
Phuket Old Town is the polar opposite of the Westernised tourist trap I first encountered while on Phuket island. I certainly know where I’d rather be spending my time and money!
All over Phuket Old Town, there are tiny little pieces of street art – keep your eyes peeled – it won’t take you long to spot them.
Phuket Street Art Map – Infographic
This map is by no means exhaustive. Street art is an ever-evolving medium, I’d love to hear what new pieces have popped up, or what has changed or been added to. Feel free to drop me an email, and I can add these to the map for even more people to enjoy.
The Artists Behind Phuket Old Town Street Art
Although there are numerous artists behind the Phuket art scene, there are a few who have several instantly recognisable pieces. Here are three artists responsible for them.
Alex Face
One of Thailand’s best-known street artists, Alex Face has two murals in Old Town Phuket – both featuring his cute cartoon-like character with their signature ‘cyclops’ style third eye. This signature style can be found in his work all over the world.
The first example is of a girl wearing the traditional clothing of the local Baba community. This includes a sarong decorated using a technique called batik.
The character draws inspiration from the Thai-Chinese customs found on Phuket island. This large mural can be found near the fresh produce market.
The second mural represents the Hungry Ghosts Festival (Por Tor). Again Alex Face’s work features his iconic three-eyed character but this time in the shape of a turtle. During the ‘Por Tor’ festival, red turtle sweet cake is eaten which symbolises a long and prosperous life.
Rukkit Khuanhawate
Initially, training as a graphic designer, his early pieces of street art were based on stencil work.
In recent years his graphic style has evolved into giant murals. Featuring geometric shapes and bold colours and patterns.
He produced a bird mural which features this iconic style that was one of the earlier pieces produced for the F.A.T initiative.
Mue Bon
A Thai street artist, based in Bangkok, his work frequently features a large boggle-eyed blackbird. He works in various mediums, sometimes with interactive pieces.
His work has cropped up all over Thailand, including Bangkok, as well as internationally.
His work in Phuket Old Town is massive and spans several buildings. It features his iconic bird hitching a ride on a flying turtle while leaving a trail of rainbow-coloured spray paint along the walls behind him.
Where to Stay In Phuket Old Town
Looking for somewhere to stay to explore Phuket Old Town? Take a look at these two great options.
Boutique Accommodation: Casa Blanca Hotel
This hotel offers a charming and stylish experience with its unique rooms and personalized service.
What makes it more special is that it is conveniently located near the historical sites and vibrant street markets that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the town!
Affordable Accommodation: The Memory at On On Hotel
It’s located in the heart of Phuket Old Town, so is perfect for exploring the local area and making the most of the local vibe and the night markets.
The decorative sino-colonial style archway and facade entrance welcome you as you enter the building. It’s also the hotel featured in the film ‘The Beach’! Be sure to check it out.
Other Things to See in Phuket Old Town
Aside from the beautiful murals and street art in Phuket, there’s a load of other stuff to see in Phuket Old Town. Here are some highlights I suggest seeing.
Explore Phuket Old Town
Personally, I had fun exploring the Phuket Old Town. It’s full of new and exciting places to explore – from hipster cafes to trendy bars.
And oh, don’t miss the two markets on Ranong Road where you can find everything from fresh produce to local crafts!
Phuket Walking Street
You also wouldn’t want to miss the Phuket Walking Street every Sunday on Thalang Road. Here, you’ll find amazing stalls with unique products, from handmade crafts and souvenirs to trendy clothes and accessories.
Visit Phuket Weekend Market
Are you a food enthusiast? You’ll definitely love Weekend Market Phuket!
It’s a huge outdoor bazaar where you can have the chance to try some delicious local snacks like satay, pastries, sushi, dim sum, and more!
Phuket Trickeye Museum
If you love taking funny photos, you’ll enjoy Phuket Trickeye Museum. Inside, you’ll find about 100 paintings that create amazing optical illusions.
Note that you can pose with them and take hilarious pictures!
Baan Chinpracha
Do you know that Baan Chinpracha is a beautiful mansion that reflects the rich history of Phuket’s tin mining era?
They welcome visitors to explore some parts of their home, such as the bedrooms, the kitchen and the ground floor, and see how a wealthy Phuket family lived in the past.
Street Art in Phuket Town – FAQs
I’ve gone into a whole load of detail about where to find the best Phuket Old Town street art. This section gives more useful tips about visiting the Old Town and answers to any questions you might have.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Phuket?
The best time to visit Phuket is during the dry season, which is from November to February. This season offers pleasant weather with milder temperatures and lower humidity.Â
Where Can I Find Street Art in Phuket Old Town?
Phuket Old Town is a treasure trove of street art. Some of the best spots to find street art are along Thalang Road, Soi Romanee, and Krabi Road where you’ll discover colorful murals, vibrant graffiti, and artistic expressions.
How to Get From Phuket Old Town to Patong
To travel from Phuket Old Town to Patong, you can take a local bus from the Phuket Bus Terminal in Phuket Old Town, which offers an affordable and convenient way to reach Patong.Â
Alternatively, you can hire a taxi for a more direct service.
Who Are the Artists Behind the Phuket Street Art Scene?
The Phuket street art scene features contributions from various talented artists – some notable names include Alex Face, Rukkit Khuanhawate, and Mue Bon.Â
How Did the Street Art in Phuket Come About?
In 2016, an innovative project called F.A.T Phuket (Food, Art, Town) was born through a partnership between a local artist and a property developer. The concept quickly gained attention and drew the interest of Thailand’s renowned street artists, leading to a vibrant artistic movement in the area.
Ready to Discover the Beautiful Street Art in Phuket Old Town, Thailand
Are you ready to discover some of the amazing street art in Phuket’s Old Town?
Trust me, it’s such a colourful and vibrant place, full of creativity and culture. If you ever visit Phuket, don’t miss the chance to explore Phuket Old Town street art and admire the stunning murals that decorate the walls.
Most likely the Phuket street art you’ll see today will be different from what I‘ve mentioned in this article – but that’s the best part of street art – it’s forever changing!
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