Serving as a tourist magnet in the heart of Phuket Town, the old town market area is a living reminder of the rich historical tapestry that unfolded due to cultural convergence. The architecture that defines this area is the distinctive Sino-Portuguese style, a harmonious blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences.

Andamanda Phuket is a popular water park tourist attraction in Phuket. We’ve modeled many of our buildings on the beautiful and endearing Sino-Portuguese style that can be seen in many Phuket Town buildings and many cities up and down the Malay peninsula, that includes Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Sino Portuguese Architecture in Phuket

To truly appreciate the beauty of Sino-Portuguese architecture, we must travel back to the 18th and 19th centuries when Portuguese immigrants flocked to Phuket, enticed by the prospect of wealth stemming from the island's flourishing tin mines. These pioneers brought their ambition and their unique architectural style. The mingling of Portuguese settlers with the local Chinese immigrant population gave rise to the Peranakan culture. This vibrant and dynamic fusion left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Phuket. It affected the regional architecture, food, art and traditions as these two cultures established a third, wholly original culture that existed from Southern Thailand to Singapore.

The Rise of Sino-Portuguese Style

The Sino-Portuguese architecture that adorns Phuket’s old town night market area is charming and unforgettable, characterized by intricate facades, colorful tiles, and ornate wooden shutters. You'll find yourself imagining daily life in the old town during the 1800s when the tin mines of Phuket were enriching the fortunes of everyone on the island and giving rise to these ornate and whimsical structures.

The buildings showcase a perfect blend of Chinese and European elements – from the distinctive wooden latticework and natural wood and stone materials reminiscent of Chinese design to the vibrant hues, baroque decorations, and arched colonnades borrowed from Portuguese aesthetics.

Phuket Town is one of the last surviving concentrated living museums of this treasured architectural style, along with buildings in Malacca in Malaysia and the Chinatown area of Singapore. The style evolved to feature elements that were perfect for the tropical climate. The thick stone and stucco walls insulated the interiors from the heat. The tall ceilings and transom windows above doors allowed the heat to rise and dissipate. The narrow, side-by-side design of the shophouses used ventilation at the back and front of the buildings to create constant, cooling air movement through the rooms.

Wander Through History Along Thalong Song Road

Today, the building's presence has created a new world of colorful street life. In the heart of Phuket Town's old town lies the famous Walking Street along Thalong Song Road. A stroll down this enchanting thoroughfare is like stepping into a living museum, where each building tells a story of the island's past. The Sino-Portuguese shophouses and structures, with their pastel shades and intricate detailing, create a captivating backdrop that transports visitors to a bygone era. This area is one of the most photographed on the island and is a must-see for first-time visitors exploring Phuket.

What to Expect on Walking Street

Visitors to Walking Street in Phuket’s old town market can expect a vibrant mix of the old and new. The street is lined with charming cafes, art galleries, boutiques, and antique shops housed in these historic buildings. Street performers add to the lively atmosphere, and, come nightfall, the street is lined with stalls selling a wide variety of Phuket's famous street food, making it a must-visit destination for both history enthusiasts and hungry tourists.

Andamanda Phuket: Blending Myth and Architecture

We celebrate the attraction and cultural significance of Phuket Town's old town area. Andamanda Phuket, our water park on this tropical island, seamlessly blends myth and modernity with our whimsical structures. Embracing the island's traditions and history, our park's design pays homage to the cultural mosaic that defines Phuket. Our buildings incorporate the Sino-Portuguese style of the island and combine it with the extravagant, imagined architecture evoked in Thai literature and mythology to create an original world of fun, fantasy, and excitement that everyone can enjoy.

A Day of Fun and Excitement at Andamanda Phuket

For those seeking a day of excitement and cultural exploration in Phuket, Andamanda Phuket offers a unique experience. Our water park is a destination for thrill-seekers and showcases beloved architectural styles, each contributing to the park's vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the excitement of modern water attractions against a backdrop that echoes the island's rich, multicultural heritage.

Phuket Town's old town market area stands as a colorful reminder of the cultural interplay between the Portuguese and Chinese communities, giving rise to the captivating Sino-Portuguese architecture that graces Walking Street and regions all over Southeast Asia. As you explore these historical treasures, consider extending your journey to Andamanda Phuket for a day of exhilarating fun and a chance to enjoy an architectural wonderland that pays homage to Phuket's myths and history. Buy your tickets online to Andamanda Phuket today!