Phuket/📘《My time in Phuket: Time travel in the clock tower of the old town》

The moment the plane landed in Phuket, the heat waves and strong smell of spices from the South Seas were already oncoming. This was not my first time in Thailand, but it was my first time to enter the most charming soul of this Southeast Asian island - Phuket Old Town. And the starting point of this journey began from the white landmark: Phuket Clock Tower. 🏛️ Phuket Clock Tower: A corner where time condenses In the center of the old town stands this yellow and white colonial architectural style clock tower. It is not high, but like an old man who quietly guards the years, it witnesses the transformation of this small town from the tin mining trade era to today's tourist attraction. This is a great place to take pictures, especially in the early morning and dusk, when the sun shines on the wall of the clock tower, as if the whole city is stained with the golden past. I sat on a bench in the small park next to the clock tower, watching the endless stream of tourists and locals passing by, and had the illusion of "going back to the old times". 🗺️ Recommended attractions nearby • Thai Hua Museum The clock tower is a 5-minute walk away. This museum, converted from an old school, fully introduces the history of the Chinese in Phuket. The exhibition hall is exquisite and the air conditioning is comfortable, making it a good choice for afternoon heat relief. • Dibuk Road and Thalang Road These two streets are full of Sino-Portuguese buildings. The old houses in pink, blue and mint green are arranged like candies, making them a dreamy place to take photos and check in. On Sunday evenings, it will also transform into the Sunday Night Market (Lard Yai Market), and the atmosphere is very lively! • Blue Elephant Restaurant A high-end Thai restaurant converted from a century-old mansion, a 10-minute walk from the clock tower. You can taste authentic Thai royal cuisine and experience the retro space of the colonial period. 🚕 How to get to the clock tower? How to get there? If you depart from Phuket International Airport, you can reach the Old Town by taxi or Grab for about 40 minutes. I chose a retro way: I hired a local Tuk Tuk. The wind blew my hair into a mess, but the atmosphere was 100%. If you live in Patong Beach or Kata Beach, it is also convenient to take a local Mini Van or rent a motorcycle to get there (about 30-45 minutes). 🍽️ Old Town Food Recommendations When you come to Phuket Old Town, don’t just take pictures, but also take care of your stomach! • Roti Chaofa (Fried Buddha Road Pancake) Super crispy Indian pancakes, served with rich green curry chicken, the sweet and salty taste made me fall in love with it instantly! • Ko Yoon Noodle (Highland Rice Noodles) The legendary old rice noodle soup shop with more than 70 years of history, the soup is fragrant, the pork meatballs are tender, and I ate every drop. • Torry’s Ice Cream A popular ice cream shop that specializes in durian ice cream and coconut milk glutinous rice ice cream with a Nanyang flavor. I ordered "O-Aew" - a traditional local dessert flavor in Phuket, sweet and sour, refreshing, very refreshing in the hot afternoon. 🏡 Conclusion: The street corner where time stands still In the old town of Phuket, I didn't hear the sound of the waves, but I heard the whispers of history. The clock tower is not only a pointer of time, but also the starting point of Phuket's memory. If you come to Phuket and just want to sunbathe on the beach, it's a pity. Come to the old town, sit under the clock tower and drink a cup of iced coffee, watch the sun move, and you will find that the meaning of travel is sometimes hidden in the most inconspicuous street corners.