Sino Heritage Walk

This morning, start the day as the locals do with a visit to an early-morning wet market - Thailand's open-air answer to the grocery store! Wander the stalls brimming with vegetables, meat and even live animals while learning about the history of Phuket Town from your guide. Then, wander onward through quaint streets liked with Sino-Portuguese shop houses and grand mansions - a legacy of the island's booming tin trade. Each building here tells the story of how British, French and Portoguese descended upon Phuket island to seek their fortune in tin mining, and most are beautifully preserved testaments to this significant period in Phuket's history.

Then, walk onward to Chin Pracha House, an arrestingly ornate structure that boasts vintage Italian tiles, historical artefacts and old photos within its aging walls. Head a bit further on to reach Thai Hua Museum and learn a bit about Chinese influence in this part of the island - and even see tea vendors here serve up an authentic Malay tea. Finally, continue your guided stroll to a road that's home to an eclectic mix of art galleries, chic clothing stores, trendy cafes and vibrant temples - and which leads to the Old Phuket Town Post Office and the island's first hotel, built in 1929. Wrap up your journey with a well-earned lunch of local specialties at Hokkian Mee before riding the public blue-bus back to your beach area.