Most visitors to Phuket will never go to Takua Pa, a sleepy town way off the main road, but those who venture off the beaten track are rewarded with scenes of a bygone era
I visited Takua Pa old town last year during a journey in Khao Lak at the end of December. There was no Sunday market due to Covid. The town looked like stuck in the past. It was very quite. I felt like the only tourist in the area.
To access, I took a moto taxi from the bus station. The man drove me on one the most beautiful road I've seen in Thailand. I saw the former governor's house, walked the main street, took my time and enjoyed that moment.
Yes, it really is one of those places that you have to seek out, and when you arrive it feels like your own personal discovery. I visited several times when we lived in Phuket.
I loved the feeling once you turned off the main road, and you're right, it is an amazing drive. Did you go across the old iron bridge over the rice fields? Then you have the fantastic views of the river (in the past, they say trading ships from India once sailed up it!).
Despite its important past (in Cambodia's National Museum there is a map of historical Southeast Asian sea trading routes - Takua Pa is on it!), it's so quiet and forgotten about now. What I especially loved was the contrast with the development of Phuket.
Thank you for sharing your visit, hope the rest of Khao Lak was just as interesting.
Yes, I did crossed the old iron bridge. The whole scenery was stunning, one of my best souvenirs. I really liked the road because it reminded me of the ones I used to ride when I lived in the Cevennes.
I discovered Takua Pa thanks to an employee at Hotel Gahn where I was staying in Khao Lak.
Now I'd like to learn more about Peranakan/Baba Nyonya culture. I planned to return to do so.
Few words again. Phuket Town is nice but I fall for Takua Pa and an other city with the same gone-by-era spirit called Songhkla. If you have the opportunity to visit, do not hesitate.
Yes, I have been to Songkhla, one of my favorite cities in all of Thailand. There's a lovely little cafe called Blue Smile in the heart of the old district:
Hotel Gahn is a pure beauty in every single detail, probably the most beautiful place I stayed at since I've been living in Thailand.
It's a family-run business. The owner, a delightful Nyonya, is a former nurse who currently lives in Takua Pa. She also used to work there.
One evening, she sat at my table in the restaurant and kindly asked me questions. She explained to me that she and her son had drawn everything. The recognition they earned is well deserved. The hotel appeared in different magazines. I first saw it on this website: https://www.baanlaesuan.com/
It's a good place to search new cafés, hotels, restaurants throughout the country. I can't speak thai. Thanks, Google Translate!
I know Blue Smile. The view over the lake at sunset is beautiful. There are lot of good cafés and restaurants to enjoy:
Hello,
I visited Takua Pa old town last year during a journey in Khao Lak at the end of December. There was no Sunday market due to Covid. The town looked like stuck in the past. It was very quite. I felt like the only tourist in the area.
To access, I took a moto taxi from the bus station. The man drove me on one the most beautiful road I've seen in Thailand. I saw the former governor's house, walked the main street, took my time and enjoyed that moment.
Takua Pa old town definitely worth seeing.
Hi Claudia!
Yes, it really is one of those places that you have to seek out, and when you arrive it feels like your own personal discovery. I visited several times when we lived in Phuket.
I loved the feeling once you turned off the main road, and you're right, it is an amazing drive. Did you go across the old iron bridge over the rice fields? Then you have the fantastic views of the river (in the past, they say trading ships from India once sailed up it!).
Despite its important past (in Cambodia's National Museum there is a map of historical Southeast Asian sea trading routes - Takua Pa is on it!), it's so quiet and forgotten about now. What I especially loved was the contrast with the development of Phuket.
Thank you for sharing your visit, hope the rest of Khao Lak was just as interesting.
All best,
Simon
Hello Simon,
Yes, I did crossed the old iron bridge. The whole scenery was stunning, one of my best souvenirs. I really liked the road because it reminded me of the ones I used to ride when I lived in the Cevennes.
I discovered Takua Pa thanks to an employee at Hotel Gahn where I was staying in Khao Lak.
Now I'd like to learn more about Peranakan/Baba Nyonya culture. I planned to return to do so.
Here's an article I've just found:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/1154373/where-the-quaintness-of-times-past-still-lives
Few words again. Phuket Town is nice but I fall for Takua Pa and an other city with the same gone-by-era spirit called Songhkla. If you have the opportunity to visit, do not hesitate.
Kind regards,
Claudia
Hi Claudia,
I just looked up the Hotel Gahn, what a unique and stunning property!
Phuket Old Town also has a strong Peranakan presence, with an annual wedding festival every June that is great to watch:
https://www.jamiesphuketblog.com/2010/08/baba-peranakan-wedding-in-phuket.html
Yes, I have been to Songkhla, one of my favorite cities in all of Thailand. There's a lovely little cafe called Blue Smile in the heart of the old district:
https://www.facebook.com/bluesmilecafethailand
Thank you for sharing your travels, now I want to go back!
Simon
Good evening, Simon
Thank you for the video.
Hotel Gahn is a pure beauty in every single detail, probably the most beautiful place I stayed at since I've been living in Thailand.
It's a family-run business. The owner, a delightful Nyonya, is a former nurse who currently lives in Takua Pa. She also used to work there.
One evening, she sat at my table in the restaurant and kindly asked me questions. She explained to me that she and her son had drawn everything. The recognition they earned is well deserved. The hotel appeared in different magazines. I first saw it on this website: https://www.baanlaesuan.com/
It's a good place to search new cafés, hotels, restaurants throughout the country. I can't speak thai. Thanks, Google Translate!
I know Blue Smile. The view over the lake at sunset is beautiful. There are lot of good cafés and restaurants to enjoy:
- Studio 55:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-55/2259454664278255?ti=as
Kabir makes fabulous croissants. (I'm French. Maybe you already noticed because of the way I write. 😁)
- Lyn's the Shanghai café :
https://www.facebook.com/1688914594759733/
- Singora crafted gelato:
https://www.facebook.com/Singora-Crafted-Gelato-1868691286571698/?ti=as
- Nakorn Nai Jai:
https://www.facebook.com/NakornNaijaiSongkhla/?ti=as
If you come back, don't miss them.
Claudia 🙂
Hi Claudia,
Now you definitely have me sold on a return trip.
So many great places to check out :)
Simon
Hi Simon,
I'm glad to read that.
I think you won't regret. 😉
Claudia