In the city of Phuket, there is a place of historical interest called the Phuket Old Town. The central avenues of Old Town are Thalang Road , Phang Nga Road , Krabi Road , Dibuk Road and Yoawarat Road. Phuket Old Town is noted for Sino-Portuguese structures on the two sides of the road. also have shops , hotels, restaurants and museums have all been erected in a number of historic structures.
Phuket has a rich history as tin-mining nation inhabited by Siamese, Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians, and ocean vagabonds. The Baba a distinct community in Phuket have their own way of life, language, attire and food. The center of this local area was framed by early relationships between Hokkien tin-diggers and Siamese ladies. This unmistakable Baba legacy should be visible in Phuket Old Town.
Since the 16th century, Europeans have been involved in the tin trade of Phuket. In the 18th century, much of the island’s tin mining was carried out by Hokkien Chinese who were instrumental in building the old part of the city. In the early-20th century, under Governor Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahitsaraphakdi, major European mining companies were invited in and major public infrastructure such as roads and canals was built. Many buildings in Sino-Portuguese style from this period are preserved, restored, particularly the shophouses and the big mansions.
