Although Phuket is renowned as the epicentre of tourism in Southeast Asia, prior to the 21st century it was tin mining which held the honour as being responsible for Phuket's economic growth and development. The Kathu Tin Mining Museum celebrates the history of tin mining in Phuket.

Among the exhibits in the museum you can find: • understanding the beginning of the world (with formation of minerals and animal evolution) • various tin mining processes • demonstration of smeltery and products made out of brut tin • the journey of Chinese merchants • a reconstructed Kathu village complete with shops and a walk in the mine's landscapes • Phuket's people way of life during the tin mining era.

Most of the exhibits currently on display are donations from mining companies and Phuket citizens. The museum building was designed in the style of the time, Sino-Portuguese with a large courtyard and windows decorated with stucco designs and old style arches.