The Phuket heritage trail

Though its golden beaches have a timeless quality, Phuket has a rich and unexpected history that’s revealed through its monuments and museums. The Heroines’ Monument honours the two sisters who led the locals to fight a Burmese invasion in the 18th century, while the nearby Thalang National Museum focuses on the battle in detail, and has exhibits on the history, crafts and daily life of the people. Spend an afternoon exploring the Old Phuket Town, with its heritage Sino-Portuguese buildings and museums, as well as restaurants, shops, hostels and galleries. It is also home to the Kathu Mining Museum, which sheds light on the island’s history as a centre of tin mining, and the Thai Hua museum, which showcases the history of Chinese migration to Phuket. Also in the neighbourhood, Baan Chinpracha or Chinpracha House is a lovely Sino-Portuguese mansion converted into a private museum.