Takua Pa Old Town, Phang Nga

In the past, this area was a buzzing, bustling city which attracted scores of foreign traders, including the Chinese who set up mineral and tin mines here as well as build their own homes. It was the most prominent and important city in the whole of southern Thailand for a period of time, as well as being a cultural melting pot with Chinese immigrants, Indians and Arabs all settling alongside the resident Thais. The history of the area can still be felt today, with examples of Sino-European architecture lining the five main roads of Thanon Sri Takua Pa, Thanon Udom Tara, Thanon Klan Kaew, Thanon Montri 2 and Thanon Na Mueang. However, the town is more than just a residential area and many of the buildings have been converted into cafe, shops with many of the walls adorned with street art detailing the area’s rich history. Every Sunday evening the town’s main road, Sri Takua Pa, becomes a walking street with local food, sweets and snacks on sale.