Old Town Phuket: Finally, a reason to leave the beach

Tue, 01/31/2012 - 04:58 — Anonymous by Simon OstheimerMany a visitor to
Phuket will leave convinced that it's little more than a hedonist's
paradise, where the day's beach-side thong parade gives way to a night of
Bacchanalian excess along Patong's Soi Bangla. And who could blame them? Many
tourists come to the so-called "Pearl of the Andaman" precisely to throw
away their moral compass, shed their clothing and indulge in the kind of
questionable evening behavior that would never be possible -- or acceptable
–- back home. But anyone willing to peel their butt from their beach chair
can still get to know the real Phuket and its unique culinary and historical
story. You just have to head to the old quarter of Phuket Town, which dates
from the end of the 19th century.  Chinese dragons and tin fortunes  Phuket
Heritage Trails (PHT), which specializes in walking tours of the Old
Town, is one of the best ways to get a full view of the area.  Run by
Phuket native Kritchaya "Chaya" Na Takuathung, a former newspaper reporter
and hotel PR woman now devoted to introducing visitors to the living history
of her home, PHT tours start from the modern and rather garish dragon statue
that stands next to the local tourism office.read more