Cover image via Instagram @anusin_om
We're not gonna lie – we genuinely thought these photos were shot in one of Penang's shophouse-lined streets the first time we saw them
Image via Instagram @teayii
Imagine our surprise when we found out that it's not downtown Penang, Melaka, or any historical town in Malaysia! In fact, you're looking at Old Phuket Town, one of the oldest cities in Thailand.
Image via Instagram @madam_french
Old Phuket Town forms part of Phuket City, an important port in the Malay Peninsula where Chinese immigrants first landed once upon a time.
**Fun fact:** Phuket City and George Town, Penang [officially became twin cities](https://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Phuket-Penang-become-twin-cities#ad-image-0) in September 2014.
Image via Instagram @super_first11
There's a reason why these buildings look so similar. Phuket City's history dates back to the 16th century, when the rapidly growing tin-mining industry attracted both Portuguese and Chinese merchants to the island.
Image via Instagram @arisfinale
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The clash of European and Chinese cultures then led to the birth of Sino-Portuguese architecture, as evident in the distinctive Peranakan Chinese elements in the shophouses lining the streets of Old Phuket Town
Image via Instagram @lforssman
Image via Instagram @teayii
In recent years, these buildings have been gradually restored to their former glory, with most being converted into **shops, restaurants, museums, or boutique hotels**.
Image via Instagram @ktp_th
The influence of European colonists is also apparent in the Sino-Colonial mansions you might find when exploring the historical town
Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion, now houses Blue Elephant Restaurant and a cookery school.
Image via Dawn in Phuket
Aside from their architectural similarities, some shops in Old Phuket Town also sell variants of tau sar pneah a.k.a. one of the must-buy souvenirs from Penang!
Image via Maggie Raj Facebook
As part of the town council's restoration efforts, local and international artists have also left their mark on the centuries-old walls of Old Phuket Town
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So, if you ever need a break from the beaches when you're in Phuket, you know where to go to bask in some old-timey charm!
Image via Instagram @classic_atr
