Thalang Road is what comes to mind when people talk about Phuket Town. However, there’s more to the town than Thalang Road. Parallel to Thalang and Krabi roads is the Dibuk Road, which is a must-explore as much as Thalang. It features Sino-colonial architecture on both sides of the road, being the residential area of wealthy Chinese people in the past. Here are some of the things you will see as you explore Dibuk Road:
Tai Zun Aun
Tai Zun Aun is a legendary shop located at the Thepkasattri Road intersection and is the last blacksmith shop in Phuket. The road was filled with blacksmiths during the mining era, but as the industry gradually end, so did their business.
Wat Mongkol Nimit
Also called Mongkol Nimit Temple, it is a Royal temple built in 1880. Today, the building is registered as an archaeological site, and its Sino-colonial influence is notable.
Thai Hua Hokkien club
Thai Hua club is the renovated Song Tek Building, which was one of the first schools in Phuket.
King Rama IX street art
Groups of young artists in Phuket created street art along Dibuk Road featuring images of King Rama IX.
Dibuk Intersection
Dibuk Intersection is one of the popular spots among tourists because of the many old buildings here. It’s also a perfect spot to watch the sunset and take photos.
Bike Cafe
Bike Cafe is a bike shop and cafe located on the left side of the road from the Dibuk intersection. It’s a perfect place for riders to meet and for tourists to take a rest after exploring the area.
Phuket local desserts
Try out Phuket’s local desserts while exploring the area. One shop to visit is R Tuk Kae. There’s also a ‘no name’ shop that sells delicious local delicacies.
Tiem Chu (colorful shop-houses)
Because Dibuk Road had been a residential area in the past, most buildings here are for residential purposes. However, these residences have been converted to commercial use such as shops and restaurants.
Yen Ta Fo Sam Pee Nong (local noodles restaurant)
Exploring the area can make you hungry, of course. You must try the local noodles at Yen Ta Fo Same Pee Nong. The Phuketian-style Yen Ta Fo noodles have a thick pink color and unique toppings such as shrimps and tofu.
Tantitium Restaurant
It’s a must-try classic luxury restaurant in Dibuk road, which is also a café and spa. The building has been renovated, with modern Sino-colonial decors. The restaurant has an extensive menu of fusion food. It also serves good quality coffee and has a corner for photographing.
The Shelter Coffee
Opposite the Tantitium Restaurant is Shelter Coffee. Because the owner was a Thai champion barista before, this café is a recommended place to visit for a glass of coffee.
Xinlor House
Another piece of history brought back to life, Xinlor House is an elegant white building that has 17 rooms. Each room has been decorated uniquely in Sino-industrial style, making the building look durable and luxurious. You may find an exhibit at the ground floor featuring the works from an architect named VernaDoc.
Ang Mor Lao of Luang Amnat Nara Rak
It’s a European-style house in Phuket built in 1911. ‘Ang Mor Lao’ means a two-floor European-style house. The building has European influences but with Chinese-style flourishes.
Takeaway
The Dibuk Road is a place worth exploring next to the more popular Thalang Road. It is rich with history, as shown by the architectural buildings on both sides of the road.
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