{"id":1790,"date":"2019-09-06T16:40:10","date_gmt":"2019-09-06T09:40:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.absoluteresorts.com\/our-stories\/?p=1790"},"modified":"2019-09-06T16:40:10","modified_gmt":"2019-09-06T09:40:10","slug":"cnn-travel-names-phuket-town-one-of-asias-most-picturesque-towns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.absoluteresorts.com\/our-stories\/cnn-travel-names-phuket-town-one-of-asias-most-picturesque-towns\/","title":{"rendered":"CNN Travel names Phuket Town one of Asia\u2019s most picturesque towns"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Phuket\u2019s Old Town can now add its listing by CNN<\/em> Travel<\/em> as one of Asia\u2019s 13 most picturesque towns to its long list of accolades.<\/p>\n

The article highlighted that whilst the island is renowned for its world-class beaches and leisure, maritime and adventure tourism activities, Phuket Town delivers on romance, history and cultural beauty.<\/p>\n

\"CNN<\/a>
Sino-Portuguese Building in Phuket\u2019s old town<\/center><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said the article correctly highlighted Phuket\u2019s cultural diversity and history; things that are often eclipsed by its beaches.<\/p>\n

\u201cPhuket Town retain its charm and unique identity that comes from the influence of the Baba-Peranakan culture, which started when Chinese families migrated to Phuket. We are seeing more fully independent tourists with discretionary spending power who want the unique experiences that Phuket Town is rich in.\u201d<\/p>\n

The pocket-sized town welcomes a large number of foreign tourists each year, a significant number of who come from China and are interested in exploring the area and its Chinese influences.<\/p>\n

\"CNN<\/a>
Sino-Portuguese Building in Phuket\u2019s old town<\/center><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

CNN <\/em>noted that \u201cThough most famous for its beaches, the Thai island of Phuket offers ample opportunities for cultural immersion as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe historic old quarter of Phuket Town, located in the centre of the island, is lined with Sino-Colonial style shop houses, built during the island\u2019s tin-mining boom of the 18th<\/sup> and 19th<\/sup> centuries.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are plenty of hip shops, caf\u00e9s, restaurants and bars, including the batik shops along Thalang Road run by ethnic Malays and Indians. The area is also filled with Chinese temples, crumbling mansions, cultural museums and a nunnery.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"CNN<\/a>
Graffiti Wall at Sino-Portuguese Building in Phuket\u2019s old town<\/center><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

CNN<\/em> also recommended that one of the best ways to soak up Phuket Town\u2019s rich culture and bohemian atmosphere was to find a local company that specialises in walking tours of the Old Town.<\/p>\n

In addition, CNN<\/em> noted that Phuket Town is where travellers can indulge in some of the island\u2019s best restaurants, ideal for those visitors who have had their fill of the same old tourist fare served in beach areas. Top picks according to CNN<\/em> include Southern Thai specialist Raya, Tantitium and One Chun.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n