Not the sort of destination that travel guides usually rave about, but Old Town Takua Pa is a hidden gem worth your time. This peaceful little town takes you back to a time of old-world charm.
Old Town Takua Pa
During its heyday, the town attracted foreign traders from around the world. The Chinese flocked here to mine tin and minerals. They later built houses, set up businesses, and settled in the town. For a period of time, Takua Pa was the most important region in Thailand. A diversity of ethnicities, including Chinese, Indians, and Arabs, thrived here alongside the native Thai people.
Traces of the town’s cultural harmony haven’t disappeared; you can still see it in the old Sino-European buildings that line its five main roads: Thanon Na Mueang, Thanon Montri 2, Thanon Klan Kaew, Thanon Udom Tara, and Thanon Sri Takua Pa.
Many of these buildings now house modern-day businesses like cafés and restaurants. The town has a rich street art scene that recounts the story of its past.
If you’re here on Sunday, you can see Sri Takua Pa turn into a lively street market where you can enjoy local food, sweets, and snacks.
Where Is It Exactly?
It’s in Phang Nga Province in Southern Thailand, not far from popular destinations like Khao Lak and Phuket. As it sits inland, away from the shore, the town offers a quiet and more traditional experience compared to the more tourist-heavy areas.
From Khao Lak, the town is about a half-hour drive. Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, one of the popular Khao Lak beach resorts, is 30 minutes away by bike or car.
Chinese-Thai Tea Houses
You’ll find a wonderful selection of Chinese-Thai-style tea houses scattered all over the town. These places serve a variety of teas, from jasmine to oolong to strong Thai blends. Also, coupled with the menu of delicious tea is a range of local snacks like roti and steamed buns.
The draw of delicious teas is what brings tourists here, but these tea houses are also great spots to just hang out and get a feel for local life.
Boon Soong Iron Bridge
A fan of history and architecture? Then you must visit Boon Soong Iron Bridge. It was built in 1965 by the Boon Soong family during the tin mining boom in Thailand.
This fascinating piece of early 20th-century engineering is about 200 metres long. What’s special about this bridge is that it was built using decommissioned tin dredging vessels.
How do you get here? You’ll find it on your way to the Old Town. Follow Highway 4 past Takua Pa Hospital. Then turn right at the intersection and keep driving for about four kilometres along the Takua Pa River.
Bangmara Hill
For gorgeous scenery and photography, visit Bangmara Hill. It’s a popular viewpoint, perfect for relaxing and admiring the beautiful scenery.
Bangmara Hill has everything you need for a fun day out. You can swim in the pools, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the restaurants, and grab a cup of coffee.
If you have your kids in tow, there’s plenty of space for them to run around and play.
Little Amazon
Located near the Takua Pa bus station, the Little Amazon is open all year round, so you can visit any time you want.
Thailand is home to lush mangrove forests, and the best way to explore them is to paddle through this area called the Little Amazon. During your boat tour, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. You’ll also come across various endemic plant species and exotic fruits.
There’s a massive network of banyan trees, some of which have been here for over a century.
It’s best to book a tour in advance, as tours usually include more activities.
Kirinara Golf course
Golf fans visiting Takua Pa can enjoy a game at Kirinara Golf Course. It’s a beautiful nine-hole course surrounded by stunning nature. It’s only a few kilometres from the town, so you can easily get there. The name Kirinara has a beautiful meaning too – Kiri means mountain, and Nara means prosperity.
The golf course was built as a way to preserve beautiful nature while letting tourists and locals enjoy golfing.
With water hazards, palm trees, challenging greens, and sloping terrain, Kirinara Golf Course is an excellent place to spend time.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit, especially if you’re planning on exploring the outdoors, is the dry, cool season from November to February. During this period, the weather is pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and low humidity.
If you don’t like to be around bigger crowds, visit from March to April – the weather is somewhat mild, but the town is a lot quieter.
