Spice up your Sunday evening with a walking tour of Phuket. It's a foodie start, with a visit to a cashew nut factory, followed by the famous Blue Elephant restaurant. Then, after a walking tour of Phuket old town, hit the atmospheric night market. Try street food or pick up a souvenir. Chaipong, one of our local guides, says, ‘The old town's atmosphere, always electric and fun, becomes even more so during the Sunday night market. Most of the shops and cafés stay open especially, too, so you double your shopping options.'
Kick off with a tour of a cashew factory, learning how the nuts are shelled and products such as cashew butter and caramel are elaborated. Then it's onto the Phuket Blue Elephant for tea or coffee. This renowned restaurant is housed in a century-old Sino-Portuguese mansion that was originally the governor's residence. Chaipong says, ‘Chef Nooror is the founder and head chef of the Blue Elephant. She's a great ambassador for Thailand and devised the Blue Elephant range of Thai ingredients, most of which are manufactured here in Phuket and sold in 45 countries.'
Next, we'll take a walking tour of the old town – at night, the streets really come alive. Wander by the colourful colonial buildings, then hit Thalang Road night market. You can shop for quality products and local crafts, haggle for souvenirs, explore, snack on street food or just sit back and soak up the ambience. Chaipong says, ‘The street food here is really good, so many authentic flavours to try.'
Walking tour