Museums in Phuket

Historical adventure

Visiting museums in Phuket is an opportunity to learn many new and interesting things about the rich cultural and historical heritage of the island. In this article we will talk about the most popular and famous museums in Phuket.

3D Museum of Optical Illusions

Perhaps, the most popular but expensive place in Phuket is the museum of optical illusions. An adult ticket costs 500 baht and a child ticket costs 250 baht. The museum has been working since 2013 and has already become popular among the tourists from the Southeast Asia. The gallery is located in a huge two-story building and comprises more than 100 unusual paintings. Each visitor can become a character of a 3D painting. You should definitely take your camera with you. Bright photos and great mood are guaranteed. Before the entrance to the museum visitors take off their shoes because most of the huge paintings are created right on the floor. The museum is located in Phang Nga Street in Phuket Town and runs daily from 9.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Museum of sea shells

The largest collection of shells is collected in the Museum of seashells. There are about 20 thousand exhibits from sea shells, each of which has a special value. Since 1997 the museum has been collecting not only seashells, but also various products from them such as ornaments, decorations and others. The most precious exhibit is the rarest and largest pearl in the world which weighs over 130 carats. The museum is located in the southeast of Phuket and runs daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The adult ticket will cost 200 baht and the children's ticket will cost 100 baht.

Talang Museum

The National Talang Museum was founded by Thai Princess Sirinthorn in 1989. The museum's exhibits are dedicated to two female warriors who defended the national army from the Burmese attack at the end of the 18th century. This important historical event took place in Talang Street, so the museum was named in honor of this street. Local exhibits tell about the rich history of Phuket of the last 200 years. The complex includes various exhibitions dedicated to archeology, art and culture of the island. The most beautiful exposition is Anadamania which includes various artifacts from the Andaman Sea. The museum is opened every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The adult ticket costs 100 baht and the children's ticket costs 30 baht.

Museum of Mining

In ancient times the main craft on the island was the mining of tin and other minerals. At one of these mines the museum was opened at the end of the last century. The exhibits are dedicated to mining including ancient tools of labor and scenes of tin mining staged with mannequins. Some restored mining devices are also presented in the street in front of the museum. The museum is located in the central part of the island in Khatu-Nakoh Street and works every day except Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The adult ticket costs 100 baht and the child ticket costs 50 baht.

Tai Hua Museum

Tai Hua is located in the most beautiful building of Phuket which is situated in the center of Chinatown. This European-style building was built in the early 20th century. There was a school for children of Chinese immigrants, but at the end of the same century, it was decided to establish a museum here. Some rooms for pupils and teachers remained unchanged, in other rooms there were organized exhibitions that tell about the history and life of Chinese immigrants on the island. The museum is located in Krabi Road in Phuket Town and runs daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ticket costs 200 baht and for permission to take photos you need to pay 150 baht.

Phuket Rajabhat Cultural Center

To learn a lot about the history and culture of Phuket you should visit Phuket Rajabhat Cultural Center which was built on the territory of the largest local university. Only here you can see how the sea gypsies lived in the village, how the houses of the local people were built, mining tools and many other things. Phuket Rachapat University is located in Thepkrasattri Street. The museum is opened to visitors daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Saturday and Sunday. Entrance is free.

Chinprachi Museum

This unusual private museum is located in a chic mansion where local rich man Pitak Ciprachi lived more than half a century ago. The mansion saved the luxury atmosphere of that period, including Italian antique furniture, ancient ceramic and phosphoric dishes from China and Europe, antique floor tiles, as well as a large number of photos from the family archive of Chinprachi. Nowadays the granddaughter of the owner lives with her family in the mansion and personally guides excursions. The design of the museum is so unique that many famous films were shot here, including the series about Indiana Jones and the film Paradise on Earth. The mansion is located in Krabi Road, the visit costs 100 baht.

Museum of Philately

Those travelers who are fond of philately will be especially interested to visit the museum, which has been working for 85 years in the building of the old post office. Exhibits and compositions tell about the development of mail in Thailand. The museum includes three exhibition halls. The first room is devoted to the history of postal development in the country, beginning with the time of King Rama the Fifth. In the second room you can see old and valuable postal equipment, such as telegraphs, scales for parcels and others.

The third hall has been open recently, there presented ancient brands and other souvenirs, some of them are sold. The museum is located in the center of the island, open daily.