How to Explore Phuket's Thriving Street Art Scene

Phuket’s bohemian vibe and the Sino-Portuguese architecture make it a memorable vacation town. The quaint streets of the town are scattered with inspired street art. This all started when UNESCO appointed Phuket as the first South Asian city of Gastronomy. Ever since then, street art has become a prominent theme along the streets of Old Phuket.

Enjoy F.A.T (Food Art Old Town) street art

The ‘So Phuket’ campaign invited local and international artists to make food related art across the Old Town. The murals of the F.A.T project are located within just walking distance from each other. The art depicts the unique food culture in Phuket. You can navigate the art on foot, take pictures and work up an appetite. Located not too far away from most holiday resorts in Phuket, the gastronomy art spots are a feast for the eyes. Most resorts like the SAii Laguna Phuket offer easy access to the Phuket Old Town.

Enjoy the mural of King Rama IX mural on Dibuk Road

In honour of the beloved late King, King Rama IX (Bhumibol Adulyadej), a group of teachers and students painted a modest yet profound tribute to him. The mural depicts five gestures of the King, and includes a quote that highlights his message of ‘unity, selflessness, compassion and generosity. The artists finished the mural in just 5 days and nights. The clouds surrounding the mural symbolize the King watching over Thailand from up above.

Enjoy the mural Geometric Eagle near Soi Romanee

The colourful history of Soi Romanee is the perfect backdrop for the geometric eagle street art in all its flamboyance. The mural takes peoepl back to the days of childhood snacks merging into a pattern with the local Po Thong bus that goes through the heart of the town.

Enjoy the Red Tortoise Mardi near Soi Romanee

The three eyed little girl (Mardi) with a grumpy look on her face sits next to the geometric eagle. She portrays a ‘red tortoise cake’ (Ang Ku) – a local snack. Chinese people consider tortoises to be sacred animals representing good health and long life. You can find this snack at the Phuket food market.

Enjoy the mural Kopi Tiger on Phangnga Road

Amongst the vibrant murals along the Phangnga Road, the Kopi tiger stands out. The kopi tiger depicts the favourite style of coffee (kopi) in Phuket. It is black coffee brewed with condensed milk, often taken with an afternoon snack to take a break.

Enjoy the Surfing bird on Phangnga Road

Not too far away from the Kopi tiger, the Surfing bird nonchalantly cruises on the tail of a sea turtle while dropping eggs. The blue hued bird is spraying colourful clouds with a spray can as he swings onwards. The mural is a sad reminder of the time when turtles swam to the shores of Phuket to lay eggs.

Enjoy the mural - ‘Uncle’ and ‘Auntie’ selling O-Taw

This artwork honours the street food sellers of Phuket. A man (uncle) and woman (aunt) are busy making and selling ‘O-Taw’ – a traditional Phuket dish. And, an old woman (grandma) in a lace blouse and patek sarong sits next to them with food on the table. O-Taw is usually a mix of taro and oysters served with eggs, soy sauce, chili flakes, garlic, sugar, fresh beans and Siracha chili sauce.

Enjoy the mural ‘Mardi’ in Baba near Downtown Plaza

The Mardi in a Baba Shirt stands close to the fruit markets near the Downtown Plaza. She is wearing a colourful sarong with her Baba shirt, and pushes a trolly full of money with a melancholy look on her face. She has one brown eye, one blue and an upside down third eye peeking from her blueish gray hair. She represents the harmonious blend of Phuketian and Hokkien cultures in Phuket.