I think things started to change about 2006, and there were plans made to remove overhead cables, the old town festival gained popularity in 2009, streets such as Thalang Rd and Soi Rommanee got a facelift and restaurants started to open in the area. But the streets still had a good mix of local businesses, homes, old buildings and some tourism.
Thalang Rd now is quite busy during the day. A lot of people taking photos and maybe one too many souvenir shops mixed with places like old printers, hardware shops, the old herb shop, Muslim roti shops... and quite a few cafes and restaurants too.
Bookhemian has been open for quite a few years now, located about halfway along Thalang Rd – and it’s got aircon! You’d not find any aircon cafes here 10 years ago. There are a few now, such as Kopitiam and Eleven Two.
I remember the first time I went to Bookhemian, they had a book built into the large door handle, sandwiched between two thick slices of clear glass…and the book was ‘100 Years of Solitude’, one of my favourites. Inside there are several different rooms, books lining the walls, it’s quiet and cool. ‘Cool’ because of the aircon and because it’s arty.
The front room in Bookhemian is not a big place. Only a few small tables here, plus there’s a table outside the front door.
The room at the back is very artistically designed. The tables all have old printing press letters under the glass. A nice nod to the couple of old printing shops along Thalang Rd. There are stairs that lead to an elevated exhibition space where local painters can hang works.
I have only come here for a drink. I’ve been several times with the kids. My daughter loves the lime and honey soda. You can also get a beer or coffee here. And cake too of course!
Bookhemian Cafe is located at 61 Thalang Rd in Phuket Town.
Tel: 098 090 0657
For their page, click HERE.
Jamie Monk works at liveaboard dive specialists Sunrise Divers. For more information call: 084 626 4646 or visit their SITE. You can read more about Phuket on Jamie’s Phuket Blog by clicking HERE.