The event, from Nov 27 to Dec 1, will take place at the dragon statue in Queen Sirikit Park on Thalang Rd in Phuket Town.
Of note, the name of the festival is in Phuket dialect, ‘Hwen Muang Gaow, Laow Phuket’, and translates roughly to: ’Travel throughout Phuket Town, Telling the tale of Phuket’.
Officials and organisers, including Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and Ratchadaporn O-in from the Phuket office of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced the event at a press conference held near the Chartered Bank intersection yesterday (Nov 3).
The festival aligns with Phuket’s vision of becoming a ‘world-class marine tourism centre’ [sic], emphasising the unique local culture and rich architectural heritage of Phuket Old Town, said Vice Governor Adul.
Known for its Sino-Portuguese architecture, the area offers a captivating blend of arts, culture and history. The festival, organised under the ‘Phuket Soft Power’ initiative, will focus on showcasing the island’s food, architecture, clothing and emotional connection to its heritage, he added.
The festival will feature a range of immersive activities designed to give tourists a deep dive into Phuket’s culture:
- Workshops with the Phuket Tourism Community Network – Engage with local artisans and communities.
- Art Exhibitions by Thailand Biennale Artists – Showcasing local talent from the Phuket Art Association.
- Spectacular Light and Sound Installations – The iconic clock tower in Dragon Square will be illuminated with light shows, scheduled five times nightly from 7pm.
- Cultural Performances – Local youth and artists will take the stage, accompanied by food trucks serving Phuket’s best street eats.
- Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots – Visitors can capture Phuket’s cultural essence through curated photo backdrops.
- Guided Cultural Tours – Discover Phuket Old Town’s landmarks through three themed routes:
- Temple Tour (‘Mue’ Route) – Visit five historic shrines, each with unique stories, including the Hainan and Put Cho Shrines.
- Museum Tour – Explore local history through the Bang Niao Community Museum, Thai Hua Museum, Peranakan Museum, and Chinpracha House.
- Old Town Street Tour – Wander Thalang, Phang Nga and Yaowarat Roads, with a hands-on workshop to cook local dishes with a local chef.