Organised by the Phuket Provincial Tourism and Sports Office, the event aims to immerse visitors in the heritage of Phuket Old Town, bridging the past and present for a memorable cultural experience.
In the true spirit of the event, 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’.
The festival, which continues through to Sunday (Dec 1), is being held at Queen Sirikit Park and aims to attract both locals and tourists with its array of cultural, artistic, and interactive activities.
Governor Sophon presided over the opening ceremony last night (Nov 27), joined by prominent officials including Mueang Phuket District Chief Worasit Phutjib; Ratchadaporn O-in, Director of the Phuket office of Tourism and Sports, and Phuket Town Mayor Saroj Angkhanapilas
The festival features a variety of attractions and activities, emphasizing Phuket’s unique cultural and historical identity, including workshops with interactive sessions with the Phuket Tourism Community Network; art exhibitions showcasing creations by local Phuket artists; and lighting installations with stunning displays on show.
Daily, and nightly, cultural performances, namely traditional shows by youth and local artists, will be complemented by food stalls offering a taste of local Phuket cuisine.
Other attractions during the festival include scenic photo spots for people to ‘check-in’ through posts online to promote the area and a tour of significant Chinese shrines.
People are also encouraged to learn about Phuket’s history through visits to the Bang Neow Community Museum, Phuket Thai Hua Museum, Peranakan Museum and the museum at the historic Baan Chinpracha house.
The festival aligns with Phuket’s vision to become a ‘“world-class marine tourism center’, leveraging its unique cultural and historical assets, said an official report of the festival launch.
The event highlights the Phuket Old Town’s Sino-Portuguese architecture, the local cuisine, traditional clothing and hospitality under the concept of ‘Phuket Soft Power: Buildings, Food, Apparel, and Emotions’, the report noted.
Governor Sophon emphasised the importance of Phuket’s Old Town as a cornerstone of the province’s tourism strategy.
“This event celebrates the essence of Phuket’s culture, history, and community, offering visitors an authentic experience that underscores our local identity,” he said.