Phuket Mining Museum

The Phuket Mining Museum tells the story of tin mining, which played a key role in the development of the island. Exhibits include scale models of mines, miners’ tools, old photographs and installations depicting the lives of miners.

Each hall recreates a certain historical epoch. The composition is complemented by realistic wax figures, which are indistinguishable from people from afar. Ancient tools in the form of arrowheads, arrows and fishing hooks show that Phuket used to be part of the Malacca Peninsula and was separated due to tectonic shifts. The museum recreates an ancient man’s cave site, and artifacts dating from the 1st to 3rd millennium BC are displayed nearby.

Phuket’s industrial development began in the second half of the 16th century when tin ore deposits were discovered on the island. All the lakes on the island are of artificial origin and are former mines flooded with water. Visitors are impressed by the large-scale layout showing the work in the quarry, which was done by hand. Mechanization of manual labor only began in the twentieth century, and each stage of the history of tin mining is presented in the museum in different expositions.

Most of the rock samples and everyday objects are allowed to be touched with hands. Several locations mimic the streets of Phuket Town, where you can sit down at a table, read an old newspaper or play board games. An interesting place with interactive areas to immerse yourself in the past.