Thalang National Museum

Talang National Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Phuket and Thailand from ancient times to modern times. Prior to the advent of tourism in Phuket, which emerged not so long ago, there were only two main towns on the island, Talang and Phuket Town, and later the coastal areas began to be actively settled. The museum shows the step-by-step development of culture and society, highlighting the major historical events of the island. For example, in front of the entrance to the museum is a monument commemorating the tragedy in 2004, when a huge tsunami took lives and destroyed the island’s infrastructure. Nearby are collected different things that managed to get out of the sea.

The museum’s exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, from ancient civilizations such as Dwarawati and Srivijaya to the colonial period and the era of active trade. Ancient weapons, traditional costumes, farming tools, models of historic buildings and boats are displayed in the halls, allowing you to immerse yourself in the daily life of the past.

The development of the Chinese diaspora has a special place in the history of the island and in the museum. The room is designed in the Sino-Portuguese style and features national costumes, furnishings and household items, photographs and a snack bar with traditional Peranakan dishes.

To show a complete picture of the people of Phuket Island, the museum has brought together all social communities: the Sea Gypsies (Moken or Cheo Le), Muslims, Thai Buddhists and Chinese. You can read a short story about each group and you can also watch a movie with English subtitles.

You can learn a lot about Phuket’s history and culture at this place.