One of Phuket’s most charming areas is its atmospheric old quarter, where beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese buildings sit incongruously alongside Buddhist temples and gaudy Chinese shrines. Founded on the riches gleaned from the island’s now-defunct tin mining industry, the old town is a fascinating cultural patchwork and a potent reminder of Phuket’s colonial past. Peppered with quaint cafes, art galleries, shops and markets, this beguiling district is a delightful place to get lost for a few hours.