Museums in Phuket worth visiting

Phuket is a famous island in Thailand, located on the coast of the Andaman Sea in the Indian Ocean. Millions of tourists visit this colourful destination to enjoy swimming in the warm ocean, see numerous architectural landmarks, and engage in activities such as surfing, diving, and snorkelling. Without a doubt, Phuket is a paradise for tourists as it offers a multitude of options for leisure activities.

In addition to the breathtaking beaches, the azure waters and stunning landscapes, Phuket also surprises visitors with its cultural side. If you are interested in the history and cultural heritage of this amazing place, it is definitely worth including a few museums in your list of places to visit. To embark on your journey well-prepared, let's learn more about the iconic museums in Phuket.

Silk Museum

The Butterfly Garden of Phuket is a complete scientific research centre, consisting of a garden, two museums, and several shops. One of the museums is dedicated to the art of silk production. Here, you can learn more about the history of silk manufacturing, observe the life of silk caterpillars, and discover the process of creating silk fabrics. The exhibitions showcase unique silk products, including clothing, accessories, and interior items. For textile and handicraft enthusiasts, this museum is a true gem. The museum is open daily from 9am-5pm.  There is an entrance fee.

Thavorn Museum

This museum has a reputation as a quirky place due to the unusual mysterious atmosphere that prevails here. The museum is owned by a Chinese-Thai family who showcases an impressive collection of exhibits related to traditional crafts, local customs, and historical artefacts of Thailand. The museum's location is also quite unusual - the lobby of the Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa. The space is immersed in semi-darkness, allowing for a deeper immersion into the history and culture of Phuket. Among the artefacts, you can find traditional Chinese wedding hats, tin mining equipment, toy trains, opium smoking paraphernalia, and vintage movie posters. Visiting hours are daily from 9am-6pm and the admission fee is around 200 baht.

Seashell Museum

To explore the richness of the marine world, you don't need to get under water. The seashell museum in Phuket presents a magnificent collection of specimens of various sizes and species, totaling more than two thousand exhibits. In addition to sea shells, the museum also showcases exclusive fossils of geological formations, some of which even bear traces of ancient mollusks. And what will undoubtedly leave an indelible impression from your visit is a genuine golden pearl weighing 140 carats. Other pearl items include necklaces, rings, and earrings, mother-of-pearl dinner sets, spoons, forks, and knives. You can purchase several items as souvenirs on your way out. The museum is open daily from 8am-6pm. Ticket prices start at 200 baht for adults.

Chinpracha House Museum

For architecture enthusiasts and fans of colonial style, this museum is a must-visit on the itinerary in Phuket. The Chinpracha Museum is located in a beautiful historic building built in 1903. This magnificent palace is a living witness to Phuket's rich history and the Chinpracha family, who held a high position in society at that time. Antique furniture, old stoves, and a cosy inner courtyard allow visitors to learn more about the lifestyle and daily life of the people of that time. The museum is open for visits every day from 9am-4.30pm, except  Sundays. The entrance fee is around 200 baht.

Thalang National Museum

The Talang Museum is located in the historical district of Phuket Town, in a picturesque building that itself holds historical value. However, behind the museum walls, there is much more to discover—a rich collection of artefacts that reflect the history, culture, and customs of the people of Phuket. Some exhibits provide detailed descriptions of the Battle of Talang, which made two island defenders, Chan and Muk, famous. They valiantly fought against the Burmese invaders who attacked the island in the 18th century. The museum halls narrate the evolution of Phuket from its primitive times to the present day. You will learn about the lives of the early settlers and their industrial and cultural achievements. Archaeological findings, household items, photographs, and documents will allow you to appreciate the island's centuries-old history. The museum welcomes visitors daily from 9am-4pm, except on public holidays. The entrance fee for foreign visitors is around 30 baht.

Phuket Contemporary Art Museum

Unlike previous locations, the Museum of Contemporary Art delights with a variety of creative approaches and the experimental nature of the artists. Located in the public area of the luxurious residential complex "BYD Lofts," the gallery offers the opportunity not only to visually enjoy the vibrant paintings by artist Sutirak but also to acquire exhibits at a negotiated price. The style of the artworks captivates with its expressiveness, boldness, and dramatic flair. You can visit the gallery from Monday to Saturday during the following hours: 11am-1pm and from 5pm-8pm.

Crocodile Farm

In the south of Thailand, there is a nature and entertainment complex called Phuket Crocodile World. At the farm, you can see crocodiles in their natural habitat, learn more about their life and behaviour, and enjoy thrilling shows featuring them. In fact, this museum can be called a living one, as the terrarium houses over 300 small and large crocodiles, including Siamese, Nile, and even the rarest species - the gharial. The complex also includes a crocodile history museum and souvenir shops. You can visit the farm daily..

Although there are rumours about Phuket not being abundant in museums, the list of interesting cultural locations is quite impressive. Of course, we haven't had a chance to talk about all the museums worth visiting on the island. However, the most thrilling and distinctive ones have been presented in detail with all the necessary information for your visit. Feel free to add new places to your itinerary!

How to find the time to visit museums in Phuket

During your trip you'll no doubt want to get acquainted with all the landmarks and see everything the island has to offer. Since the museums of Phuket are diverse in their themes and ideas, visiting several places in a row will be far from boring. Arm yourself with some useful tips to not miss any interesting spots.

1. Make a list of museums you want to visit. The information provided above about the museums will come in handy. Some of them may be dedicated to the history of the island, others to contemporary art or nature. Choose a few places that are most preferable for you.
2. Check the operating hours of the museums. This aspect is crucial as the opening hours of the museums can vary over time. Make sure you have up-to-date information about the locations' operating hours. Also, be prepared that some museums may have limited opening hours and days off. Go online and plan your time accordingly.
3. Rent transportation. Phuket is a fairly large island, and getting around it can take up a lot of your time. Consider car rental in Phuket to have the freedom of movement and save time. Pay attention to the rental conditions and make sure you meet the driving requirements. Cars in Phuket can be rented through LocalCarRents quickly and conveniently.
4. Dining. During museum visits, especially if you have planned a long trip, don't ignore meal times. Search up local restaurants or cafes near each museum to plan your meals in advance. 
5. Opt for a guided tour. Instead of visiting each museum separately, you can join a tour that includes several locations. As a bonus, the tour guides will provide information about the unique features of each place and exhibit, saving you the time of reading and translating descriptions. The process of the tours itself is convenient, informative, and free of additional difficulties.
6. Take your time. Art doesn't like to be rushed. Remember this when planning a visit to multiple museums. It's not worth limiting yourself to just one day to see everything. This way, you'll only gain superficial knowledge about each of them. Divide the museums you're interested in into several categories based on themes and intersperse them with other options for leisure activities to have time to relax and take a break.

Open yourself up to new knowledge about the history and culture of Phuket. Visiting museums is one of the best ways to discover the island from a new perspective, one that is often closed off to most passive travellers. Be curious, and Phuket will welcome you with open arms!