Takuapa Old Town Sunday Market: Worth a Visit or Not?

What’s Takuapa Old Town?

Takuapa Old Town, located in Phang Nga Province, is a charming historical town that offers a glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. Known for its well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture, narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, and vibrant local atmosphere, Takuapa is a destination for those interested in exploring the deeper, authentic side of Thai culture.

The Boonsung Iron Bridge, located in Takua Pa District, Phang Nga, is a small yet historically significant bridge. Once part of a thriving tin mining area, it was constructed in 1968 using iron from mining ships after the industry declined.

Takua Pa Old Town features beautiful, historic architecture with a mix of Chinese, Thai, and colonial styles. The old houses, with their colorful facades and intricate details, reflect the town's rich cultural heritage and its past as a thriving tin mining hub.

A Short History of Takuapa

Once a thriving tin-mining town in the late 19th century, Takuapa was a bustling trade hub due to its proximity to the Andaman Sea. The town’s historical significance is reflected in its architecture, with a mix of Chinese, Thai, and Portuguese influences. Over the years, Takuapa’s Old Town has retained much of its traditional charm, making it an intriguing spot for history lovers.

Photo : Robert Larimore Pendleton - Nitrate Negatives ( 1936 )

How to Get There

Takuapa Old Town is easily accessible from Khaolak, a popular tourist destination located about 30-40 minutes away by car. You can rent a car or use local transport to reach Takuapa. If you’re staying in Khaolak, Takuapa makes for a perfect half-day trip. The Sunday market typically starts in the late afternoon and runs into the evening, giving you plenty of time to explore the area.

Highlights: Is It Worth Going?

The Takuapa Old Town Sunday Market is a vibrant local event that takes place every week, drawing both locals and tourists. Here are some highlights that make it worth visiting:

• Street Food: Enjoy a wide range of authentic Thai street food, including grilled meats, curries, fresh fruit, and traditional snacks.

Khanom Krok is a traditional Thai dessert made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and coconut milk. The batter is poured onto a special holey pan, and when ready to eat, it is scooped out in small round pieces. These pieces are usually paired together when served. Khanom Krok is a long-standing Thai treat with a rich history.

Loba (Chinese: 滷肉) is a local dish from Phuket, originating from the Fujian province. This dish is commonly enjoyed as a snack and is made primarily from pork, including pig's head and offals, simmered with spices. It is then briefly boiled in a mixture of soy sauce until partially cooked, and finally deep-fried until the outside is crispy, while the inside remains tender.

Khanom Ko-Sui is a local dessert from Phang Nga and Phuket. It has a chewy texture with a sweet, fragrant flavor from palm sugar and brown sugar, giving it a beautiful brown color. It is typically served with shredded coconut and is best enjoyed when warm for a delicious taste.

Takua Pa Old Town was once close to becoming a ghost town, but with the help of a new generation, the area has been revitalized and improved. We would like to ask tourists to support local businesses to help continue this positive development.

Takuapa Old Town is rich in culture, offering unique local desserts inspired by many countries. These traditional treats can’t be found in Khaolak, so make sure to visit the Takuapa Old Town Sunday Market to try them out and experience the authentic flavors of the area!

Takuapa Old Town Sunday Market: Worth a Visit or Not? เมืองเก่า ตะกั่วป่า

Takuapa Old Town Sunday Market: Worth a Visit or Not? เมืองเก่า ตะกั่วป่า

Takuapa Old Town Sunday Market: Worth a Visit or Not? เมืองเก่า ตะกั่วป่า

Takuapa Old Town Sunday Market: Worth a Visit or Not? เมืองเก่า ตะกั่วป่า

Takuapa Old Town Sunday Market: Worth a Visit or Not? เมืองเก่า ตะกั่วป่า

Takuapa Old Town Sunday Market: Worth a Visit or Not? เมืองเก่า ตะกั่วป่า

Information arranged according to the images above.

1. ข้าวต้มน้ำวุ้น (Sticky Rice with Jasmine Syrup) – A sweet and aromatic traditional dessert made from sticky rice soaked in jasmine syrup. This treat is often enjoyed as a refreshing snack, especially in the hot weather, and is a beloved dessert in the Andaman region.

   
   

2. อาโป้ง (A Pong) – A traditional Phuket dessert made from a mix of rice flour, coconut milk, palm sugar, egg yolk, and white sugar. It’s cooked over charcoal, resulting in a crispy outer layer and a soft center. A Pong is commonly enjoyed as a snack and is a popular treat in local coffee shops. The most famous place for A Pong in Phuket is "A Pong Mae Sunee," which has been serving this delicacy for over 50 years.

   
   

3. หม่อจี๋ (Mho Jee) – A traditional dessert made from glutinous rice flour dough, filled with a mixture of sweetened pumpkin and peanuts. This dessert, popular in the Andaman region, is often found at local markets in Krabi, Phuket, and other southern provinces.

   
   

4. บ๊ะจ่าง (Ba Zang) – A savory glutinous rice dumpling filled with pork, mushrooms, salted egg, and other ingredients, wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed. A delicious treat, commonly enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival and other celebrations.

   
   

5. โอ๊เอ๋ว (Oh Aew) – A local delicacy from Phuket and nearby provinces like Trang and Phang Nga, made from jelly-like pieces derived from the seeds of the Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang plant. The jelly is mixed with syrup, shaved ice, and sometimes red beans or grass jelly, creating a refreshing treat perfect for hot days. Locals enjoy it in various versions, such as with red beans and grass jelly or with banana and sweet syrup.

   
   

6. จู้จุน (Joo Jun) – A traditional dessert from Southern Thailand, known for its crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior. This dessert symbolizes good fortune and prosperity, which is why it is often prepared for religious ceremonies and celebrations, such as weddings and the annual Surak Month festival. It's a popular treat during special occasions and is cherished for its sweet, symbolic meaning.

Cultural Vibes: The market is held in the historic streets, adding to the overall charm of the experience. The old arcade houses, Chinese-style temples, and shrines create a unique backdrop.

Pae-Yong, a 70-year-old watchmaker, is the last remaining watch repair shop in Takuapa. With over 50 years of experience, Pae-Yong has been fixing watches since the era when Takuapa thrived as a tin mining town.

The performance by the students was incredible, and I truly appreciate their hard work and effort. Please support them by leaving tips in the box

• Live Performances: Local performances, including music and dance, enhance the lively atmosphere.

• Shopping: You’ll find local crafts, handmade products, and souvenirs that reflect the town’s culture.

  Prices are set as local prices and are not negotiable, so please support the artisans by purchasing at the listed price. The lively atmosphere, delicious food, and cultural immersion make it a worthwhile stop.

Batik is a fabric with beautiful patterns created using a technique of dyeing where certain areas are covered with wax to prevent dye from soaking in, while the open areas are dyed. This process is repeated several times to create intricate and colorful designs. Batik originated in Malaysia and Indonesia and has become popular in many Asian countries, including Thailand.

Potong or Rot Song Taew is a local mode of transport commonly used by the people of Takuapa. It’s a shared pickup truck that operates on fixed routes, offering an affordable and convenient way for locals and travelers to get around the area.

If you’re in the Khaolak or Phang Nga area, the Takuapa Old Town Sunday Market is definitely worth a visit.

Whether you're a food lover, history buff, or simply someone who enjoys vibrant local markets, this spot offers an authentic and memorable experience. So, if you're looking to explore the rich culture of Phang Nga while enjoying some delicious food and shopping, the Takuapa Old Town Sunday Market should be on your list!

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