Phuket Friday Dec 19

Friday Dec 19 2025 Phuket

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STEPS

WEATHER HOT HUMID

TOUR DAY 24 ON OUR OWN

ITALICS TOUR DESCRIPTION

All breakfasts at the hotel. Enjoy three incredible days in Phuket, where you will certainly be mesmerized by its crystal-clear water, white sand beaches, mountain views, delicious cuisine, and the warm, friendly smiles of the Thai people. (Breakfasts) 

Today we were up early and went for our usual buffet breakfast. After breakfast we went back to our room to shower, change and head to Old Phuket town. We walked to the corner and took a cab 500 Baht($25) to town which was about a 20 minute ride. We asked to be dropped off near the market.

We headed toward the center of town and stopped to take photos where everyone else was posing for their Insta shot.

We continued on our journey to explore old Phuket. There is a lot of pedestrian traffic and people shopping. There are many colorful retail stores.

Another dragon to photograph.

We continue on our walk and notice a number of murals which I will cover in a later blog. We then come to a Chinese temple with a huge lobster on the building across the street, probably belonging to a restaurant??

We decide to visit the temple as we see a guide with several visitors. The Sang Tham Shrine also known as the Shrine of the Serene Light, located in Phuket Old Town. This historic Chinese temple is a hidden gem known for its unique architecture and serene atmosphere.  It was founded in 1891 by the descendants of the Tan Luan Jae family. The design is characteristic of Hokkien-Chinese shrines, featuring a terracotta-tiled roof and elaborate stucco decorations of dragons and Chinese dolls. 

Photography isn’t allowed inside the main part of the Shrine of the Serene Light, however... You can see the fantastic Si Yin Gui murals (which I will cover later), stained by over 100 years of burning candles and incense in veneration of the deities they depict. You’ll also find a densely-packed array of small statuettes and idols, together with offerings of fresh fruit.

As we continue our walk, we noticed the Mad Hog Tavern, and decide it is time for a beer. Upon entering we are advised that we need to buy coupons (200 baht each) which can used as a credit toward the beer. Obviously there will be a price to pay later for the beer.

Mad Hog Tavern Phuket is a bar and cafe that will bring joy to Harry Potter fans. It is formerly known as Hog’s Head Phuket, named after the fictional, disreputable pub and inn in the wizarding village of Hogsmeade that’s frequented by shady customers. By the way, we're not huge Harry Potter fans, although we did go to Universal Studios Orlando to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!

Mad Hog Tavern is a fun place. There are many Harry Potter paraphernalia inside, such as the Nimbus 2000, the broomstick that Harry rode in a Quidditch game.

The interior is dark and only lighted with lamp-like fixtures and blue neon lights, which I think add to the charm of the tavern.

There are also statues and skeletons of mystical creatures, which support the wizardry theme of the place.

At the back of the tavern is an alfresco area, where there are facades of Diagon Alley shops facing each other.

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Mad Hog Tavern also serves beer on tap. They have a tap wall designed with beer barrel and a hog’s head. Of course, a Harry Potter themed bar won’t be one if it’s not serving Butterbeer.

When we were ready to pay the bill and use our 400 baht coupons, the bill for two beer was 580 Baht ($29) less400($20) Baht. So we still paid 180 Baht($9) for the beer. It was

an experience and entertaining so worth the price of admission.

Now it was time for lunch. We walked down several streets before finding the Centrico Mexican restaurant where Jackie noticed a portrait of her favourite artist Frida Kahlo.

We sat down were handed menus and time for a decision. We checked the drinks menu and just like Mexico we ordered micheladas, a classic Mexican beer cocktail made with beer(we chose Corona), tomato or clamato juice, lime, hot sauce and spices on the rim of the glass. Often compared to a Mexican style Bloody Mary. However, this was a unique way to serve it!

Jackie had Australian beef tacos and I had the Australian shredded beef burrito. Both were tasty and delicious. In fact, Jackie said it was the best taco outside of Mexico!

After paying for lunch, we headed out looking for a taxi to head back to our hotel. Jackie read and John watched a series he downloaded on his phone before leaving.

We went back to the pizza restaurant situated next to our hotel. It was quite busy and had patrons that appear to be regulars. After ordering some wine we decided on a pepperoni pizza. No pictures were taken.