Home
Heritage
BAAN CHINPRACHA phuket

Baan Chinpracha House

Heritage

Step Inside Baan Chinpracha – Phuket’s Living Mansion of the Past

In the heart of Phuket Town lies a piece of the island’s soul Baan Chinpracha, a lovingly preserved Sino-Portuguese mansion that offers visitors a glimpse into a bygone era. While the beaches of Phuket are known worldwide, few places reveal the island’s cultural depth like this exquisite family home turned heritage attraction.

Built in 1903 by Phra Pitak Chinpracha, a prominent Thai-Chinese tin baron, the mansion stands today as one of the best-preserved examples of upper-class life during Phuket’s tin mining boom. It remains partially inhabited by descendants of the original family, yet visitors are welcome to explore much of the home and its authentic furnishings.

What to Expect at Baan Chinpracha

As you walk through the large wooden doors, the outside world seems to fade. You’re immediately greeted by a serene inner courtyard with an open ceiling—a hallmark of Chinese home design. Water trickles from a stone feature, natural light streams in from above, and there’s a sense of calm that comes only from places built with heart.

Throughout the house, you’ll find:

  • Original Italian floor tiles
  • Antique wooden furniture
  • Vintage black-and-white family portraits
  • Decorative Chinese lanterns and porcelain
  • A 20th-century kitchen with brass utensils and charcoal stoves

Unlike museums, Baan Chinpracha feels lived-in. It’s not roped off or overly curated. Instead, you’re gently invited into the lives of its former—and current—inhabitants.

Quick Visitor Info

Detail Information
Opening Hours 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily
Admission Fee 150 THB per person
Location 98 Krabi Road, Phuket Town
Duration 30–60 minutes for a full tour
Contact +66 (0)76 211 281

A Step Through Time

Each room in the house tells a different story.

The Living Room

An ornate area where guests were once received, it showcases carved wooden furniture, intricate ceiling work, and walls adorned with sepia-tone photos. It’s a visual biography of a family—and an era.

The Bedrooms

Draped mosquito nets, Victorian wardrobes, and personal mementos still sit on dressers. You get a real sense of how generations of the Chinpracha family lived in quiet elegance.

The Kitchen

One of the most photogenic areas of the home, the traditional kitchen features clay pots, wooden shelves, and rustic culinary tools that reflect old Phuket life.

Upstairs Rooms

While part of the house remains private, one or two upper-floor rooms are open to visitors, offering views of the courtyard below and nearby rooftops of Old Town.

How to Get to Baan Chinpracha

Baan Chinpracha is located on Krabi Road, just a short walk from other heritage landmarks like Thai Hua Museum and Soi Romanee. If you’re coming from Patong or other beach areas:

  • From Patong: 35–40 minutes by car
  • From Kata/Karon: 30–35 minutes
  • From Central Festival Phuket: 10–15 minutes

You can reach the mansion by car, taxi, Grab, or even a fun local tuk-tuk ride.

Best Time to Visit

Arrive in the morning or early afternoon for the best lighting and minimal crowds. The house is well-ventilated, but midday heat can be strong, so bring a water bottle if you plan to walk around the town afterward.

Combine with Nearby Attractions

Baan Chinpracha makes a great starting point or mid-stop in a walking tour of Old Phuket Town. Combine your visit with:

  • Thai Hua Museum – A historical center just a few minutes away
  • Blue Elephant Mansion – A nearby colonial home turned fine-dining restaurant
  • Soi Romanee – Iconic pastel shophouses and quaint cafés
  • Shrine of the Serene Light – A peaceful spiritual stop hidden off Phang Nga Road

Where to Shop Nearby

Take a short stroll after your visit and explore some charming shops within Phuket Old Town:

Shop Name What to Buy
Ban Boran Handcrafted traditional Thai goods
Peranakan Shop Straits-Chinese jewelry and heritage fabrics
Phuketique Phuket-themed souvenirs and decor
China Inn Gallery Antiques and handmade gifts

If you’re lucky to visit during the Sunday Walking Street Market, you’ll also find handmade items, art prints, and locally made accessories perfect for gifts or keepsakes.

Where to Eat Nearby

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to food in this part of Phuket Town. Here are some top recommendations within walking distance:

  • One Chun Café – Popular for authentic Southern Thai cuisine
  • Torry’s Ice Cream – A must-visit for local-flavor ice cream and Instagram moments
  • Raya Restaurant – Famous for crab curry and nostalgic interiors
  • The Charm Dining Gallery – Fusion Thai-Chinese cuisine in a beautifully restored building

Photography Tips

  • The courtyard is the most iconic spot—visit in the morning for soft, natural light.
  • Use a wide-angle lens for full interior shots.
  • Be respectful when photographing family heirlooms and avoid flash.
  • Ask permission if you want to take close-ups of private areas.

Cultural Etiquette

  • Dress respectfully—shoulders covered, no beachwear
  • Speak quietly inside the house
  • Do not touch the antiques
  • Remove shoes if asked when entering some sections

Sample Itinerary

Time Activity
9:00 AM Arrive at Baan Chinpracha
10:00 AM Walk to Thai Hua Museum
11:30 AM Explore Soi Romanee and take photos
12:30 PM Lunch at One Chun or Raya Restaurant
2:00 PM Grab dessert at Torry’s Ice Cream
3:00 PM Shop at Ban Boran and Phuketique