Old Town · Phuket Town, the Old Town
Soi Romanee
The short lane of pastel shophouses between Thalang Road and Dibuk Road, once the red-light quarter of the tin miners.
Access
On foot from the road
Time to allow
A few minutes, on an Old Town walk
Best time
Before 10 am, for an empty lane
Why go
For the photograph: this is the lane of pastel facades that appears on most postcards of the Old Town. It is short, and an easy link between Thalang Road and Dibuk Road on a walk.
Not for you if you want it to yourself in the middle of the day: come before 10 am.
What you will find
A row of restored shophouses on each side, painted in strong pastel colours, now guesthouses, bars and cafés. At its northern end, across Dibuk Road, stands Wat Mongkol Nimit, the main Buddhist temple of Phuket Town.
The spelling varies: Romanee or Rommanee.
The story
In the tin-mining years, Soi Romanee was the red-light quarter of the Chinese miners, with gambling and opium dens. The origin of its name is not settled, and we do not repeat the stories told about it.
Getting there
On foot: it leaves Thalang Road and comes out on Dibuk Road, in the middle of the Old Town.
Before you go
The houses are guesthouses and homes: keep the doorsteps clear when you take your photographs, and keep your voice down early in the morning.
Common questions
Where is Soi Romanee?
In the middle of the Old Town: a short lane linking Thalang Road and Dibuk Road.
Is it Soi Romanee or Soi Rommanee?
Both spellings are in use for the same lane.