Travel Guide: The Memory at On On Hotel - SHA Extra Plus, Phuket Town

Introduction

Tucked in the heart of old Phuket Town, The Memory at On On Hotel is more than just a place to lay your head—it’s a portal to Phuket’s rich Sino-Portuguese past. Made famous as a filming location for the 2000 romantic drama *The Beach*, this iconic boutique hotel blends historic charm with modern comfort, perfect for travelers who want to escape the crowded beach resorts and immerse themselves in authentic Phuket culture. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or a casual explorer, this centrally-located property delivers a one-of-a-kind Phuket experience.

Hotel Overview

The Memory at On On Hotel - SHA Extra Plus is conveniently located at 19 Phang-Nga Road, Talad Yai, Muang, Phuket 83000, right in the center of Phuket Town’s historic district. All guest rooms are air-conditioned, non-smoking, and outfitted with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a mini-fridge, a mini-bar, and a private en-suite bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer, and a bathtub or standing shower. Daily housekeeping keeps spaces tidy, and the 24-hour front desk offers assistance around the clock, along with paid airport transfers, tour booking, luggage storage, car rental, and laundry services. Security features including 24-hour on-site guards, CCTV, and in-room safes help travelers feel at ease, and staff speak fluent English and Thai for seamless communication. Note that the hotel does not offer on-site parking, which is standard for central Phuket Town locations.

Local Attractions

Three standout attractions are all within walking distance of the hotel:

• Phuket Old Town Sino-Portuguese Heritage Walk: Just steps from the hotel entrance, this colorful streetscape is lined with well-preserved 19th-century shophouses painted in pastel blues, yellows, and pinks. Stop for photos at the iconic Soi Romanee, a postcard-perfect lane that was once Phuket’s red-light district, now home to cute cafes and boutique shops.
• Chinatown Phuket (Talad Yai Market): A five-minute walk from the hotel, this bustling morning market is the best place in Phuket Town to sample street food like mango sticky rice, tom yum goong, and local roti. Browse stalls selling fresh tropical fruit, handcrafted textiles, and affordable souvenirs alongside locals doing their daily shopping.
• Phuket Thai Hua Museum: Less than a 10-minute stroll away, this small but fascinating museum is housed in a former Chinese language school, showcasing Phuket’s history as a tin-mining hub and the influence of Chinese, Malay, and European immigrants on local culture.

Travel Tips

Book your stay in advance, especially during peak season (November to February), as rooms fill up fast thanks to the hotel’s iconic status. If you’re arriving by plane, pre-book the hotel’s paid airport transfer for a hassle-free ride directly to the door—Phuket International Airport is a 45-minute drive from Phuket Town. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as most nearby attractions are easily explored on foot, and carry cash, as many small local markets and shops don’t accept cards. If you plan to day trip to Phuket’s popular beaches like Patong or Kata, the hotel’s tour desk can arrange affordable transportation, and local songthaew (shared truck buses) also depart from central stops just a few minutes away. For dining, don’t miss the street food stalls along Thalang Road a block from the hotel, where you