Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

If you've spent the morning strolling through the shops of Phuket's Old Town, this is the perfect way to end your day. The Thai massage and spa studio on Phangnga Road, nestled amidst Sino-Portuguese architecture, attracts mostly locals, not the typical beach hotel guests. This is more important than you might think. The facilities in the Old Town are more understated and focus more on the treatment itself; it's considerably quieter here than on the beachfront promenades.

My tip: Plan your visit as part of an afternoon outing, not as a standalone destination. The center is compact enough to explore on foot. This way, you can combine an hour on the mat with visiting the temples, strolling through the historic streets, and enjoying a meal nearby, all without needing a car. Traditional Thai cuisine is, of course, the best choice, but you can find the full spa menu on their website if you'd like to plan your visit.