The old town spreads around Thalang, Dibuk, Yaowarat, Phang Nga and Krabi roads, known for the Sino-Portuguese architecture of the tin-trading years and for the Baba culture of the Hokkien miners' descendants, seen in their language, dress and food. Many of its houses are now museums, cafés, restaurants and small shops, among them the Thai Hua Museum and the Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion.

Every Sunday, from about 4 pm to 10 pm, Thalang Road closes to traffic for the Lard Yai market of southern food, crafts and gifts.