Phuket Sino-Portuguese mansion will open 1st time in 50 years for lucky guests

A Sino-colonial mansion on Phuket island will open during Songkran for one lucky group to stay as part of a campaign to promote the island.

Billed as the largest Sino-Portuguese mansion in the baroque style, Ban Phra Pitak Chinpracha, or Governor’s Mansion, will be listed on Airbnb for whoever is fast enough to book an exclusive three-day, two-night stay April 15-17. Up to four people can book online for only US$50 (THB1,700). Booking opens at 8am on April 5. 

Built at the end of King Rama V’s reign by successful local businessman Phra Pitak Chinpracha, the 119-year-old mansion in the past welcomed many out-of-town dignitaries. It’s still one of several neoclassical heritage mansions on the island after it was restored to preserve its original fixtures, including patterned tiles and teakwood floors. 

Its first floor is now home to the Blue Elephant Restaurant. Along with Phuket-style antiques, furniture and art items designed by some up-and-coming designers, Kitt Ta Khon, Masaya, Sumphat Gallery, Thaniya and Mo Jirachaisakul, will be in place.

The exclusive stay is organized by Airbnb and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.