For the first time in over half a century, the Governor’s Palace on the tropical Thai island of Phuket will open its doors for an overnight stay.
THAILAND – To celebrate the Thai New Year and welcome international travelers back to Thailand, Phuket’s Governor’s Mansion – the greatest icon of Sino-Portuguese Baroque architecture – will be listed on Airbnb for an ultimate design stay. Renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage, Phuket has long attracted millions of travelers from around the world. The lush tropical island is now paving the way for Thailand’s long-awaited travel rebound.
As the country gears up for its biggest cultural festival, Songkran, a group of four lucky guests can soak up the lively festivities with an unforgettable island getaway, only on Airbnb.
Guests will be greeted by popular Phuket-born model actress Patricia Tanchanok Good, who shot to fame in one of Netflix’s most popular Thai dramas last year, Girl From Nowhere 2, and National Food Ambassador Thai royal and founder of Blue Elephant, master chef Nooror Somany Steppe. The programming of this exceptional stay is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Built in the late King Rama V era by prosperous local businessman Pra Pitak Chinpracha, the 119-year-old Governor’s Mansion has hosted many dignitaries from out of town and remains the one of Phuket’s many neoclassical heritage mansions. The sprawling white and mustard heritage house is located in the historic heart of Old Phuket Town and has been superbly restored to preserve its original fixtures, including richly patterned tiles and teak floors. Its first floor now houses the Blue Elephant restaurant, Michelin Plate award winner and long-time mainstay of Thailand’s culinary industry.
On the second floor, acclaimed Thai designer Saran Yen Panya has created a memorable and visually stunning space that pays homage to Thailand’s rich heritage and buzzing contemporary design scene. The living room features standout pieces by Yothaka – widely revered as the master of Thai design – in addition to bespoke handcrafted items by emerging designers Kitt Ta Khon, Masaya, Sumphat Gallery, Thaniya and Mo Jirachaisakul, paired with Phuketian antiquities from some of the island’s most distinguished homes and museums.
Guests will be immersed in a quintessentially Phuketian experience, including:
- A personalized welcome at check-in by Thai superstar Patricia ‘Good’ Tanchanok, who will share her favorite hidden gems in Phuket and tips for exploring the island
- Exclusive access to a two-bedroom suite on the sprawling second floor of the mansion, including a private reception room and lounge
- A “Songkran” tasting menu composed of several tailor-made courses, prepared and animated by a master chef Nooror Somany Steppe
- A scuba diving and snorkeling adventure around the sparkling reefs and islands that dot the Andaman Sea
- A gibbon rehabilitation social impact experience in Phuket’s last rainforest, Khao Pra Taew Wildlife Sanctuary
“Songkran is a special time for all Thais, as we give thanks and celebrate the dawn of a new year. As Thailand reopens, we are incredibly excited to partner with Airbnb to warmly welcome the world to our country. We invite travelers from all over the world to discover Thailand’s “incredible new chapters” as part of “Visit Thailand Year 2022”, with this iconic stay that highlights some of our best Thai designers; as well as the natural wonders of Phuket, its unique heritage and architecture and its delicious local cuisine,” share Yuthasak SupasornGovernor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
“Thailand is an amazing country with unparalleled warmth and hospitality, and some of the most beautiful destinations. As more and more of us begin to travel further away from home and for longer durations, we are working with our host community to welcome the world to Thailand safely. We are delighted to add the majestic Governor’s Manor to our collection of unique stays across the Kingdom,” mentioned Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager of Airbnb for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
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