Blue Elephant Phuket
A Classy Thai Restaurant & Cooking School in Phuket Old Town
Blue Elephant Phuket Thai Restaurant & Cooking School is one of Phuket Town's most distinctive dining experiences, combining fine Thai cuisine with an impressive piece of the island's architectural heritage.
Located on Krabi Road, the restaurant occupies the beautifully restored Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion, a grand Sino-Portuguese residence dating back more than a century. The elegant setting provides a memorable backdrop for a menu centred on Royal Thai cuisine and Phuket's rich Peranakan culinary traditions.
Beyond the restaurant, the property is also home to the Blue Elephant Cooking School, where visitors can learn to prepare authentic Thai dishes. The mansion's gardens, historic architecture and refined atmosphere make Blue Elephant particularly suited to a special meal or celebration.
Decor and Atmosphere
The first thing that strikes you at Blue Elephant is the mansion itself. Surrounded by a spacious garden, the beautifully restored building features the characteristic Sino-Portuguese architecture found in many of Phuket Town's historic properties. Inside, elegant dining rooms combine high ceilings, dark wood, period details and traditional decorative elements, creating an atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate.
The grounds are equally attractive, with mature trees and plenty of greenery surrounding the mansion. During the day, the setting provides a peaceful escape from the busy streets of Phuket Town, while in the evening the illuminated building takes on an especially atmospheric appearance. The overall experience is refined and formal without losing the sense of history that makes the property so special.
What to Eat at Blue Elephant Phuket
Blue Elephant specialises in refined Royal Thai cuisine, while its Phuket menu also highlights the island's distinctive Peranakan culinary heritage. Expect beautifully presented dishes using traditional Thai ingredients and techniques, with seafood featuring prominently alongside meat, vegetables and aromatic curries. Phuket specialities such as Peranakan-style crab curry and other heritage dishes provide an opportunity to discover flavours that are less commonly found on standard Thai restaurant menus.
The menu also includes classic Thai favourites interpreted in Blue Elephant's more elaborate style. If you are visiting for a special occasion, the restaurant offers set-menu options as well as à la carte dishes. Prices are at the higher end, but the combination of food, service and historic surroundings makes dining here an experience rather than simply a meal.
Things to Know
Blue Elephant is not only a restaurant but also a Thai cooking school, offering hands-on classes for both beginners and more experienced cooks. Discovery classes typically involve preparing four or five Thai dishes during a half-day session, with morning classes including a visit to a local market to discover Thai ingredients and spices.
The menus change according to the day and season, and students can enjoy their creations in the restaurant after cooking. Private classes are also available. The mansion can additionally be used for weddings, private parties, banquets, corporate functions and other special events, with both indoor and outdoor spaces available. If you are interested in a cooking class or event, it is best to check the current programme and make a reservation in advance.
Cuisine: Royal Thai, Fine Dining
Location: 96 Krabi Road, Phuket Old Town
Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Phone: +66 76 354 355
Blue Elephant Phuket Photos
Blue Elephant Phuket Map
Stéphane Audiger - Photographer & Writer
Passionate about photography since the mid-2000s, I’ve spent years capturing the beauty of Phuket and southern Thailand — from beaches and islands to festivals and daily life. My work reflects a lasting love for the region and its ever-changing light.
Last visit & photos: Blue Elephant Phuket — 8 March 2026
