Phuket has a rich history as tin-mining country peopled by
Siamese,
Chinese,
Malays,
Indians, Eurasians, and
sea gypsies. A unique community in Phuket are the "Baba", with their own way of life, language, dress, and food. The core of this community was formed by early unions between Hokkien tin-miners and Siamese women. This distinctive Baba heritage can be seen in Phuket's Old Town. Since the 16th century, Europeans have been involved in the
tin trade of Phuket. In the 18th century, much of the island's
tin mining was carried out by
Hokkien Chinese who were instrumental in building the old part of the city. In the early-20th century, under Governor
Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahitsaraphakdi, major European mining companies were invited in, and major public infrastructure such as roads and canals was built. Many buildings in
Sino-Portuguese style from this period are preserved and restored, particularly the shophouses and the big mansions. No one knows exactly when the first building in this style was constructed, but photographs from the reign of
King Rama V (1853–1910) show that it was already well established by then. ==Attractions==