One of the features of Phuket shophouses  or "row houses" is the front verandahs form a sheltered walkway and intricate stucco designs often grace their facades. Many walkways and interiors are covered with ceramic tiles with elaborate European motifs.  Phuket has a long association with European trading nations:  Portugal, Great Britain and France with an established population of ethnic Chinese. Phuket City has always been a meeting place of Thai and Malays and the overall result was a fascinating mixture of architecture - therefore the look and feel of old Phuket is unique in Thailand.