10 Things To Do in Phuket
Thailands largest island, Phuket island, is one of the worlds premier vacation destinations. Surrounded by the warm waters of the Andaman sea, the island is a haven for sun seekers in particular and the beaches here are among the best that you will find anywhere.
Phuket has more to offer than sun, sea, and sand, however. Many visitors who come to the island will find that there is simply not enough time to do everything. Here we have compiled a list of some of the best things to do in Phuket to help make sure that you don’t miss the best of what the island has to offer.
1. Visit the Phi-Phi Islands
Phuket is a beautiful island, of that there is no doubt. Relatively close by, however, there are locations that will make even Phuket look average in comparison. One such location to visit, if you get the opportunity, is Koh Phi-Phi and the surrounding islands. Koh Phi-Phi is simply one of the most stunning natural locations on the face of the planet. The island is home to Maya Beach, which was made famous by the movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Bear in mind that the Thai government limits activity in the area to protect it, and Maya Bay is currently closed to visitors.
2. Phang Nga Bay
If you have a day to spare then make sure you visit nearby Phang Nga Bay. With stunning limestone outcrops jutting out from the sea in the bay, Phang Nga is one of the most incredibly beautiful places in Thailand. That’s quite a statement for a nation that is famous for its paradisiacal locations.
Phang Nga Bay is a location that might be instantly recognizable to movie buffs because it was the location for filming for the James Bond movie: The Man with a Golden Gun. Visitors can even take a trip to James Bond Island on which Bonds nemesis base was located in the movie.
3. Snorkeling
Phuket is an island that is surrounded by crystal clear blue waters. It is no surprise that so many people head for the beaches to relax and, of course, to play in the sea. As beautiful as it is above the waves, however, things get even more beautiful when below the waves.
There are several spots around Phuket that are home to a variety of marine life. With a snorkel and mask, you get to be among the aquatic communities almost as though you were swimming in a giant aquarium. Life-jackets are usually provided so it is not necessary for you to be a good swimmer.
4. Jungle Trekking
Much of Phuket is covered in thick, tropical jungle. This makes for some beautiful scenery and it is also a chance for more active people to get inside a jungle and get closer to nature. You will find that there are various routes throughout the island and there are plenty of tour guides to show you the way.
You will find treks of different difficulty levels so people with a range of fitness and ability will be able to find something for them. Those that are able to take on the more challenging tasks can find themselves rewarded with some spectacular views.
5. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
When you are in Thailand, you will often find yourself encouraged not to take part in attractions that involve elephants. As tempting as it might be, you really should resist because the majestic beasts are often kept in appalling conditions and are treated with cruelty by their owners.
There are some exceptions, however, including Phuket’s elephant jungle sanctuary. The sanctuary takes in elephants that have been rescued from cruel owners and then given a place to live where they are treated well. It is much better to see them in an environment where they are happy and can live a life closer to one that they would live in in the wild.
6. Phuket Simon Cabaret
When the sun goes down, holidaymakers want to be entertained, and you will find plenty of entertainment in Phuket at night. One of the most popular entertainment venues on the island is the Phuket Simon Cabaret and it is a show that is not to be missed. The cabarets performers put on a show that is extravagant and, perhaps, over the top at times but it still makes for an amazing spectacle nonetheless.
For a typical Thai-style twist, the show is performed by some of Thailand’s ladyboy community. Guests are also pampered during their stay and get to relax in the luxurious venue as they enjoy the show.
7. Nightlife
After a hard day relaxing on the beach, many of Phuket’s visitors will want to enjoy a drink or several. Phuket’s main entertainment strip, Soi Bangla, connects directly to the beach road. Here, you will find a seemingly countless number of bars, each luring in patrons with ice-cold beers and other drinks.
If the neon lights and loud music are not for you, then you can choose to relax with a few drinks in one of the many fine restaurants instead. Some venues are also children friendly so the whole family get to have some fun once the day is over.
8. Explore
Most visitors to Phuket will be staying in Patong, which is the main tourist resort on the island. The town has pretty much everything that you could need during your stay but that does not mean to say you cannot venture away from the resort. Go exploring a little and you will get to see some of the spots that most people miss.
Phuket Island is home to some truly stunning beaches and a little adventuring away from the tourist traps will reward you with some truly unforgettable memories. Visitors are able to rent cars and other vehicles for exploring but make sure that the rental company offers full insurance.
9. Old Phuket Town
Long before tourists were coming in their droves, Phuket had been a popular destination for ocean-going traders. Patong’s large harbor gave ships shelter from storms and the island’s location made it an ideal location for traders from across the region and further afield. The island also had a booming tin industry that helped it to become a bustling center of trade.
Visit Old Phuket Town and you will get a look into the islands real history. Here, you will find colonial mansions and other buildings that stand as a testament to the islands rich history. The old town is small enough for a leisurely stroll, yet still has plenty to keep visitors occupied.
10. Golf
Phuket is a golfers paradise. The island is home to no fewer than eight high-quality golf clubs with excellent facilities and expertly designed courses. The courses here present a different challenge for people at a range of ability levels from beginners to experts.
Even if you are not a great golfer, you will still be able to enjoy some the beautiful scenery of the courses and of the surrounding hill and jungles of the island. Many tourists in Phuket come for the golf so you will find that there are plenty of hotels and tour companies that offer arrangements for golfing on the island.
