Elephant Trekking

No visit to Phuket is complete without a ride on an elephant, Thailand's national animal. Thailand's elephant population is rapidly diminishing. You can help keep the remaining elephants alive by supporting trekking enterprises that support the sustainability of this wonderful animal. Earning their living carrying tourists through the cool jungles, rivers and beaches of Phuket, local elephants are granted a new lease of life, away from the harsh logging camps of the north and the pollution of Bangkok. Even those not interested in actually riding an elephant can enjoy meeting and feeding them bananas while learning about their history and plight from their handlers.

John Gray’s Sea Canoe Adventure

John Gray’s Sea Canoe Adventure is one of the Andaman region’s most popular tours, taking place on one of the world’s most beautiful bodies of water, Phang Nga Bay. You will experience a guided tour on limestone karst-filled waters and through sea caves that only open up at low tide. Operated by the renowned American environmentalist, John Gray, this canoeing excursion company lives up to its “We Put You In Your Own Documentary” motto. Early booking is advised.

Phuket Town

The historic section, Phuket’s governmental seat, is located in the south central portion of the island and isn’t nearly as touristy as the other towns located on the island’s periphery. The architecture, Sino-Portuguese, is unique and a product of the delicate relationship between ancient Siam and its would-be coloniser, Portugal. Several mansions dating back to the 19th century line Thalang Road.

Thalang National Museum

As the most prominent historical museum on Phuket, the Thalang National Museum features ancient artefacts along with dioramas representing scenes from the area’s past. Exhibits explore the legacy of the sea gypsy culture, an ethnic minority that resides in Phuket to this day, are especially informative and educational.

Markets

Phuket offers a multitude of traditional open-air markets, selling everything from produce to touristy trinkets. Thai handicrafts, including custom-made jewellery, antiques, Thai silk and leather goods, can be found and bartered for at these markets. Bargaining is key in Thailand, but remember that it must be done in good humour and without any hint of anger so as to preserve face in the transaction.

Temples

Phuket important temples include Pra Nahng Sahng, Sanjao Sam, Jui Tui and Put Jaw. Located about a half hour drive from the Laem Hin docks of The Village, Coconut Island is the Phuket’s preeminent wat, the Chalong Temple. One of Thailand’s marquee Buddhist temples, its onsite pagoda is full of Buddha statues, relics and wall paintings. Frequented by big numbers of tourists, Wat Chalong is still fully functional with the practice of authentic Buddhist worshipping carried out by its saffron-garbed monks.

Mini Golf

Dino Park is miniature golf in a dinosaur theme park setting, offering an ideal place for children and adults alike to enjoy trying their hand at putting challenges. The course has Phuket's only (make-believe) active volcano surrounded by gentle streams, prehistoric caves and roaring dinosaurs. Dino Park also has an open-air restaurant and a street-side bar built with a Flintstone-like theme. The course located in the village of Kata, approximately 25 minutes south of Patong along Phuket’s southwest coast.

Gibbon Project

Gibbons are an endangered species in Southern Thailand, as they have been hunted near extinction for export to zoos. As recently as ten years ago they worked in Phuket's bars, amusing customers. Today, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project works to restore the numbers and the dignity of the native animal.

Phuket FantaSea

A Disney-like fantasy production of a mythical Thai Kingdom, the Phuket FantaSea Thai cultural show is infused with cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art theatrical elements. The Thai essence, everything from the love for freedom and fun to its veneration of courage and compassion is represented in nearly every scene. As the Prince of Kamala journeys through each progressive act, he slowly discovers all of these aspects, while learning what it means to be the perfect Thai. Don’t leave Phuket without seeing this fantastic show! Reservations advised.

Golf

Loch Palm Golf Club
With a layout that surrounds the largest lake on any Phuket golf course, Loch Palm Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 72, 6,555 yards course offering a great challenge for golfers of all abilities.

Red Mountain Golf Course
A sister course to nearby Loch Palm, Red Mountain is a canyon and mountain-styled course considered to be one of the best in Southeast Asia. Relatively new and challenging for even the scratch golfer, Red Mountain offers spectacular vistas amidst some of the most beautifully landscaped holes the island has to offer.

Blue Canyon Golf Course
With two unique 18-hole courses, the Canyon and the Lakes, golfers will find Blue Canyon to offer the penultimate ‘golfer ambiance’. Framed against a beautiful clubhouse, both courses offer challenging layouts that can be enjoyed by everyone from the novice to professional. The course has hosted several ‘Johnnie Walker Classics’ over the years and will not disappoint!

Laguna Phuket Golf Club
Anchoring the world-renowned Laguna Phuket resort, the Laguna Phuket Golf Club offers a relaxing environment for the discerning golfer. Site of the annual Singha Thailand Golf Open, Laguna Phuket is a resort-styled set of links. The course has an opulent clubhouse located next door to the Banyan Tree Resort, one of the island’s five-star resort properties.

Mission Hills Golf Course and Phuket Country Club
Both of these golf courses flesh out the golf offerings on Phuket, with the Mission Hills club located on the upper east coast of Phuket, designed links-style and touching on Phang Nga bay. Phuket Country Club, the island’s oldest course, is a classically designed golf layout popular with the retired expat crowd, notable for its close proximity to Patong.

Read further about golfing in Phuket

Horseback Riding

There are two riding clubs in Phuket- the Phuket Laguna Riding Club, located in Bang Tao; and the Phuket Riding Club, located in the south of the island, in Rawai. Both riding clubs have well trained horses, with gentle horses available for children and beginners. For experienced riders, guides will offer varied trails to suit ability. Professional instructors, guides and escorts are provided. Horseback riding is a fun and romantic way to explore Phuket's natural scenery. First time riders are escorted along small inner roads through jungle and plantations surrounding the riding clubs. Longer rides will take you along beautiful beaches. Programmes usually last 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Cable skiing

Ski on fresh clean water at a specially designed lake (410 metres long). Cable skiing is located near Kathu waterfalls, near the island’s centre.

Phuket Aquarium

A small but well run aquarium showcasing local marine life, the Phuket Aquarium is divided into 2 sections- fresh water aquatic life and marine creatures. The aquarium also has a touching pool for shallow reef creatures such as sea cucumbers and sea stars, permitting guest to learn and understand more about them. Open every day between 8.30 and 16.00.

Discover Phuket by ATV

Explore the countryside along natural tracks and paths on an all-terrain vehicle led by guides. You will journey through Phuket rubber plantations, jungle forests and travel across little-known beaches. You will get to know local forest workers, learn about the environment and discover local plants you might never come across otherwise. This unique tour allows you to explore the interior of Phuket, without the crowds. Full instruction and helmet included.

The Phuket Stunt Show

Phuket Stunt Show is a nightly action packed entertainment show. The one-hour show includes an action packed "Pirates of the China Sea" stunt show with explosions, pyrotechnics and high tech lighting. The climax is a heart stopping, 27-meter high dive, one of the highest in the world!! Open every day except Wednesday. This enormous outdoor stadium is located in the south of Phuket, in Rawai.

Simon Cabaret

One of the most glamorous "transvestite" cabaret shows in Southeast Asia, this show features a spectacular musical production performed by the world famous ‘ladyboys’ of Simon Cabaret. Guys, can you tell the difference? And ladies - wouldn't you just die for a figure like that? Stunning costumes, bright lights, an excellent sound system and expensive sets are all part of this theatrical extravaganza. Performers lip-synch popular songs. In nearby Patong, transvestite performances can be enjoyed at Andaman Queen Cabaret and in many of the neighbouring open-air bars. It's not to be missed! Simon Caberet offers two shows daily at 19:30 and 21:30 hours. Reservations advised

Muay Thai at Patong Boxing Stadium

One of the most popular spectator sports in Thailand is the martial art of Muay Thai. Exciting enough on TV - the furious punches, crushing elbow strikes, lethal kicks and artful feints are even more riveting when seen live. Muay Thai is the ancient art of Thai boxing and is fascinating to watch. This sport involves every part of the body and fighters train long hours as well as steeling their resolve and nerves for the task. Snag a ringside seat and witness this thrilling spectator sport. Contact the Front Desk for show times.

Car Hire

One of the best ways to see Phuket is to hire a car and drive around. There are many scenic roads, particularly on the West Coast. It's easy driving but watch out for the motorbikes!