Phuket Activities

The Phuket Aquarium, located in Cape Panwa, on the south east of the island is small, but has well labeled tanks and a tubular glass tunnel where visitors can walk under swimming marine life.

Bowling can be found in Phuket town near the Pearl Hotel and at Big C Super centre located on Chao Fa West Road (also known as the Bypass Road). A fun way to spend a rainy day or evening.

Boogey board rental is popular on many of Phuket's beaches and fun for the kids to paddle around from November through April.

Butterflies…now here’s one insect even Mum won’t mind landing on her. Did you know that Thailand boasts some of the most varied species in the world? What better way to get acquainted with these fascinating flying rainbows, than to visit one of Phuket’s many butterfly farms? A popular spot is the Phuket Butterfly Farm and Aquarium. Located at the northern end of Phuket town.

It may sound silly to travel to Thailand and go to the movies, but the First-Class theatre at Central mall provides a rainy day treat. Where else can you enjoy big screen block-busters in the comfort of enormous reclining chairs, with blankets, drinks and snacks all for US$12? 

Phuket’s lush interior offers hours of jungle exploring by bicycle. Phuket Cycling Club organises regular rallies and trips to various destinations in and around the island and Phang Nga. Give them a call on 076 216 650 or rent a bike and discover the island yourself. There are various rental outlets around the island and many hotels supply bikes, free to guests.

For the older ‘kids’, bungy jumping is a thrilling way to play! Leap into the empty air with a lake beckoning below. There are two bungy jump set-ups, one at Jungle Bungy Jump located in Kathu on the road to Patong. It’s on the left just look out for the crane though its well sign posted. The other is at Tarzan’s Catapult Jump on Soi Sunset, Patong. Email: bungyint@phket. loxinfo.co.th 

It’s recommended that children don’t learn to scuba dive before they are 13 years old, but snorkelling can be done by anyone. If you can’t swim, don a life jacket and join in. You don’t have to cart the family out on an organised trip either, just swimming along the shore-line can also be exciting. Coral Seekers offer snorkelling trips for the whole family and certainly know where the best spots are. Tel: 076 354 074. Email: coralseekers@phuket.com
 

If you like views, heights and elephants, there’s no better way to survey the jungles of Phuket than atop one of these magnificent mammals. Chang Safari, located on the coast road between Kata and Nai Harn, is a great place to ride or just hang out with the animals and views. They have two resident Gibbons who are free to roam, but are accustomed to people. You can pet them and get some great photos! Have a ride or join The Elephant Help Project in Chalong at Siam Safari. Tel: 076 280 116. Email: ecearth@samart.co.th. They have some excellent brochures about elephants that make a great school project or show and tell. Even if you don’t want a ride, you can buy bananas and hand feed the animals.

The Gibbon rehabilitation centre situated on the road leading to Ao Po on the north east coast. Not only can one view gibbons, you can join their club and help save them from extinction. Some nice hiking trails and waterfalls are accessible from the centre. Email: gibbon@poboxes.com or telephone: 076 260 492 for more information.

Thrill at the speed as you zoom around the go-cart track! Situated on the road between Patong and Kathu you’ll discover the Phuket Go-Kart Speedway. Give them a call on 076 321 949 or just go there.
 

Horse riding is another wonderful activity for the entire family. There are four centres catering to this activity and even the youngest or complete novice can join in. If you’ve never ridden before, livery staff will always lead you or be there to lend a hand. Beach rides are a favourite and the jungle rides are perfect for hotter weather.
Phuket Laguna Riding Club. Tel: 076 324 199
Phuket Country Riding Club, Kathu. Phone & Fax: 076 323 151.
Email: countryriding@phuketdir.com
Phuket Riding Club, Rawai. Email: PRC@PHUKET.MALL.PRC
Rawai Riding Club, Rawai.
All establishments are open from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Dino Park provides mini-golf like no other where exploding volcanoes and dinosaurs roam! Putt amongst the eggs or the legs of a monster from a bygone era and enjoy a meal at the Dino Park restaurant. The course is challenging and interesting enough for the whole family. Located in Kata. Tel: 076 330 625.

Target-practice is fun for big kids and adults; if you are into blasting away at your opponent with paint-filled pellets or taking aim at a target then this is the place for you. These thrill seeking activities can be found in Chalong on the road to Kata, just look for the big target sign. Tel: 076 220 130.

At the same location as the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre is one of Phuket’s three waterfalls, Bang Pae Waterfall. There is a lovely climb through the jungle along its sides. If you’d rather relax you can either eat at the little restaurant or picnic in the area. There are two other waterfalls in Phuket that you can climb, Kathu Waterfall and Tone Sai Waterfall, north of Phuket town.

Another good venue for the whole family is the Phuket Zoo. Half way between Phuket town and Chalong on the Chao Fa East Road you’ll discover this quaint menagerie. Home to a variety of interesting animals including crocodiles and tigers, the latter of which you can have your photo taken with. Tel: 076381 227.

Dining out in Phuket can be an experience in itself. From top class restaurants such as Ka Jok See in Phuket Town, to local hawker stalls that can be found on almost every street on the island, Phuket has something for every taste.

If you’re a fan of fresh seafood, you’ll be in heaven! Many restaurants have live seafood tanks where you can choose among live crabs, lobsters and fish, at a fraction of the price you’d pay at home!

If you have never tasted Thai Cuisine before, it owes much of its appeal to exotic spices, and herbs from China, India, Java and Portugal. The final art of the country's cuisine comes from the skill and ingenuity of cooks.

Although some Thai dishes are quite spicy, many are mild. If you don't want spicy food, it's a good idea to learn the words "My pet" meaning, “Not spicy”.

Some Thai restaurants such as the Old Siam restaurants at the Thavorn resorts in Karon and Kamala offer dinner with classical Thai dance performances. 

Mediterranean and Thai specialties combined with stunning views can be found at The Mangosteen Resort in Rawai. They also have live music every Friday night and a sumptuous Sunday brunch. Tel: 076 289 399.

Phuket’s large Italian community produces some of the best authentic Italian cuisine outside Italy. Capannina in Kata is a popular favourite. Tel: 076 284 318.

Japanese food is available at Zen outlets in Patong and Central shopping mall, Fuji, also in Central mall, and Otowa in Patong, among others.

In addition to international cuisine, fast food chains are popping up in tourist areas. McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, Burger King and Starbucks can be found in the tourist areas such as Patong, Phuket Town, and Central shopping mall.

Shopping in Phuket is an exciting and pleasurable experience. Whether you are bargain-hunting or designing your own custom-tailored suit, shopping in Thailand is fun. From endless street vendor stalls to the modern Central Festival mall, you’re likely to find what you’re looking for.

Street vendors often seem to be on every street corner showing you their goods from bikinis, hammocks and sarongs to laser pens, sunglasses and lighters. If you are interested in any of the wares you find, then it is time to start bargaining.

Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer antiques are excellent buys. Certain categories of antiques are restricted, particularly Buddha images. Others pieces may require an export license, but any reputable dealer will be able to advise you the appropriate restrictions and necessary documentation.

Coloured gemstones such as rubies and sapphires are readily available in Phuket. A good place to check out is the “World’s Biggest Jewellery Store”, located on the bypass road in Kathu. Whether you are buying or not, this factory store has a dazzling array of precious and semi-precious stones, where you can watch jewellery being made.

Thailand is one of the world's leading manufacturers of ready-to-wear clothing. Fashion boutiques are found in every shopping mall, while cheaper clothing such as T-shirts and jeans are available at bargain prices from street vendors and stores alike. Custom tailoring is also very affordable and tailors can produce most styles promptly. Then of course there are the 'designer label' copies that frustrate manufacturers but are a dream come true for stylish bargain-hunters.

Practiced in southern Thailand for hundreds of years, nielloware is the craft of decorating gold and silver objects with delicate etched designs filled with a metal inlay. Nielloware trays, boxes, vases and other items are often strikingly beautiful and, because they are created from precious metals, can be of great value. They are excellent examples of souvenirs unique to southern Thailand.
 

Rattan, water hyacinth, and teak wood furniture are available in many designs and styles. They can also be made to order in some shops. Arrangements for overseas shipment are often available at the place of purchase.

Pewter is fashioned with great skill by Thai craftsmen. The smooth, silky finish of this attractive alloy is enhanced by the delicate decorative relief that pewter artists adorn the items with. Pewter-ware items include plates, boxes, vases and pocket flasks and are available in many shops throughout Phuket.

Thailand is famous for its huge variety of orchids. Their magnificent colours and beauty make them a popular purchase. Specially packaged flowers, complete with water supply are readily available for the long journey home and can be conveniently purchased in many locations including the gift shops in the international airports.

Probably the most famous of all the kingdom's handicrafts, Thai silk is available in a range of colours, patterns and plies. It is sold by the yard or as ready-made clothing and souvenir items.

If you want to impress your friends back home, enroll in a Thai cooking class. Available at many hotels and schools throughout the island, some courses come with an instructional video for you to take home.

Deep sea fishing tours are arranged daily, usually with early morning departures and late afternoon returns. Red snappers, rainbow runners, sailfish and other fish are game. The tag and release system many other countries follow is not yet practiced in Thailand. Due to the ever-decreasing fish in the area, it is left to your discretion as to what you do with your catch.

The waters off Phuket and the surrounding islands provide world-renowned diving/snorkelling. Numerous dive companies operate in Phuket, offering PADI certified courses, day dives and live-aboard excursions. Phuket is famed as one of the world's better dive areas, so take advantage, get wet and go diving or snorkel above! Fins, masks and snorkels can be rented on a daily basis from shops and hotels all over the island.

The golf courses of Phuket are of international standard. Each one has its own particular challenges and scenic splendour that only Phuket can offer. Courses are at the following venues: Phuket Country Club, Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Blue Canyon Country Club, Loch Palm Country Club, Mission Hills and Thai Muang Golf Course.

Kayaking is a wonderful way to explore the beautiful waters and islands around Phuket. Paddle through sea-caves and along mangrove lined estuaries teeming with wildlife. There are a number of kayaking companies scattered all over the island.  Sea Adventures (Roy): 01 370 3199 / 01 970 8664. Sea Canoe: 076 212 252. John Gray’s Sea Canoe: 076 254 505 / 01 894 2369.

Sailing is another enjoyable way to explore the beautiful waters around Phuket. The island is a cruising haven, offering charters on a variety of vessels from luxury motor cruisers and sailing yachts to classic junks. You can hire a captain or, if you’re experienced, be your own captain. For further information about sailing rentals, contact Thai Marine and Leisure 076 239 111, Email: info@thaimarine.com or Sunsail, 076 239 057, Email: sunthai@phket.loxinfo.co.th 

Cruising through the gorgeous sea around Phuket at top speed on a catamaran will definitely get your motor running. If you want to give catamaran sailing a try, many Phuket hotels and resorts rent hobi-cats and similar sailing boats.

Swimming can be enjoyed all year round and is generally safe from November to about April/May. Warning: Strong undertow currents can be hazardous during the rainy season (June-October).

Thai Boxing For those keen on martial arts, a visit to the Muay Thai (Thai boxing) Gym in Rawai is a must. Fitness enthusiasts will find several gymnasiums around the island or in the larger hotels.

Windsurfing is available at some beaches. Boards may be rented by the hour, half-day, full day or weekly. Tuition from expert Thai teachers is free.

Water skiing is offered at some beaches as well as a few resorts on a half-hour or hourly basis. Cable water skiing is a relatively new sport, requiring a bit of nerve. Cable water skiing can be found in Kathu, along the Kathu waterfall road. Tel: 076 202 525