Activities in Phuket

Phuket boasts a wide variety of activities to suit all types of tastes, whether they are on land or in the water. Many who travel to the island have a list of top things to see and do with elephant trekking often featuring high on their agendas.

There are plenty of places to participate in a pachyderm experience, such as several that can be found high on the hill between Nai Harn and Kata. The handlers (mahouts) are highly skilled and lead riders aboard the magnificent creatures into the lush jungle along a variety of routes. In addition, many of the elephant establishments have bars or cafés within their kraals, which serve a selection of beverages and where some even boast stunning views towards the sea. You can also find a range of elephant trekking tours on the hill between Karon and Patong, as well as further north in Kalim.

SAFARI

Safaris are another great adventure on Phuket that take you on insightful tours to learn all about local traditions, such as the art of coconut pressing, the skills involved in rubber tapping, and the processes involved when ploughing rice. Elephant trekking is also usually involved in such tours and some even provide the opportunity to learn how to cook tasty local dishes. Top your adventure off with a delectable Thai lunch and you’re guaranteed to have experienced a day that you won’t soon forget.

POPULAR ATTRACTIONS

Sights that the island is famous for include Big Buddha, a 45-metre tall statue made of magnificently bright white marble. It is perched high on a hill in Chalong. This impressive feature affords expansive views from the top of the hill and can also be seen from several areas across the island.

Another attraction in the same area that is well-worth a visit is Wat Chalong - Phuket’s largest and most revered Buddhist temple.

WATER SPORTS

If you are interested in water sports, the surrounding seas are the perfect playground for yet more activities, like diving, fishing, kayaking, kite boarding, sailing, and snorkelling. You can also head to Kathu to test your balance wake boarding or practice your surfing skills at a surf club in Kata, which boasts its very own double FlowRider wave.

Another man-made water park can be found in the far north of the island within a large resort. Replete with slides, wave pools, and a kid’s pool, this is an attraction that promises to provide much fun for everyone.

Other water activities include going game fishing off of Racha Island, a short distance from Phuket. Here you can take a longtail boat for a traditional ride across the sea, or catch a speedboat to places, like Phang Nga and Koh Phi Phi. Day trips are available for excellent snorkelling or diving opportunities.

NEW ATTRACTIONS

A brand new kids club has recently opened in Patong, which can be found just off of Rat-U-Thit Road near Soi Bangla. It has been declared the largest indoor padded playground of its kind on the island and has a range of activities, such as a climbing wall, flying fox, football pitch, slides and a trampoline. The club also boasts an in-house magician, as well as a magic shop stocked full of interesting bits and pieces relating to the world of illusion. In addition, one of Phuket’s popular cupcake makers also provides a fresh, daily selection of their baked goods in an assortment of flavours.

There is also the opportunity to learn how to make these sweet treats in classes that can be booked in English, French and Thai. Ample seating, as well as wifi access is available to parents who wish to stay while their children play or if you wish to head out into Patong for some shopping. Fully trained staff will ensure your children’s safety.