Activities and Sports in Phuket
Phuket is an ocean lover’s paradise and many of the most popular Phuket activities revolve around the sea. Sailing, boating, fishing, swimming, sea kayaking, jet skiing and parasailing are some of the many water activities to be enjoyed on the island. But water sports aren’t all that there is on offer in Phuket. Activities on land include Thai kick boxing, ATV trips, elephant trekking, cycling and shooting as well as white water rafting in nearby Phang Nga.
Water activities in Phuket
The Andaman Sea is one of the calmest and most beautiful bodies of water in the world and people flock to Phuket to take advantage of its crystal clear, glass like waters. There are several mooring areas on the island and a large number of yachting and boating clubs. Sailing lessons, yacht charters and dinner cruises are all popular activities. Sport fishing charters are on hand for those who wish to test themselves against nature. The mangrove estuaries and shallow island reefs are teeming with light tackle game fish while deep-sea enthusiasts will find an abundance of blue water species such as Black Marlin and Sailfish. For those interested in boats who want to be a little closer to the water, sea kayaking may be an attractive option...more on sailing.
There are companies that offer guided day trips to nearby Phang Nga Bay, with its stunning towers of limestone rising straight out of the water. For those wishing to strike out on their own, kayak and canoe rentals are available near most of the island’s beaches. If boats and kayaks are a little slow for your taste then head to Patong or Kata beaches and rent a jet ski. Bouncing along the whitecaps with the spray in your face and the throttle wide open is an exhilarating way to spend a day. But remember to be responsible, safety standards aren’t enforced sufficiently in Thailand. If you want to rise above it all and get a once in a lifetime view then you might want to try parasailing. Soar above the waves while being pulled along by a high speed motorboat. Parasailing is available right on the beach at Patong and Kata. more on watersports.
Diving and snorkelling
This is probably the most popular activity in Phuket, and there are dozens of dive shops. Whichever beach you stay at there will be a few choices to join dive excursions and possibly take a course if you have no PADI qualification. There are great reefs and wrecks of this coast, some reasonably close to Phuket and the water visibility is generally regarded to be good, especially during the busy Christmas season. Those who’ve never dived can enroll in Openwater I, which takes several days and is cheaper the most other places. If this is all too much bother, you can still get a taste of the underwater world with a snorkelling trip to witness surface marine life. A lot of day tours also include an hour or two of snorkelling in colourful and lively spots, which is enough for most and more rewarding that hiring gear and trying your luck offshore from the beaches...more pages on diving, and courses.
Golfing
Many come to Phuket hoping to get in nine or 18 holes against a paradise backdrop and Phuket caters quite well to golfers, if not with the same number of choices found in Pattaya or Chiang Mai. Half a dozen courses offer public and private games set among pretty lagoons, or rolling landscape hacked out from the rubber trees and tropical vegetation. They are all of a high standard with clubs, caddies, carts and equipment are for hire, in addition to a greens fee of about 2000 baht. This makes it a somewhat exclusive activity...more
Cycling
Phuket, with its pretty scenery, would seem an ideal place for cycling. Bikes are found for hire in each of the beach resort areas but they’re more suited for pottering around and most will find the steep hills to get over the next beach a bit much while on holiday. In short, don’t come to Phuket expecting professional bikes which you can tour the whole island with. It’s possible if you are fit and willing to put up with inferior gear but the biggest impediment is the reckless traffic. Finding mountain bike trails would require a friendly local biker to show you the way.
Thai kickboxing in Phuket
Muay Thai is the ancient martial art of Thailand and was used for hundreds of years by warriors protecting the kingdom from Burmese and other invaders. Today Muay Thai has gained international recognition as one of the most effective and devastating fighting styles in the world. Men and women from all over the world come to Phuket to train in this ancient art. Muay Thai is physically demanding and the training is rigorous but highly rewarding. Muay Thai increases strength, co-ordination, endurance, flexibility and stamina, as well increasing confidence and being an effective form of self defence. Muay Thai gyms exist in Rawai, Chalong, and Phuket Town. People of all skill and fitness levels are welcome and many of the gyms have on-site accommodation and offer stay-and-train packages.
Adventure activities in Phuket
Phuket has some beautiful tropical rainforests in addition to its world famous coastline and there are several ways to enjoy these lush green environments. Elephants are among the most impressive animals on earth and elephant trekking is a wonderful way to experience Thailand’s great outdoors. The strength, grace and intelligence of these magnificent creatures will certainly impress you and the perspective from your perch astride a pachyderm will give you a different view of the forest as they carry you along, though the ride is far from smooth. ATVs are another popular way to see the roads less travelled. Four-wheeled ATVs are sturdy, simple to operate and can go nearly anywhere. Guided tours are available to take you through rubber plantations, over rugged hills and to secluded, isolated beaches. Bicycle hire is also widely offered and if you set out early enough to beat the tropical midday heat, you can easy tour the entire island in a day provided you are fit enough to traverse the small hills between the bays. The quality of bikes vary, but there are plenty of single track trails to explore and the landowners aren’t fussed if you trespass. Be warned that drivers in Phuket can be quite reckless and indifferent to cyclists.
For the adrenaline junky the Jungle Bungee Jump in Kathu is a must. Located at the site of an old tin mine, this is the only licensed bungee jump operator in Thailand and the only insured operator in all of Asia. The 50 metre jump over the Jungle Lagoon is a once in a lifetime thrill. If you’re feeling a bit like Dirty Harry then head over to the Phuket Shooting Range in Chalong and squeeze off a few rounds. The knowledgeable and helpful staff are more than happy to provide instruction in firearm handling and safety and can have you shooting like Wyatt Earp in no time.
Activities in Phang Nga
Phang Nga is a short distance from Phuket and has a wide variety of outdoor activities that make perfect day trips from Phuket. Rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting are all offered and packages are available for adventurers of all ages and skill levels.
Fishing on Khao Lak, Phuket
