What to Do in Phuket
As much as it's tempting to simply laze on Phuket's white-sand beaches, gazing out over the Andaman, it really does pay to take advantage of the many tours and activities on offer here.
Next to Phuket is Phang Nga province, which is a veritable cornucopia of beautiful nature trails, national parks and vistas. Phang Nga Bay, which flanks the east coast of Phuket Island, ranks as one of the most striking tourist attractions in the world and tours around the karst rockfaces – hollowed out limestone formations – are simply awesome.
The elephant, one of Thailand's most endearing symbols, provides the legwork for the many jungle trips and tours available.
Phang Nga Bay Sea Canoe
There are several companies offering sea cave kayaking tours from Phuket to nearby Phang Nga Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the departure point, the 'mother ship', which also carrys the kayaks, takes you to limestone islands that, over time, have collapsed into themselves leaving the interior intact and untouched over many years.
Sea caves lead into these lagoons and when tide conditions are right and the result is like a visit to a parallel world where time has stood still. Tours visit several of these sites, lunch is provided. (Read more...)
Phi Phi Daytrip
Phi Phi Island is outstandingly beautiful and well worth a visit. Tour boats usually drop passengers off at Phi Phi's Ton Sai Bay then circle Phi Phi Ley, an uninhabited but impressive nearby island.
The boat then heads to Maya Bay – the location of the movie 'The Beach' where passengers have the opportunity to snorkel among the colourful tropical fish and the wonderful coral. Buffet lunch on Phi Phi follows with a chance to wander through the island's shopping alleys or to do a bit of swimming at stunning Loh Dalum Bay before heading back to Phuket. (Read more...)
Elephant Trekking
Whether in Phang Nga Province, or in Phuket itself, elephant trekking is enormous fun and a memorable experience. Regulated and controlled elephant trekking is actually beneficial to these gentle beasts because, since the demise of the logging industry, begging for food looked more and more like their fate.
The tourist industry therefore represents a way to keep them employed and fed. It's expensive to keep an elephant in captivity and, as elephants love to work, you're actually doing them a favour through your presence. Learn just how dainty on their feet these creatures can be. (Read more...)
Phuket Spas
The art of massage and aromatherapy is an ancient one in Thailand. Massage techniques are taught, not just to give pleasure but to enhance healing therapies.
Today, Phuket boasts a slew of top-end spas that offer everything from a simple massage to days-long packages that will have you feeling better than you ever have before. Mid-range spas offer value for money and deliver good therapies. Typically, a few minutes in a steam room is enough to open up your pores, then a massage is administered and after that a body wrap or scrub. Go for it; you won't regret it. (Read more...)
Golf in Phuket
There are six excellent golf courses in Phuket with one on the way. Some local expatriates have moved here solely for the game and visitors are spoilt for choice with green fees being substantially lower than in the west.
All the big names have played here in tournaments and some have even come unstuck at some of Phuket's golf traps. Full facilities are available with specially designed golf carts delivering refreshments to thirsty players. One of the most unique features of golfing in Phuket is that all the caddies are female – a not unwelcome notion for many male golfers. (Read more...)
