Phuket is a year-round destination that offers beautiful white beaches, iconic viewpoints and mouth-watering cuisine. It’s a great choice for anyone who loves adventure and is looking to spend their time on a budget.
From rafting and ziplining to exploring temples and the beaches of the island, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling with a family or alone, you’ll be sure to find a perfect vacation in Phuket.
Water Sports
There are plenty of water sports to try in Phuket, from easy stuff like parasailing and banana boat rides to real action-packed sports such as surfing and jet skiing. You can also go fishing, sail or scuba dive.
Snorkeling is one of the easiest and most popular water sports in Phuket as it allows you to see a wide variety of marine life from stingrays to barracudas. The Andaman Sea is the ideal place for snorkeling as it’s calm and clear.
Surfing is another sport in Phuket that requires some swimming knowledge, but it’s not as hard to learn as other water sports. It’s a great way to experience the thrill of riding an oncoming wave and it’s especially exciting in the rainy season as the waves are just big enough.
Kayaking is a fun and leisurely activity that lets you tour the bay, islands and limestone caves in Phuket. There are plenty of tours to choose from.
Nightlife
Phuket is famous for its spectacular nightlife, ranging from lively clubbing and live shows to quiet beach bars. With so many options, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.
If you’re a music lover, there are plenty of bars that feature striking live acts from all over the world. Some even host thrilling live concerts and music parties.
The nightclubs in Phuket are a popular place for people to enjoy the latest hip hop, dance and house music. They regularly arrange exciting live concerts and also have international DJs to enthrall the audience.
There are plenty of beach clubs in Phuket, so you can enjoy some cocktails and snacks on the sand before heading to the club for some fun. Some of the most popular beach clubs are Catch Beach Club and Xana Beach Club. The latter is a high-quality bar with a 35-metre pool and swim-up bar. The club is extremely happening at night, when crowds pour in and DJs start spinning techno tunes.
Elephant Conservation
A visit to an elephant sanctuary in Phuket is a must on any traveller’s itinerary. Here, you can get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures and learn more about their history, behaviour and lifestyles.
Aside from daily visits, some sanctuaries also offer volunteering opportunities. In this case, you’ll help prepare meals for the residents, clean their enclosures, create enrichments and perform other tasks that ensure they live a happy life.
One such ethical sanctuary is Phang Nga Elephant Park, which looks more like a Thai village than an elephant camp. The family-run park has been taking care of elephants for more than 150 years and is a firm believer in the practice of ethical elephant tourism.
Another great option is Boon Lott Elephant Sanctuary, which aims to protect elephants from abuse and helps them to rediscover their social nature. Visiting this sanctuary is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with an indelible memory of Thailand.
Beaches
Phuket has a wide variety of beaches to choose from. Some of them are quite crowded while others are quiet and secluded.
One of the most popular is Patong beach, which is famous for its lively nightlife and beach resorts. Alternatively, you can opt for Kata beach which is less crowded and has a wide range of restaurants, shops and a decent nightlife.
Karon is also a very popular beach in Phuket and has an impressive stretch of white sand with clear blue water during high season. It is a great choice for families as it offers a range of dining options and plenty of hotels for all budgets.
Another secluded beach in Phuket is Bang Tao, which is a long stretch of sand that is not as developed. This means that it is not as crowded and you can find plenty of beach resorts here like the Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort.