Thailand Holidays: Sightseeing, Excursions & Activities Phuket

SIGHTSEEING

Phuket Town - You can explore Phuket's Sino-Portuguese background by seeking out some of the magnificent old mansions that survived the island's hey day as an important trading and tin mining centre in the region. Thalang road, off of Yaowarat Road, hosts many of the oldest Sino-Portuguese style buildings in Phuket City and walking tours are highly recommended.

Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village - Located just outside Phuket Town, this 1,600m2 orchid garden displays the rich cultural heritage of orchid cultivation in Thailand, and also puts on regular cultural shows demonstrating traditional Thai dance and music.

EXCURSIONS

Many of southern Thailand's most popular destinations are within easy reach of Phuket and there are scores of companies that can provide a wealth of information on touring Phuket. Day trips to the many offshore islands are very popular, offering snorkelling, diving, rock climbing and many other activities.

Koh Phi Phi - is one of the most beautiful and well known of the Andaman Islands. Although the December 26th Tsunami of 2004 caused severe damage to the island's infrastructure, Phi Phi has made a remarkable comeback and still draws many visitors to its stunning white sand beaches. The limestone cliffs of Phi Phi are famously recognisable as the backdrop to Hollywood film 'The Beach' and are excellent for rock climbing. Ferry boats to Koh Phi Phi leave from Phuket City's Ratsada Harbour twice daily (journey time: one hour). Information and tickets can be had at the dock or from any Phuket tour agency.

Khao Tapoo (Phang Nga Bay) - is also an excellent day tour from Phuket. This small island in the bay is known as James Bond Island and was made famous in 'The Man with the Golden Gun'. A perfect limestone pillar projects straight up out of the water right in front of the pristine white sand beach. Phang Nga Bay also offers elephant trekking, nature walks and river rafting adventures. It boasts some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the entire region. Tour companies all over Phuket offer various packages which include some or all of these activities.

There are several other small islands right off the coast of Phuket. Coral Island, the Raya (or Racha) Islands and Buddha Island (also known as Glass Island) are all great places to spend a day touring. The beaches on these offshore islands are far less crowded than the tourist beaches on Phuket Island. There are small restaurants and even bungalows available on most of these islands offering refreshment and overnight stays. Taxi boat services to the offshore islands can be found all along Rawai beach for a reasonable price.

SPORT & ACTIVITIES

Sailing and Boat Charter - Phuket is ideally located in the beautiful waters of the Andaman Sea and Phang Nga Bay. This paradise with its stunning scenery and its fabulously inviting turquoise sea bursting with tropical life is the perfect destination for those who want to explore the remote island archipelagos of Asia on a sailing boat or on a motor cruiser. With its two marinas Phuket offers yacht charters for every kind of traveller whether crewed or uncrewed, sail or motor.

Diving - Thailand is one of the top ten dive destinations in the world with Phuket being the crown jewel of the Andaman Sea. This island paradise lies only 8 degrees north of the equator. It enjoys a tropical climate with average water temperature of 28°C/78°F and has an amazing variety of aquatic life. The warm, clear water draws large schools of tropical fish, manta rays, and the awe-inspiring whale shark. This wealth of aquatic life combined with good visibility makes for fabulous diving and snorkeling. For those learning to scuba dive Racha Yai Island offers ideal conditions for beginners, whilst for those with more experience, the King Cruiser Wreck, Shark Point, Anemone Reef, Kohl Doc Mai and the famous Phi Phi Islands offer exciting choices.

Sea Canoeing - With a strong emphasis on ecotourism and the environment this is a unique and magical way to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the islands off Phuket. Be whizzed over to the islands by fast longtail boat and then each into his kayak and follow your guide to explore the hidden lagoons (hongs) inside the limestone karst formations (up to 300m in height). Visit mangrove swamps, tunnels hung with stalagmites and stalactites, observe seabirds, kingfishers, crab eating macaques, swim, snorkel and picnic on deserted beaches or paddle through the hongs by starlight on a night adventure.

Deep Sea Fishing - Sportsmen will be delighted to find a variety of day tours offering deep sea fishing. The waters off Phuket have long supported a thriving fishing industry and a catch of 25 fish or more is common on sport fishing trips. Phuket sits astride the sailfish migratory path and is also one of the top three places in the world to go for queenfish. Charters usually leave from Chalong Pier early in the morning. Booking is handled direct at the dock, or through a Phuket tour agency.

Horse Riding - Phuket has two riding clubs which have well trained gentle horses available for children and beginners. More experienced riders are also catered for with more varied and challenging trails offered. Professional instructors, guides and escorts are provided. First time riders are escorted along small inner roads through jungle and plantations surrounding the riding clubs. Longer rides will take you along some beautiful beaches. Programmes are usually between 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Eco-Safari (Khao Prataew National Park) - A beautiful place for some light jungle trekking on the island, Khao Prataew National Park encompasses approximately 2,200 square kilometres of forest and serves as a nature preserve for many species of wild animals. There are two beautiful waterfalls here that draw lots of Thai picnickers on the weekends. Bang Pae is the largest waterfall on the island at approximately 18 metres in height. It's approximately a 10-minute walk to the waterfall from the parking area and suitabel for swimming. The park also offers elephant trekking, jeep mountain safari, nature canoeing and has its own Gibbon sanctuary.

Golf - Phuket is a great destination for a golf holiday, with five international standard golf courses set amidst idyllic surroundings. The island is attracting an increasing number of golfers due to its year-round mild climate, beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. There is no need to show handicap cards at any of Phuket's golf courses. Dress code is not strict but most clubs expect visitors to wear golf shirts with collars, short or long trousers, socks and golf shoes. Generally spike-less shoes or soft spikes are required. These can be hired at the courses.