If you are planning to spend your annual downtime in the tropical paradise of Phuket, you have chosen well; Phuket is regarded as the jewel of Southern Thailand, a small island attached to the mainland by a bridge that sits on the shores of the Andaman Sea. Whether you are staying in a poolside villa or one of the top family-friendly resorts, here are some activities to engage in when holidaying in Phuket.
- Deep sea fishing – If you have dreamt of landing a monster marlin, you can join a deep-sea fishing charter and try your luck fishing for the top game species. This would typically be a day trip, taking 45 minutes to reach the best spots; there would be a limit of 6-8 anglers, each with a rod and when you hook a big fish, you sit in the special chair and the fight begins! Once the adventure is over, the charter company return you to one of the Patong family hotels where everything you need is at hand.
- Visit Phi Phi Islands – Koh Phi Phi is famous for being the host of a memorable James Bond movie, with sheer limestone rocks that rise majestically from the clear, blue water. You can join a tour or charter a yacht and explore the quiet coves; kayaking guided tours are very popular, especially on night trips. If you are into snorkelling, you can swim over stunning reefs and merge with the diverse marine life.
- Take a temple tour – There are some amazing Buddhist temples in the province of Bangkok and your resort receptionist can give you the brochures and book a tour; the driver will pick you up at the resort and you have an English-speaking guide to explain the colourful history. The tour would include the Big Buddha, which is located in the southern part of Phuket and remember to dress conservatively when visiting religious venues. Click here for how to stay safe when travelling.
- Elephant sanctuary – How can you visit Thailand and not get close to the majestic elephant? There are ethical elephant sanctuaries where the animals are not expected to perform tricks and visitors get to help with caring for the elephants; search online for more details on elephant sanctuaries in Phuket and you can take a taxi from your hotel. You can’t simply turn up, as they limit the number of visitors, so make a booking either via the sanctuary website or your hotel reception.
- Quad biking in the jungle – There are several fun parks where you can rent a quad and check out a few of the jungle trails. You can choose to be part of a guided group or go it alone, it’s up to you. The venue provides protective headgear and you should wear long pants and a jacket; if you have never ridden a quad, tuition is available.
The above are just some of the activities to be found in Phuket and we hope that your holiday is a memorable experience.
