Sunny beaches, cool waters, warm breeze, lots of peace. Congratulations on booking a Phuket holiday. Good choice. So after you have landed and seen the beach, and lazed there till the time the locals think you have shifted her permanently, what do you do? There are hundreds of things to do in Phuket, things that are as exciting as the beach, as entertaining as the bikini-clad women in the sea. Here’s a list of the hottest activities in Phuket.
1. Enjoy the Nightlife in Patong
If there’s a Vegas of Asia, it’s in Thailand. Heaven knows how many bachelor parties its cities have hosted. Patong is Phuket’s most popular place when it comes to partying. Pubs, bars, ladyboy shows – what happens here will also stay here. The Simon Cabaret Show, with its world-famous ladyboys, is a must-watch and should be the at the top of the list of things to do in Phuket at night.
2. Be Overwhelmed by the Phuket Fantasia Show and Dinner
It is Phuket’s biggest show. It is grand, it is larger than life, it is truly a fantasy. Have you ever seen an elephant on stage? Here you will not only see them, but they will be dancing on the stage well-ornamented. Trapeze artists, rich costumes, special effects, a gripping mythology.
And the show doesn’t stop here. The Fantasea is one big fantasyland to explore. A theme park with games, a palace of elephants (!), and probably one of the biggest buffets of Asia.
3. Yaba-daba-doo in Flying Hanuman Adventure
The tropical rainforests of Phuket are worth a visit and one of the best ways to have fun in the forest is to do the Flying Hanuman. You hang around on sturdy ropes 40 m above the earth, darting through leafy branches, and acting like Tarzan, landing to a generous round of applause from fellow adventurers. And don’t worry the safety arrangements are well in place. Tarzan could fall, you cannot.
4. Snorkeling in Crystal Clear Waters
Snorkelling is one of the best things you can do here. The waters of the Andaman Sea are incredibly clear and calm, and Phuket’s beaches are the perfect spot to try out any water activity. Though you can snorkel here throughout the year, the best time is from November to April when the sea is at its best behaviour. Scuba diving, kayaking and surfing are also popular among tourists.
5. Diving
Phuket has some great diving sites, and competitive diving schools offering guided diving sessions. Your speedboat charters to local islands come equipped with diving facilities and you can take a dip of two on your way to the islands.
6. Take an Elephant Trekking Tour
Elephant trekking tours are a must for their novelty factor! You ride on an elephant amidst thick green forests, watch them bathe in streams, and take a good view of the world around from your high seat. That’s not all, on elephant trekking tours, the trained elephants even dance and play sports much to the amusement of guests. The Kok Chang Safari is said to be the best in Phuket. Besides, the locals consider elephants as a symbol of luck. So take the tour first thing on your holiday.
7. Tour through Old Phuket Town
The Old Town of Phuket with its Sino-Portuguese architecture, old Buddhist temples, cozy cafes and quaint shop-houses is the city’s historical centre. This is where you go to see the real Phuket, the one beyond the touristy beaches.
8. ATV Offroading
One of the most popular mild adventure activities among those who want to get that adrenaline rush but are too faint-hearted to hang from a rope of tree 40 m high. Rent an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) - a quad bike and explore the scenic countryside. Choose from a variety of trails – from uphill or downhill to ones that take you through a river. The duration ranges from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
9. Go Island Hopping
There are several clusters of islands all round Phuket. Phi Phi Islands is one of the most beautiful things around and there are speedboat tours to this pretty little heaven in the midst of blue waters. If you like things a little slow, then a cruise on Phang Nga Bay is for you.
10. Get a Thai Massage
When on a Thailand tour, get a Thai massage. No second doubts on this. Spa and massage is a well-evolved tradition here. It involves not only massages, but also other forms of healing techniques likes meditation, herbal baths, and acupressure.
Tip:
The monarchy here is really revered, so make sure you don’t say or do something that shows disrespect for the authority. Everybody is required to stand in attention when the King’s Anthem is played. It’s all right if you do not know the protocol and keep sitting, but pick up the cues and act accordingly.
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