Best Things to Do in Phuket
Powdery white sand, wooden long-tail boats bobbing on gentle waves, soaring limestone cliffs that take the breath away – Phuket is a real gem for a beach holiday. It’s no wonder that it is one of the most visited tropical destinations. You’ve got the energy of Patong Beach with its nightlife and amenities, the soft golden sands of Karon Beach, and the pristine waters of Banana Beach. But if you want a change of scenery from beach bumming, there are many ways to go beyond the beaches in Phuket. Here are some of the best non-beachy things to do:
Majestic, beautiful, and intelligent, elephants are the sweetest. Spend with these gentle giants at Phuket’s Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in the best way possible – a relaxing mud bath. You’ll not only get to see the elephants enjoying themselves in their natural element. You’ll get to experience a unique experience that has the potential to be life-changing. Indulge in the therapeutic mud bath before washing yourself and your newfound friends in a freshwater pool before tucking into a delicious authentic Thai buffet.
Culture and heritage are not the first things that come to mind when one thinks of Phuket. But there is a rich history there, especially on Thalang Road, the island’s oldest street. Home to countless shrines and restaurants, with walls graffitied to the tee, this quaint boulevard is the beating heart of Old Phuket Town. Join a walking tour here to step back through time. And check out the numerous Sino-Portuguese houses that line the streets, including Chin Pracha House, a property that’s like a window to the past.
Are you tired of getting sand in your food? Then swap your swimwear for your best outfit. Have a posh dining experience at PRU (Plant Raise Understand), the only Michelin Green Star restaurant in Thailand. Situated at the posh Trisara resort, this high-end restaurant is where you can savour a delectable gourmet organic menu comprising local ingredients elevated to the next level. Your food will revolve around dishes with ingredients sourced from ecosystems all over the country, with every herb, flower, and root grown on PRU’s 96-hectare farm.
They say diamonds are forever. But don’t discount the shiny, smooth, calcium carbonite beauty of pearls. To learn all about these classy sea gems, make a beeline for Phuket Pearl, the island’s oldest pearl farm at Sapam Bay. Here, you can learn all about the extraction and cultivation of pearls, from the importance of water temperature to the type of nutrients the oysters need. Best of all, pick up the perfect gift either for yourself or your loved ones at the showroom right after the tour.
Are you the sort that cannot get enough of playing Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch? Why not race in real life with your best buds at Patong Go-Kart Speedway, a superb way to take a break from chilling out at the beach? For one full hour, unleash your inner Lewis Hamilton and put the pedal to the metal as you satisfy your need for speed. Zip around the track, negotiating bends and curves, and go full-on adrenaline for your next holiday to Phuket.
As far as Phuket bucket lists are concerned, none is complete without a trip to Wat Phra Phuttha Mingmongkol Eaknakakeeree, a hilltop temple home to the Big Buddha, the largest Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, impressive in both size and craftmanship. Take a trip to this sacred site and take the chance to practise meditation in a quiet corner to calm the mind and soothe the soul while temple bells ring gently above. Your tour will also take you to Wat Luang Pu Supha, an ornate temple that is one of Phuket’s most spiritually revered sites.
Tranquil waters and immaculate sand are must-haves for a beach holiday. But sometimes, it feels nice to get down and dirty. Take a break from the beach and try going off-road on ATV. Never mind if you’ve never driven a car before or even an ATV. Riding the vehicle is easy and simple enough for beginners to join. All you got to do is enjoy the ride, with muddy splashes, winding roads, and a bumpy terrain that will leave you feeling sore but in a good way.
Forget about missing practise for your swing the next time you holiday in Phuket. Take a break from the beaches and set foot on an idyllic 18-hole, par 71 course nestled in the middle of low woody hills and marshlands. And there is pretty much everything you want at a world-class golf course here, such as a driving range, putting green, chipping green, and practise bunkers. After your game, head on down to the luxury spa, where you can unwind and soothe your tense muscles with a relaxing massage.
