Phuket thrives off its tourist industry and has plenty to offer its guests; from relaxing spas to live-aboard dive cruises. Tourist information on Phuket is available from the many tour desks and agents found in hotels and tourist areas across Phuket. They can offer you an array of options for day trips, tours, activities, sports and services.
Diving, sailing, golf and water sports are all popular activities and widely offered. There are several 18 hole courses in gorgeous settings, and Phuket is fast becoming a sailing centre for Asia. But it is diving which is most rewarding and there are numerous reefs, dive spots and courses to choose from. Speaking of courses, you can even learn to cook Thai food or do Thai massage while you are here.
Scuba Diving
Phuket is the center the scuba diving business. Popular locations for diving include Similan, Surin and Phi Phi islands. Instruction and equipment are available at the main beaches, with teachers of various nationalities. Beginner courses are inexpensive, so if you have never learned to scuba dive, Phuket is a great place to learn it. read more
Snorkeling
The bays in Phuket contain many interesting coral reefs. Equipment can be rented from dive shops around the island. Easily accessible reefs are at Patong, Kata and Kamala beaches.
Swimming
Swimming at some beaches during the monsoon season is not recommended. Look for posted signs and flags indicating conditions for safe swimming ; if the red flag is flying, do not go swimming in the ocean!
Sailing
Most classes of boats - from kayaks to yachts are available for rent. Sailing trips are available for half-day, day and overnight trips as well as sunset cruises. Sailing courses for beginners and intermediate are offered by several sailing schools.
Wind Surfing
Boards may be rented by the hour, half-day, full day, or week at most major beaches. Phuket Submarine Phuket Submarine Co. Ltd. operates the first and only submarine tours in Thailand. The dives are in the surrounding waters off of the Southeast coast of Phuket. A fun and exciting speedboat takes you to the submarine. After you board the submarine you will descend in air conditioned comfort to depths of thirty meters. A once in a lifetime opportunity to sail in a real yellow submarine. The submarine tours leave from Chalong Pier. The submarine has limited seating capacity so advanced reservations are recommended. The price is 2,500 Baht for adults & 1,800 Baht for children under 12 years old.
Deep Sea Fishing
Many travel agents operate deep sea fishing tours with well equipped fishing boats. Consult a tour agent for details.
Sea Canoeing
Touring the limestone caverns in Phang Nga Bay is an unforgettable experience. Inflatable canoes squeeze into the inner sea of the island. Day and Multi-Day tours are available. Tour packages include all transportation and lunch.
Golf
Phuket has top golf courses with service that makes it a worldwide center for golf lovers.
| Phuket Country Club in Kathu |
Tel. (076) 321038-40 |
| Banyan Tree Bang Thao |
Tel. (076) 324351-60 |
| Blue Canyon near the airport in Thalang |
Tel. (076) 327440-7 |
| Loch Palm Golf Club Phuket |
Tel. (076) 321929, 321933-4 |
Miniature Golf
Pirate's Cove 36 holes of miniature golf. 2 courses to choose from : The Jungle Course or Blackbeard's Challenge. Internationally rated; fast food restaurant and bar. Located in Patong on Song Roi Pi Rd., the next road back from the beach, next to Holiday Inn Resort. Tel. (076) 342951; open 10:00 a.m. - 11.00 p.m.
| Dino Park Mini Golf at Karon Beach.18 holes |
Tel. (076) 330625 |
Tours of Phuket Town
The architecture and history of Phuket Town are examined during a guided tour of the town's historic center. - Old Phuket Tour Tel. & Fax. (076) 311270.
Horseback Riding
Guided tour tours on horseback are another way to relax while sight-seeing.
| Crazy Horse in Nai Harn |
Tel. (076) 288795 |
| Phuket Riding Club at Chalong |
Tel. (076) 288213 |
| Phuket Laguna Riding Club at Bang Thao |
Tel. (076) 381667 |
Mountain Biking
It 's easier than it looks. Anyone can enjoy himself on a mountain bike, which has gearing sufficient to take the mightiest incline.
Herbal Saunas and Thai Massage
are available in a variety of price ranges and levels of expertise. Spa packages are available at Karon Villa, Banyan Tree and Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa
Thai Boxing
"Muay Thai" as it is called in Thai, strikes blows at and with every part of the body. The stadium is located at Saphan Hin in Phuket Town and bouts are held Friday nights.
Target Shooting
Take aim with guns from small caliber to big bore and shot guns Phuket Shooting Range at Chalong, Tel. (076) 381667-8; Fax. (076) 281054
Paintball
Paintball Play at war with guns that shoot paint instead of lead. Loads of fun.
Top Gun at Chalong, Tel. (076) 381667; Fax. (076) 381665
Bungee Jumping
Tarzan's Jungle Bungy Jump
Jump from the top of a 53 m crane toward a pond while connected to a long elastic bungee cord; very exhilarating. Note : This is not recommended for the aged, the infirm, or those with chronic heart problem. Located over the hill northeast of Patong at 61/3 Moo 6 on the road to Phuket Town. Tel. (076) 321351.
Tarzan's Catapult Bungy
It uses an elastic cord similar to the one mentioned above, but relies upon a catapult to shoot customer up in the air. Located on Soi Sunset at Patong Beach, near the Expat Hotel. Tel. 01-4641581.
Patong Go-kart Speedway
A well planned raceway and high-powered go-karts await go-karting enthusiasts. Located over the hill northeast of Patong at 118/5 Vichit Songkram Rd., near Kathu District office. Tel. (076) 321949; open 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Phuket Water Ski Cableways
An inland water skiing course on a man-made lake. Skiers are pulled round the oval track at speeds of up to 30 kph by overhead cables. Instruction is free for beginners. Located over the hill northeast of Patong at 86/3 Moo 6 Soi Nam Tok Kathu, near Kathu Waterfall. Tel. (076) 202 525-7; open daily 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Phuket Joyland
Is an amusement park with many different attractions, located in the same area of Phuket Water Ski Cableways. Open daily from 11:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. Tel. (076) 203005-6.
Bowling
Let the balls roll at Pearl Bowl in Phuket Town (next to the Pearl Hotel). Open daily from 10am - 2 am
The following tours are available at travel agencies
| City Tour (Phuket Sight Seeing Tour) |
Khai Nok Island Tour |
| Phang-nga Bay Tour |
Rang Yai Island Tour |
| Phi Phi Island Tour |
Maithon Island Tour |
| Similan Island Tour |
Nakha Island Tour |
| Raya Island Tour |
Sea Canoeing Tour |
| Coral Island Tour |
Eco & Adventure Tour |
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