Adventure sports
Adventure sports are top-notch in Phuket, and due to the island's status as one of Asia's top tourist destinations, the offerings and equipment are first rate as well. The adrenaline sports of Phuket are all about getting a new perspective on things. Nothing affords this better than perching on the back of an elephant and traipsing through the jungle or taking a plunge under the care of Thailand's only licensed bungee jump operator. There's also a shooting range on the island and it's possible to join guided ATV tours headed to remote beaches and into the hills on the island's interior. Less jostling go-kart rides can be taken in most of the major towns.
Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre
The Gibbon Fund is found on the Royal Reserve on the same land as the Bang Pae Waterfall. This project takes domesticated gibbons and makes every effort to reintroduce them into the wild. To date, three families have been successfully grafted back into their natural environment, and lucky visitors can catch sight of these primates among the trees.
Water sports
The beaches at Phuket are world-renown for their clear and calm Andaman waters. Visitors arriving on the island have the opportunity to enjoy water-related sports and activity which are central to a stay in Phuket. Diving and snorkelling present a wonderful vantage point on the underwater environment. To take in the vistas directly above sea level, there are mooring areas all over the island with the possibilities of sailing lessons, dinner cruises, fishing expeditions and kayaking. Those who wish to raise themselves high above the water can gain a new perspective on the island while parasailing.
Island hopping
The Thai islands of the Andaman Sea are known around the world for their beauty and glamour. A couple of them have been featured in James Bond films, with another having appeared in the Hollywood film, The Beach. Boats can be chartered to every one of the islands in the archipelago, and some of them offer modern amenities and accommodation, while others remain remote and relatively untouched. Some of the most staggering views can be found around these more primitive islands and can be comfortably enjoyed from the boat, some of which are sleeper-equipped. Islands like Phi Phi have plenty of accommodation to offer guests.
Waterfalls
The three major waterfalls of Phuket are all worthy of their own daytrip. Ton Sai is a picturesque waterfall surrounded by palm trees. Kathu Waterfall is located farther inland and many visitors choose to stop here and enjoy a picnic or a swim in its cool pools. Bang Pae Waterfall sits on the land of the Gibbon Fund and visitors to this stretch of land can enjoy the scenic waterfall along with the added possibility of catching sight of a gibbon in its natural surroundings.
Eating out
What better reason to travel to Thailand than to enjoy the endless supply of Thai food? The
abundance of fresh seafood only enhances this draw in Phuket, where the tourist scene rolls out a full menu of possibilities ranging from Thai favourites to international specialties. Quality dishes can be found at the food stalls and small restaurants as well as at the resorts and five-star hotels. The most authentic food is found away from the beaches.
Shopping
While Phuket's shopping scene is as exhaustive as the markets in Bangkok, there are still plenty of opportunities for bargain shoppers, antique hunters and more mainstream shoppers seeking souvenirs. Leather goods, ceramics, jewellery and clothing are in steady supply. It's even possible to get fitted by a tailor and have some clothes custom-made during your stay.
Thai kick boxing
Muay Thai is Thailand's contribution to the martial arts scene. This form of kick boxing has been developed and honed in Thailand for centuries, recognised today for its highly effective moves. Exhibitions take place in Phuket Town every Friday night. Meanwhile, those who wish to study Muay Thai will find training gyms located in Phuket as well as at Rawai and Chalong.
Temples
There are a few Buddhist temples, or wats, on the island. Most of them are easily accessed from the main roads, and local taxi drivers will readily know them all. Shoes should be removed and shoulders and knees covered before entering a Thai temple. Some of the well-reputed temples include Pra Nahng Sahng, Pra Tong, Put Jaw, Jui Tui and Sanjao Sam San. Wat Chalong is probably the most popular with tourists, with its many murals, unusual design and modern pagodas.
Promthep Cape
Promthep Cape has been widely photographed over the years, mostly for its spectacular scenery and beautiful sunsets. It's also worth a visit to take a look at the peculiar shrine which locals adorn with miniature elephants as a means of making merit. There's also a statue that was built in honour of the Thai prince who modernised the country's navigational methods and founded a maritime school in the 19th century.
One of the nicest parts of Thailand to visit is Phuket Island. There are so many things to do on Phuket Island that it will take you a couple of weeks to experience everything. This is probably the main reason why so many people who holiday on this island choose visit Phuket every year.
Your activities will depend on what you like to do on your holiday. For those who like a relaxing, laid back holiday, you can visit one of the many pristine beaches on the island and spend the day soaking up the sun. The most popular beach on Phuket Island is Patong Beach, but some of the beaches further north are totally isolated. The southern beaches, such as Karon and Kata are also very popular with the tourists.
Along the beaches are souvenir shops and food vendors. You never have to worry about going hungry when visiting any part of Thailand as Thai people love to eat and cook the most delectable foods. Thai food is a fusion between Chinese and Indian and while some of it is spicy, you can ask for non-spicy foods.
Other things to do on Phuket Island include getting a full service spa. There is nothing like a relaxing Thai Spa to really sooth and relax you and most of the larger hotels offer a wide variety of full service spa treatments.
Visit Phuket Town for sightseeing. Here you can see the many Wats and Shrines that are scattered all over this Southeastern part of the Island. Shopping and dining is also a big part of the attraction of Phuket Town. Some of the buildings in this area are from when the area was colonized.
No matter what type of food will tempt your palate, you can find it on Phuket Island. One of the most popular things to do on Phuket Island is to eat. There are cuisines of every culture on the island and iit seems as if every few feet you run into a restaurant of some sort. In addition to the restaurants, there are also countless street vendors selling delectable sweets and other foods from their carts.
There is a lot of nightlife and entertainment available on Phuket Island, especially in the Patong Beach area. Nightclubs, go-go clubs and bars are located throughout the city. No matter what your tastes, you can find it at Patong Beach.
If you enjoy getting bargains, Phuket Island is a great place to shop. One of the most delightful things to do on Phuket Island is to shop at the night markets that sell just about everything from mobile phones to designer clothing. You can also find some value priced 24 karat gold jewelry in some of the shops, particularly those around Patong.
Whether you are interested in relaxation or an exciting nightlife, there are plenty of things to do on Phuket Island, Thailand. You never have to worry about being stressed, bored or hungry when you visit the tropical paradise of Phuket Island, Thailand.