Things to Do in and Around Phuket Thailand

Whether it be Peak Season or Low Season, you will find plenty of things to do in and around Phuket. There are many tours and activities to keep you occupied, from island hoping to elephant trekking and Muay Thai Boxing to live shows.

Island Tours

Phi Phi Island: The favourite island tour destination with the tourists. This place is only 90 minutes by cruiser or ferry and faster with a speed boat. Tours and ferries are available everyday and you can be picked up from your hotel or resort. Phi Phi Island.

Coral Island: Or Koe Hae, is an island off the southern coast of Phuket. Known for the crystal clear waters and coral reefs that surround the island. There are many things to here such as, parasailing, water skiing, snorkelling and diving. Its only a short ferry or speed boat trip here, 15 to 30 minutes from Chalong pier.

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Similan Islands: Known around the world for the pristine crystal clear waters that surround the islands and the pure white sandy beaches and weird rocky boulders that lay here.
The Similan Islands are rated as one of the top diving spots in the world and you are only supposed to access these islands in the Peak Season due to the weather not being suitable and laws that don't allow you to visit in this time. You can get there form Phuket but the trip can take up to 3 hours or you could go there on a boat called a Live Aboard, which are diving or snorkeling trips. You can also get to the Similans from Thap Lamu Pier in Phang Nga.

Koh Khai Nok: A very small island off the eastern side of Phuket with perfect conditions for snorkeling. You can get a long tail boat here or go on a day trip and it usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes to get there.

Maphrao: (Coconut Island): There is a floating fishing village in the waters just off Maphrao - Island. This village has some floating restaurants which serve up seafood which is caught fresh daily by the fisherman and kept in nets next to the restaurants. You can get a long tail boat here from Laem Hin Pier, and the boat ride is paid for by the restaurant and is included in the price of the meal. To get to Laem Hin Peir, takes about half an hour from Patong depending on the traffic.


Other Tours

White Water Rafting: Catch the rapids in this tour when the waters flow from June onwards till the start of High Season. Located in Phang Nga Province which is just north of Phuket. The tour also includes an elephant ride in the jungle.

Phang Nga Bay Cruise: Take a tour of Phang Nga - the old way on a boat known as a Chinese Junk. In this tour you will stop by at a Sea Gypsy Village and see how these amazing people live on the water, then it's on to the main attraction, James Bond Island.

Phuket Fantasea: This live show extravaganza, showcases Thailand's rich culture featuring acrobats and some trained elephants which will provide the whole family with entertainment. The complex features massive theatres and a 4000 seat grand buffet. Transport can be provided to and from your hotel or resort with the cost of the ticket for the show. Phuket Fantasea.

Big Buddha: Located in Chalong, this massive Buddha stands on top of Nakkerd Hill overlooking the southern part of Phuket. The view from up here is amazing and you can look out over Chalong and Phuket Town. You can get to the Big Buddha by taxi, a Tuk Tuk, a hired car or a motor bike. If you are feeling hungry, there is a restaurant on the way down the hill which has magnificent views over Karon Beach.

Muay Thai Boxing: See the brutal sport of Muay Thai, known the world over for the deadly knees and elbows that make this sport unique. Muay Thai is Thailand's national sport and has cemented its place in the world of martial arts as no 1. There are 2 different types of Muay Thai found in Patong, the real and the fake, if you don't like real violence but still like to see a show, then the staged stuff would be perfect for you, and you can see this at Bangla Boxing Stadium on Nanai Rd. If you like the real deal, then head to Patong Boxing Stadium on Sai Namyen Road, here you will see the real fights.

Splash Jungle Water Park: This is Phuket's first and only water park and is part of the West Sands Residences and Resort. Located just north of the airport in northern Phuket this water park is right on the lovely Mai Khoo Beach. There are rides, slides, pools and other things here to keep the whole family entertained and there are various food places to choose from. It takes around 45 minutes to get here from Patong. 

Elephant Trekking: Trek on an elephant in the magnificent hills of Chalong overlooking the island, an experience you wont forget as you ride the elephant through lush forest with scenic views. The tour includes transport to and from your hotel to the camp near Chalong, where you head down to Siam Safari Elephant Camp, from there its on to the forest and the hills for the trek.

Buddhist Temples: Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand and there are many temples around Phuket to see. Known as Wat to Thai people, the temples are a place where they come to worship the Buddhist way. The biggest temple, known as Wat Chalong is the place to see with its stunning architecture and golden shrines.

Go Karts: Located not that far from Patong, heading towards Phuket Town, is Patong Go Kart. The track here at the speedway is 750 metres long, and you can have evening or night races due to the flood lights that line the track. For those who like a bit of off road action, you can also drive buggy's here on a 600 metre dirt track. The speedway is open every day and night, all year round from 10.00am Till  7.00pm.

Khao Rang Hill: See the amazing views over Phuket Town from this hill. There are lookouts and restaurants with fantastic views up here. You can have a go at feeding some of the monkeys up here but be careful as they can attack.