Five Things to do in Phuket
Phuket Province is a vast island paradise in Southern Thailand that attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. Sitting on the Andaman Sea, it is Thailand’s biggest island. Nicknamed the Pearl of the Andaman’ Phuket has pristine beaches, classical architecture, hot weather, ethnic diversity and a high affinity for luxury which makes it one of the busiest tourist destination in the country. there are a lot of things to do in Phuket to enjoy your holiday.
Snorkeling, windsurfing, wake boarding, swimming, jet-skiing, high-end dining, deep sea fishing, swanky spa sessions, parasailing, yacht lifestyle, luxury shopping and deep sea diving are the most popular things to do in Phuket. The spectacular white beaches are the icing on the cake. Among the beaches that make the culturally rich and artsy rich capital vibrant include Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach. Karon is a well-developed city with sandy beaches. Kata is famous for its magnificent beaches with good surf. Patong, on the other hand, is known for its vibrant nightlife. Other cities in Phuket are Kamala, Chalong Bay, Nai Thon and Nai Yang, Surin, Rawai and Phuket Town.
Due to the many attractions, choosing places to visit and activities to undertake may be overwhelming. Worry no more; this article will break down for you the five things to do in Phuket. Use it as your itinerary on your next trip.
1. Swimming, surfing and sun bathing
Phuket Island has many beaches that are wide with clear waters and white sand. The best period to sunbathe and swim is between November and April. What’s more is that all these activities are offered in most hotels. If, however you stay in town, you can utilize public means of transport to access the beaches. Choose between buses, motor bikes, tuk-tuks and rental cars. Care should be taken to avoid swimming during monsoon season as it is dangerous. The big waves are only suitable for surfing. Karon beach is the best choice if you want to swim and take a sun bathing because it has offered tourists numerous accommodations and restaurants around the beach. Comparing to Patong beach, Karon has fewer tourists and more friendly touch. If you are an avid surfer, Karon is your surfing paradise.
2. Sailing and yachting
Phuket is the sailing and yachting haven of Thailand and neighboring countries. Many events are carried out notably King’s Cup Regatta and Phuket International Boat Show. The area has two popular yacht clubs, four marinas located at the eastern part of the island, and some well-sheltered anchorages. The marinas are your perfect starting point for exploring the natural wonders of the island. There is an increase in the number of companies with boats and real sailing yachts offering day trips. Sailing yachts come in different sizes and yacht charter price range. Choose the one that best suits your needs and budget to explore the surrounding islands. Be careful to avoid overpriced
and dishonest charter companies that will just take your money. Instead, go for well-established and trustworthy companies with excellent safety track record.
3. Diving
Phuket boasts decent diving sites and is the diving center of Thailand. Chalong Bay is credited to have most dive sites. A good number of the dive sites are located near each other on adjacent islands. There are plenty of dive shops and boats that charge reduced rates. You will also come across both colorful soft corals and solid hard corals in the many reefs around the area. Marine life lovers will be mesmerized by the abundance of marine animals. Many dive locations are safe for all levels of divers, but some are very deep and are suitable only for professional deep sea divers. Racha Yai, home to Ter Bay with dive depths of 25-35 meters, is the most popular dive site in Phuket area. It is characterized with sloping rocky reefs and breath-taking coral forests. Racha Noi is popular with pro divers as the depths there are deeper and the currents more severe. Diving is best from months of October-May as the waters are warm and clear and the sea is calmer. Make your diving a unique experience by engaging in walk-in night dives at the great Kata Yai North Reef.
4. Snorkeling
Sheltered bays found all over Phuket offer snorkeling. Enjoy this activity in easily accessible reefs spread across Kata, Karon and Patong beaches. You can rent masks, fins, and snorkels at inexpensive charges on a daily basis from several shops on the island. Trips can be a full day or half day. Before you and your crew sign up for any tour, it is advisable to weigh your options on the tours available. There are a good number of tours available at pocket-friendly rates. You do not have to break your bank for the same. Speedboats carry up to 65 people. This means that there will be enough space for you and your friends. For snorkeling addicts, you might want to visit Similan Islands located in the north of Phuket. They are relatively far but offer the clearest water in the region, best for snorkeling. There are also plenty of fish to view. Whichever means of transport you choose to get there you can visit 3-4 islands depending on the traffic and schedule.
5. Spa, shop and Eat
Phuket Island has some of the most lavish spas in the world. Over time, the island has grown to be one of the most popular spa destination in Asia. Once you get used to the lifestyle of the home to the secret oasis of coziness and pleasure’ it will be difficult to leave all the fun behind and go back. The local spa and wellness industry is well advanced. Remember to have a massage when you are in the area. Oasis Spa is a chain company with spas in Kamala, Kata, and Laguna. Shop till you drop in Phuket. Buy from specialist shops dealing with cultured pearls, dried seafood, and ornaments as souvenirs. Such shops can be found on the beach centers of the islands. Choose your preferred fabrics and let the tailors make you a fitting outfit. Shopping Malls include Jungceylon and Central Festival. Indulge in the tasty cosmopolitan delicacies, sea food, and traditional Thai dishes. Local dishes include Khanom jeen (rice noodle) and Nam Phrik Kung Siap (Spicy shrimp sauce). Relax at night at the non-stop nightlife Patong wine bars, clubs, and discos.
If you want to have a good time, you should choose Phuket as your next travel destination. You would not be disappointed. In fact, there are more than dozen things to do in Phuket to enjoy your holiday. You can access Phuket by different travel options including domestic flights or charter flights, boat, train or bus. It is worth noting that public transport is limited. Taxis and car hire facilities are however available.
Here are small tips to secure cheap air ticket to Phuket. Avoid paying hefty money on travel agencies to book the ticket for you. Instead, log on to Airasia, Nok air, Lion air, Thaismile, or Bangkok airway website and make your own reservation online. Please keep in mind that the cheapest route is Bangkok – Phuket.
Grab your bag, book your ticket, and enjoy your holiday in Phuket. I’m sure that you can find more than 5 things to do in Phuket.
