Phuket’s tropical heat makes it tempting to laze days away on the beach, but those seeking adventure will find plenty of action-packed activities on and around the island.
The warm, clear waters of the Andaman Sea, the island’s lush interior and a growing number of adventure and sports operators all offer plenty of adrenalin-fuelled fun while connecting with nature.
Surfing and standup paddleboarding
From October through May, when the south-west monsoon brings bigger waves, Phuket is a surfer’s dream – especially off Kata Beach. During the rest of the year, calmer conditions mean smooth, glassy water in the bays, perfect for standup paddleboarding (SUP).
Sailing
Phuket is a great place to learn to sail or hone your sailing skills with lessons and yacht charters available at all the island’s marinas. The Phuket Yacht Club in Chalong hosts regular races and lessons, and its fleet of small dinghies are perfect for kids learning the ropes.
Hop on a yacht
Scuba diving
A prime launching point for exploring the Andaman’s fascinating sea life, Phuket welcomes divers of all abilities. Several PADI-certified shops around the island offer instruction and day trips to nearby sites including the sapphire waters of the Similan Islands.
Kiteboarding
Kiteboarders should head to Rawai or Nai Yang beaches where colourful kites pull riders at breathtaking speed across the bay. Rentals and lessons are available for learners.
Wakeboarding
Board riding is not just surfer territory in Phuket. The island has two inland cable wakeboard parks that see everyone from beginners to world champions flying and flipping their way around the course. Try Phuket Wake Park near Patong.
Wakeboarding at sunset
Cycling
Phuket is not big on bike lanes, so two-wheeled explorers may want to try a guided cycling trip rather than navigating their own route. Amazing Bike Tours offers day tours to off-the-beaten-track locations that provide healthy doses of fresh air and beautiful sights. An especially scenic trip takes cyclists to the nearby island of Koh Yao Noi, along peaceful rural roads with magnificent views across Phang Nga Bay.
Bungee jumping
Diving headfirst from a 50-metre-high platform is a sure-fire way to get the heart racing!
Get your adrenaline rushing by bungee jumping
Ziplining
Soar like an eagle through the treetops on zip lines that give you a bird’s eye view of Phuket’s jungle landscape. Hanuman World has a 30-station zip line course and a 40-metre-high sky bridge to traverse in its lush hidden-away location, about five kilometres south of Phuket Town.
Muay Thai kickboxing
This Thai martial art form builds endurance, strength and grace through vigorous training exercises, and several Muay Thai camps around Phuket offer courses for all skill levels led by champion fighters. Expect to come away from your Muay Thai workouts feeling fierce and super-fit … and perhaps ready to enjoy a well-deserved lazy swim and a sundowner (or two) back at your luxury villa.
Try your hand at Muay Thai
After a full day of adventure, wind down and relax in one of our Phuket villas.
