If you’re visiting Phuket on your holiday, you’ll have a wealth of excitement ahead of you. Whether you want to immerse yourself in a true cultural experience, exploring local towns and embracing the island’s traditions, or whether you just want to enjoy a peaceful break to get away from it all, the magical island of Phuket has it all. From thrilling nightlife to unique animal encounters, you’ll have no shortage of activities to fill your long, sunny days when you head to this Thai hotspot.
Here are 20 of the must-do activities to try on your Phuket villa holiday.
1. True Thai Massage
Perhaps the top activity to try on your Phuket vacation will also help you to relax and unwind to the max, ready to really get the most out of your stay. An authentic Thai massage is a must-try experience, refreshing you and leaving you revitalized and ready to enjoy your break. Carried out using slow movements over the whole body, traditional Thai massage techniques offer deep tissue relaxation through the kneading and pressing of Sen energy lines, and with passive stretching, and soothing shoulder, neck and head manipulation, you’ll find your blood flow is increased, your oxygen circulation gets a boost and you feel like a brand-new person.
2. Try Authentic Thai Seafood with a View
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Food – quite possibly the ultimate pleasure. Named "City of Gastronomy" by UNESCO, Phuket is the first city in Asia to receive this honour. Sample a simple gourmet experience as you sit in a café enjoying panoramic views over the Andaman Sea and taste local oysters fresh from the sea, baked mussels and seafood served with fried rice for an authentic meal that is hard to beat. Or why not try a steaming bowl of Tom Yam soup, a true Thai speciality made with freshly caught shrimp and with its hot and sour taste – a low calorie yet flavoursome way to capture the essence of Thailand.
3. Go Snorkelling Near Yanui or Ao Sane beaches
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The huge boulders of Ao Sane and Yanui beaches mean that the area is teeming with diverse sea life, and there is no better spot to snorkel to discover a fascinating underwater kingdom. Here, in the clear blue waters, you’ll see tropical fish and stunning corals all within your reach. As an added advantage, these beaches are smaller and less popular with tourists, so you can enjoy seclusion and privacy in a truly relaxing environment. And besides, on Yanui you can rent a kayak and go exploring the neighbouring wild island.
4. Experience a Unique Form of Transport
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While you’re visiting Phuket, why not try travelling like a local? Hire a motorbike and explore the coast, taking in the view and enjoying the cool sea breezes. Alternatively, why not take Phuket’s own unusual form of Tuk-Tuk to discover the island. Unlike the traditional 3-wheel vehicles that are found in Bangkok, Phuket’s version come in the form of mini trucks with colourful paint, disco lights and powerful sound systems for a unique way to travel. But if you accustomed to a comfortable car or even to your own driver, we are pleased to offer you our fleet of luxury cars for rent in Phuket, with and without chauffeurs.
5. Sample Phuket’s Diverse Nightlife
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If you’re ready to experience something truly exotic, you absolutely must experience the bright lights and hedonistic attitudes of Bangla Road. Head to Patong Beach after dark and drop into a ladyboy show for an amazing and authentically Thai experience. The Simon Cabaret offers a truly unique form of spectacular nightlife that absolutely must be experienced at least once. You’ll sit on plush chairs and be amazed at the beauty and talent of the performers as they sing in several languages, dance and entertain the audience. This family friendly show will amaze and enthral in equal measure.
6. Fly Over Phuket and Fantastic Phang Nga Bay
An experience not to be missed is a helicopter flight over the island of Phuket. You will marvel at the unique Phang Nga bay from the air, with its famous James Bond Island, make unique pictures of the Big Buddha and admire the stunning scenery that this part of Thailand can offer with its emerald waters and towering cliffs. A helicopter flight is always an exhilarating experience, however when you have the opportunity to see such beautiful sights at the same time, it is sure to take your breath away.
7. Ride an Elephant
The whole point of going on holiday is to try new experiences and experiment with activities that you would never have been able to try at home. Riding an elephant is one such experience. Elephant trekking is one activity in Phuket that absolutely shouldn’t be missed, whether you’re an animal lover or whether you’re just thrilled at the idea of something so out of the ordinary, and there are several spots on the island where you can try out this unusual mode of transport. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the island from this unique vantage point and even take the opportunity to feed a baby elephant.
8. Rent a Catamaran or Yacht and go to Private Cruise
What better way to spend the day than on the glittering sea, exploring the stunning Phuket coastline? Rent a yacht or catamaran and go island hopping, see beautiful beaches from the water and relax with the sea breeze in your hair and the sun on your face. Whether you go swimming off the side of the boat, or whether you just lie back on the deck and unwind, it’s an unparalleled experience to enjoy. For your convenience, we have prepared exclusive collection of the best sailing and motor yachts, catamarans and speedboats available for charter in Phuket.
9. See a Real Muay Thai Fight
Thai boxing is famous around the world, especially in our time when kickboxing and MMA became so popular. In Phuket even located fabulous Muay Thai street – there are based more than 20 most recognized and honourable training camps for professional fighters and athletes of international level. So while you’re staying in Phuket you should definitely take the time to go to a Muay Thai fight. Bouts are held three nights per week, offering two and a half hours of thrilling entertainment in an electric atmosphere at the Bangla Boxing Stadium at Patong.
10. Watch The Sun Come Up
Watching the sunrise is beautiful anywhere on Phuket, however if you head to the Samet Nangshe viewpoint of the Big Buddha before the sun comes up and then watch as it rises upwards, spreading its glorious golden light over the land and sea, it’s an experience that cannot be recreated elsewhere. The Samet Nangshe viewpoint offers a 180-degree panorama over Phang Nga bay while the enormous Big Buddha dominates the skyline and forms a stunning backdrop to the wonder of nature.
Bonus Idea – Spend Amazing Evening of Live Music
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If you want to spice up your nightlife, head to one of Phuket Town’s famous jazz clubs that offer an authentic and bright experience that promises a truly unforgettable evening. Phuket Town’s live music scene comes brimming with colourful pubs, swinging jazz joints and exotic basement clubs in their dozens. Leave your typical clubbing blueprint at home this weekend and let a live band soundtrack your night out; there are plenty of music pubs and fashionable venues in Phuket Town well worth checking out. The talented singers and musicians here are sure to be one of the highlights of your holiday.
11. Play a Round of Golf
Keen golfers will be spoiled for choice when they visit Phuket. There is not one but three world class golf courses in Phuket, so you are sure to enjoy at least one day on the green during your holiday. All three are highly prestigious but each has something different to offer to ensure that golf enthusiasts have a unique experience each time they play. The Loch Palm golf club boasts a glistening lake at its heart, smooth slopes and dramatic ravines that challenge even the most skilled golfer, while Laguna Golf is a stunning 18-hole course that boasts lagoons, coconut groves and idyllic scenery in a wonderful natural setting. Alternatively, head to Blue Canyon, one of Asia’s most prestigious golf clubs with two championship courses with magnificent views and challenging holes.
12. Enjoy a Lazy Day at a Beach Club
You can’t come to Phuket without spending at least one lazy day spent on a beautiful sandy beach. Head to one of the island’s top beach clubs such as Dream Beach with its pristine sands, multi-level club, swim up bar, two pools and an Ibiza inspired party atmosphere or Catch, an exclusive and glamorous club on Bang Tao Beach. The iconic Café del Mar offers international DJs and diverse experiences while Xana offers a stylish venue for parties with its huge swim up bar and picture-perfect backdrop. Alternatively, if you’re staying in the Natai area, head to Baba, which faces 200m of beachfront where activities are available all day.
13. Act like Tarzan
Take a day trip to Hanuman World where you can enjoy an eco-friendly experience in the heart of the jungle. Perfect for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies alike you can zipline between the trees at a height of 40m above ground. Just hold on 800 meter "Roller Zipline" – long ride gravity and nature will do the rest. There are 28 platforms along with 2 skybridges, 3 stairways, a sky rail and a twenty-minute wilderness walk. You’ll also be greeted with a seasonal fruit snack and even a meal depending on which package you choose.
14. Entertain the Kids with Fun Attractions
Keep the kids happy by taking them to Mai Khao Beach’s Splash Jungle Water Park. Offering plenty of watery thrills, this fun day out offers 12 water slides, attractions and rides, all guarded by lifeguards for a totally safe experience. Alternatively, head to the Phuket Aquarium where children can get close up to tropical marine creatures in 30 freshwater tanks or head to Dolphin Bay, Phuket’s only dolphinarium where you can dive or swim with dolphins, or, for those who would rather stay on dry land, watch an exciting dolphin show.
15. Take a Kayak to the Flooded Caves close to James Bond Island
If you’re ready to enjoy some physical activity while getting a unique viewpoint of some of the best local scenery, take out a sea kayak to discover the world hidden in the limestone caves close to the famous James Bond Island. The picturesque Phang Nga National Park is one of Phuket's greatest sea kayaking destinations. If you’d rather just sit back and relax, taking in the views, take a guided tour, with your guide paddling you along so you can take plenty of photographs to remember this unforgettable experience.
16. Party with Friends at the Paradise Beach Club
If you’re longing for some thrilling nightlife, what better way to enjoy an evening with friends than by attending a Full Moon Party at Phuket’s biggest beach club and one of hottest beach spots in Patong area. Paradise Beach Club is a lively nightspot where you can see international DJs featuring awesome sounds, drink unique buckets – cocktails created especially for this occasion, participate in foam parties, bikini contests and dance the night away in this marvellous entertainment venue you’ll never forget.
17. Try Sailfish Fishing
The Andaman Sea’s beautiful clear blue waters are perfect for fishing, and since Phuket is a top queenfish venue and is on the marlin migratory path, you can expect an impressive experience. You can fish in the open water or in the lee of Racha Noi and Racha Yai islands from one of the many professional sail fishing boats that can either be hired by the day or for a longer charter as a liveaboard for a unique high season experience. Depending on your desire our Concierge Service always will be happy to assist our guests to arrange true Thai sailfish fishing.
18. Practice Morning Yoga at Kata, Surin or Nai Harn Beaches
What could be a better start to the day than some early morning yoga before the sun gets too hot? Practice some vinyasas as you stretch and prepare for the day of excitement or relaxation to come on a beautiful and secluded beach before the tourists take to the sands. Alternatively, why not try a yoga retreat where you can truly immerse yourself in yoga practice, live a holistic lifestyle and complete relax and rejuvenate so that your mind and body are restored to their correct balance. After all, local fantastic vistas pacified by Buddhism are so suitable for this.
19. Dive off the Similan, Mai Thon or Racha Noi Islands
If you are a keen diver, there is no better place in Asia to explore an underground kingdom of natural splendour. The Similan Islands, Mai Thon and Racha Noi are all known for their spectacular coral reefs that are a paradise for scuba divers and are a perfect spot to get up close to a wealth of stunning sea life, with colourful fish, rays and turtles among the many creatures to be spotted here. Waters here are warm, currents here are mild and the fish, critter & coral life are truly world class. Add to that developed infrastructure, the great food, picturesque scenery and of course, amazing all year round scuba diving that Phuket has to offer at some of the planet's most outstanding tropical reefs and start to see why scuba diving in Phuket is so attractive.
20. Take a Sunset Horseback Ride along Bang Tao Beach
One truly memorable and romantic experience, a little luxury that you mustn’t miss off your list when you visit Phuket is a horseback ride at sunset along the beautiful Bang Tao Beach. Breathtakingly beautiful and exciting, but at the same time calm and friendly – horses, these old friends of human since ancient times are able to impress any tourist. The beach will be quiet and peaceful, and all you’ll hear is the sound of the sea lapping on the shore and the gorgeous setting sun as a spectacular backdrop. Its something you’ll never forget, especially if you share this moment with someone you love.
These are just some of the wonderful ideas for activities to enjoy during your thrilling Phuket villa holiday. While your luxurious accommodation offers every facility and amenity to enjoy your stay to the max, you’re sure to want to get out and explore the stunning island, with its cultural heritage, beautiful scenery and fascinating family-friendly attractions. While some of these ideas are ideal for you and your family to try independently, others could benefit from getting some advice and assistance from a knowledgeable local who lives and works in Phuket and who can guide you as to the best way to enjoy your stay and the best way to see and do everything you want to experience.
Our Concierge Service is here to help you to organise a unique programme of excursions and activities so that you can get as much fun, excitement or relaxation from your holiday in Phuket as possible. With their help, your vacation will be everything you ever dreamed of, and will ensure that you long to return to Phuket time and again in the future.
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