Many holidaymakers flock to Phuket to experience its wonderful selection of world-class beaches and resorts. It’s a perfect tropical paradise made for beach-lovers and sunseekers.
For some of us who aren’t exactly beach people, spending a vacation in Phuket may not seem so exciting. But beyond beautiful stretches of sand and sea, there’s actually a lot of things to see and do on the island. We’ve listed some of the other activities that one can enjoy in Phuket so that everyone can have a great time in this tropical paradise, beach lover or not.
1. Delight in flavorful local cuisine
Thai cuisine is perhaps one of the most loved culinary landscapes in the world. Enjoy a gastronomic holiday by trying some of the best Thai specialties while you’re on the island. There’s also a great range of dining experiences you can enjoy here, from street food delights, scenic beachside dining areas, to fine dining restaurants.
Feast on a sumptuous fusion of new and traditional Thai cuisine at Blue Elephant, a restaurant that is housed in one of the most beautiful palaces on the island. Another must-try restaurant is Suay, where you can get a scrumptious taste of modern Thai cuisine.
2. Sign up for cooking classes
Explore Thailand’s culinary wonders further by signing up for one of the cooking classes being offered on the island. Learn how to prepare your favorite Thai specialties so that you can continue your flavorful journey back home.
Positive Kitchen offers cooking classes conducted by the award-winning Iron Chef himself, Chef Tammasak. The luxurious Paresa Resort also has a cooking school where you will be taught their talented culinary team. Most cooking classes include a trip to the market where you’ll learn how to shop for the freshest and most aromatic ingredients and spices available on the island.
3. Witness dramatic sunsets
Phuket is known for its spectacular sunset, but there are spots on the island where it can be best viewed. You can hike up one of its viewpoints to witness the golden hour while taking in all of Phuket’s wonderful scenery. Some of Phuket’s best sunset viewing spots are Kata Viewpoint, Big Buddha, and Promthep Cape.
If you’re not up for the hike, you can also opt to lounge in one of the sunset bars on the island. Relax in style and sip on refreshing cocktails while enjoying the breathtaking sunset view. Catch Beach Club, Café del Mar, and COMO Beach Club are great places for sundowners.
4. Get pampered in world-class spas
Since you’re already in Thailand, why not get pampered with the world-famous traditional Thai massage. Phuket vacationers have a lot to choose from when it comes to spa places on the island. From five-star luxury resorts to spa retreats hidden in lush jungles, there’s a lot of places where one can get pampered.
Experience luxurious spa indulgence at COMO Shambhala Retreat which offers holistic treatments in stylish rooms overlooking the Andaman Sea. Banyan Tree is also a great choice for relaxing massages using ancient health practices.
5. Join yoga or wellness retreats
Since you’re probably not looking forward to spending your break soaking in the sea, you can make it a yoga and wellness holiday instead. Take advantage of your Phuket getaway and make it a time for meditation, healing, and the start of your journey towards a mind and body balance.
Phuket Private Yoga offers 5-night retreats that include yoga and meditation, wellness workshops, access to resort facilities, and more. There’s also Wellness Stays by Amatara which are retreats customized to suit beginners and experienced yoga practitioners alike.
6. Visit cultural attractions
Discover more about Phuket by visiting its cultural attractions. The island has a lot of stories to tell and exploring Phuket’s rich culture and history will make your vacation a lot more meaningful.
Learn more about Phuket’s past by visiting its must-see museums such as the Thai Hua Museum and Mining Museum. The historic Phuket Town will also take one back to the island’s days of old with its Sino-Portuguese structures. Explore Phuket’s rich culture and important symbols by visiting temples like Wat Chalong and Wat Khao Rang.
7. Catch amazing shows
There’s a lot of highly entertaining and spectacular shows that you can catch while you’re in Phuket. The show at Phuket FantaSea features trapeze artists, elephants, and hundreds of amazing stage actors. Siam Niramit is an award-winning show that presents Thailand’s heritage through breathtaking performances.
For more amusement, you can catch the Phuket Simon Cabaret which features amazing acts from the island’s best impersonators and cabaret performers. Fans of Muay Thai can also watch an exciting live match at the Bangla Boxing Stadium.
8. Party in the exciting nightlife scene
Aside from its world-class beaches, Phuket’s nightlife scene is another reason why many travelers love visiting the island. Experience the pulsating beat of Phuket as it comes alive with exciting parties and events after sunset.
The top spots for partying in Phuket include Illuzion, Café del Mar, and Catch Beach Club. These places feature rousing lights, exciting house music, and DJ sets, and the most energetic crowds that promise partygoers a Phuket experience they’ll never forget.
9. Play and interact with elephants
Getting up close with elephants is truly an extraordinary experience. But instead of going to theme parks with short elephant rides, you can visit an elephant sanctuary instead. It’s ethical and responsible, it supports the protection and welfare of elephants, and it actually offers a much more rewarding experience.
There are actually a few places in Phuket where you can visit these majestic creatures but perhaps the most popular among them is the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in Paklok. This place is an ethical sanctuary for rescued elephants. Here, you can get up close with these gentle giants while they roam freely.
10. Luxuriate in stunning vacation villas
When you want to avoid beaches, crowded areas, and noisy outdoors altogether, then you should definitely consider booking a stay in one of the many splendid vacation villas in Phuket. These holiday homes have everything you need to enjoy your time on the island. They make staying indoors an amazing experience with sophisticated accommodations, stunning locations, and first-rate amenities.
From private spas, in-villa game rooms, private theatres, sports and fitness facilities, to gorgeous pools and jacuzzis, there are a lot of things you can enjoy without having to leave the villa. These villas also often come with a dedicated team of staff to make sure you have everything you want and need right at hand.
Featured Image from amataraphuket.com
