Phuket is a popular tourist destination, one of the most visited places in Thailand. Unlike other parts of the country, it combines different directions and types of recreation. Here you can meet both families with children who have come for a quiet pastime, and funny companies who prefer noisy parties from dusk to dawn.
In addition to picturesque nature, beaches and entertainment for every taste right on the spot, outbound tours are also in demand. They provide an opportunity to get to know the region and appreciate all the delights of the neighboring resorts. Phuket has both natural and man-made attractions. Those who are used to combining business with pleasure will have something to see. The holiday season is here all year round, so the island is always crowded.
Phuket - list and description of the best excursions on the island
What to watch and where to go? Tourism and active holidays in the main resort of Thailand!
Similan islands
They are a marine national park. The excursion here is long, but not stressful, as tourists spend most of their time on the beach. The water here is clean, almost transparent. The abundance of flora and fauna makes the trip doubly interesting. One of the popular activities is snorkeling - snorkelling among coral reefs and exotic fish. Large turtles are permanent inhabitants of the coast. The guide will take tourists inland and tell stories related to it. You can enjoy the views from the observation deck. Photos from here are not inferior to professional postcards in terms of brightness and variety.
11 islands and Rang Yai
Excursions here vary in duration. One-day ones give an opportunity to swim and take a quick look around, longer ones open doors for travelers to a new wonderful world. The route runs along Phang Nga Bay. There are a lot of activities during the tour: canoeing, visiting a coastal village standing on stilts right in the water, meeting the local nomadic gypsies, snorkeling - snorkeling next to fish, swimming on various beaches of each of the islands, inspection caves, parties on the coast near large fires, tasting of national cuisine and much more.
Singapore
A fast-growing city full of contrasts. Tours to Singapore from Phuket - an opportunity to look at another Asia. The business district is a concentration of skyscrapers. Some were designed taking into account the traditions and rules of feng shui. Attractions for every taste: from the cathedrals of the Good Shepherd and St. Andrew to new buildings, such as the Impress Place Building, where museums, restaurants and community centers are located. An impressive port completes the picture. But the beaches in Singapore are not so good, although you can find a suitable one if you wish. For fun lovers, there are clubs, squares with ongoing festivals, fairs and other events.
Phi Phi Islands
They are located forty kilometers from Phuket. The archipelago consists of six islands. Departure here is primarily associated with the opportunity to relax on local beaches. Fine white sand, clear water and scorching sun are the main attractions of these places. Among the entertainment there are snorkelling, diving, walks along the coast. Picturesque lagoons, caves that are easy to explore, and diverse flora and fauna complement the beauty of Phi Phi. In the evening, parties are organized on the beaches, and bars are open in the immediate vicinity of the water. The duration of the trip is different, depending on the destination and route.
Sightseeing tour
The tour introduces the island and gives you the opportunity to bring more impressions from the trip. In addition to spending time on the beach, it is worth considering a sightseeing walk around the surroundings. Although there are several museums in Phuket, they are often overlooked even by experienced guides. But they never miss the opportunity to take clients to the Big Buddha and the nearby temple. The climb to Monkey Mountain may also seem interesting. You should not avoid visiting one of the fairs, as well as the shopping center - a picturesque place where you cannot leave without drugs, souvenirs and other trifles.
Cambodia
Although there is a territorial dispute between these countries over the Preah Vihea temple, this does not interfere with tourism business and regular tours from Phuket to Cambodia. Since there are many attractions here, the trip can be lengthy. The most amazing places of the modern state are ancient cities and temple complexes. They have been preserved to varying degrees, some have been restored, others remain intact. A special object is Angkor Wat, dedicated to the god Vishnu. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition, Cambodia has a unique national cuisine.
James Bond Island
The official name is Koh Tapu. Located in the Phang Nga National Reserve. One of the Bond episodes was filmed here, so tourists and locals began to make references to the film. The excursion program takes the whole day and is quite full of activities: exploring caves and grottoes, walking along the beaches, acquaintance with the flora and fauna of the island. Canoeing turns out to be quite exotic: while sailing under low sloping rocks, you need to lie down on the bottom of the boat. Sea gypsies are a colorful people who are ready to share a piece of their history with travelers. Their village is nearby.
Bangkok
Capital of Thailand. The economic center of the country. Each of the districts has green zones. The parks cover dozens of hectares and make the city quite green. The Grand Palace is the center of Bangkok. It is surrounded by canals and towers. On its territory is Wat Phra Kaew, also called the temple of the emerald Buddha. There are quite a few religious buildings on the territory of the city; they differ in architecture and interior decoration. Local museums are dedicated to the history of the state, store rich art collections, or are associated with more specific topics (for example, astronomy).
Khao Lak
A national park that will take you all day. It is located at a distance of eighty kilometers from Phuket Island. The reserve is located in the mainland of the country and occupies one and a half hundred square kilometers. The excursion program includes: Wat Suwan Kuh temple, monkey cave, turtle farm, elephant trekking through the jungle, rafting down the river, fruit market, a center for the restoration of local flora and fauna, an observation deck with mesmerizing views of the countryside, and more. Lunch is organized right in the national park and provides an opportunity not only to replenish one's strength, but also to take a breath.
Jungle flying
The attraction was opened in 2011. Almost thirty platforms are organized, and each has its own characteristics. The flights are fully developed and safe even for children. Two descents and two suspension bridges: they can be used both independently and in the company of an instructor. Entertainment is an eco-friendly entertainment. It allows you not only to experience vivid emotions, but also to visit the bosom of nature. Weight Restrictions: For safety reasons, guests over one hundred and twenty kilograms are not allowed. Age restrictions: not allowed with children under four years old.
Tiger kingdom
A zoo in Phuket, where majestic wild cats - tigers - are in the spotlight. They are wild with some amendment, since the animals kept here are raised in captivity and are quite patient with people. Those interested can enter the enclosures, but each such excursion will be paid separately. Stay in the enclosures is limited in time and supervised by a nursery worker.A visit to the smallest cubs is the most expensive. Before direct contact with animals, you must sign a waiver form, as well as familiarize yourself with the rules of conduct. You can and should take pictures, but only without a flash.
Elephant trekking
The farm is located in the south of the island. Elephants here are almost tame and are used to guests. The route runs through picturesque places, it becomes possible to explore this corner of Phuket from an unusual angle. After the main program of the excursion, you can ride along the winding road on an ATV. A stop on a wild beach away from tourist trails is a chance to swim in clear water without the noise and din that is traditional for the resort. The day ends with two shows with the participation of animals: in one, snakes are soloing, in the other - monkeys.
Khao Sok
The excursion is carried out both in one day and in two. In the first case, it is more intense, in the second there are additional stops. The national park covers a huge area and includes the tropical jungle and Lake Cheow Lan. There will be several stops on the way here from Phuket, each associated with a noteworthy place like the Monkey Temple. Khao Sok - untouched nature, among which ancient Buddhist temples were built. If the journey lasts two days, guests stay in a bungalow. There is a restaurant and fruit market nearby. Thermal springs and an observation deck will complement the already rich program.
Kuala lumpur
Departure from Phuket to Kuala Lumpur is a popular tourist destination, excursions here are conducted by most agencies on an ongoing basis. The capital of Malaysia is built in several architectural styles, which makes the areas different from each other. The administrative buildings look majestic and have their own history. There are many wide pedestrianized streets, one of them near the central market. Several mosques do not let you forget about the cultural and historical roots of the country. Gardens and parks are designed to make the city greener and more comfortable, they cope with this task. There is a large zoo in the suburbs.
Racha Island
Located twenty kilometers from Phuket. The second name is the island of Paradise. The resort has been gaining more and more popularity in recent years. An excursion here includes relaxing on a local beach, snorkeling (swimming among fish and reefs with a snorkel and snorkel), lunch mainly from local cuisine and fruits. Those who wish can supplement the experience with diving, which is paid separately. Local bays are picturesque, water and sand are clean. The beaches can be crowded, but there are also quieter days. The weather and nature are almost always conducive to walking and swimming.
Krabi
The province in the south of Thailand provides tourists with different options for recreation: from calm and measured to almost extreme. In total, there are one and a half hundred islands in Krabi. There are opportunities for rock climbing, all the necessary equipment can be rented. Diving turns into a special event here. And snorkeling brings vivid impressions: you don't need to dive deep to see exotic fish and coral reefs. In addition, Buddhist temples have been built in Krabi, and there is also a national reserve with caves, jungles and waterfalls. The journey takes a full day and is not suitable for small children.
Maiton Island
Located a few kilometers from Phuket. Is a private island. People come here to enjoy the beaches and take a break from the hustle and bustle. Suitable for visiting with small children. The program includes a standard set: swimming in clear coastal waters, snorkeling and fins among fish and coral reefs, lunch in a buffet style right on the beach. In the late afternoon, the organizers arrange beach games, and before returning to Phuket, guests visit the observation deck and take photographs as a souvenir.
Coral island
Located twenty minutes from Phuket. An ideal beach with a developed infrastructure is the purpose of the visit of most tourists. The program consists of relaxing in a sun lounger under an umbrella or the scorching sun and swimming in the clear coastal waters. For those who want something more active, there is entertainment to choose from: diving, snorkeling, boating or banana boating, parachute flights behind a boat. Nearby there is a restaurant serving European and local cuisine. There are wonderful views at sunset - they are suitable for photography and video shooting, even for the fussy ones.
3 islands
The excursion includes visiting three islands at once: Maitona, Coral and Racha Yai. Maiton is a private island with rich flora and fauna near the coast. Here snorkeling is organized - snorkeling among the reefs and fish. The beaches of Coral Island are in no way inferior in beauty: the same clean and white sand, as well as clear water. Racha Yai opens its lagoons to guests. There are many good restaurants on the island for every taste and budget. It takes no more than half an hour to get here from Phuket. Moving between the islands is a full-fledged journey with a lot of impressions.
Sea fishing
The waters near Phuket and neighboring islands are rich in a variety of fish species. Especially if you go further out to sea. All tackles are provided by the organizers, while the catch remains with the tourists. Lunch is organized right on the boat, so as not to waste time on the road and plunge into the world and life of local fishermen. If the client does not cope, the escorts will always come to the rescue. The tour takes from several hours to a whole day. Suitable for both experienced anglers and those who have never held a rod in their hands before. The trip is not limited only to fishing: swimming and swimming among exotic fish is also part of the program.
On a motorbike with a breeze
One of the types of sightseeing tour of the island. Allows you to get to hard-to-reach places and visit corners that tourists often bypass. Suitable for both newcomers to Phuket and those who want to discover it from an unusual perspective. During the journey and stops, the guide (aka the driver) will tell you about the history of the island, show you temples, wild beaches, farms and fishing villages. There will also be a small tour to the jungle to feel fully on the same wavelength with nature. The tourist will visit the observation decks and take panoramic pictures, and can also use the services of an accompanying photographer.
Old Phuket Town
Most people associate Phuket with beaches and hotels, but the island also has a downside related to its rich past. The program includes: visit to the hotel, where the shooting of the film "The Beach" took place; a walk along the street of craftsmen: here you can buy souvenirs and practical things for every taste for a reasonable fee; acquaintance with the history of the old city - historical information against the background of a visit to familiar places; photo session in the interiors of old buildings and natural beauties, as well as much more. The tour is suitable for children.
Diving off Racha Yai
The road to Racha Yai by ship is a full-fledged excursion and acquaintance with several neighboring islands at once. Already on the spot, the tourist is invited to put on professional equipment and dive to the seabed in the company of an instructor. Since the maximum depth here is six meters, no special skills are required. Diving near Racha Yai is an opportunity to swim alongside exotic marine life and walk right along the seabed. Lunch is organized on board, which, in addition to local cuisine, includes fruits and refreshments.
Photo excursion
A walk around Phuket in the company of a professional photographer is a guarantee that tourists will take away not only memories and souvenirs from the island, but also first-class pictures. A guide who knows the history of the area perfectly will take guests through the most exotic places and choose suitable angles. The first step is to look at the beach: Phuket is so beautiful that, regardless of the time of day, the pictures on the coast are amazing.For something with a twist, delve into the jungle or visit an elephant farm. A visit to a fishing village and a stop in the vicinity of the Old Town will not be superfluous.
Koh Samui
Located in the Champon archipelago. The third largest island in Thailand. Koh Samui is divided into conditional areas along the cardinal points. East is the center of tourism. Modern hotels, well-developed infrastructure, clean, well-groomed beaches have been built here. The South is the complete opposite. But nature is mesmerizing, and wild beaches attract lovers of unusual relaxation and exoticism. The West Coast is the administrative center. A large market and beautiful sunsets are the main attractions of the area. The northern part of the island is suitable for families. Hotel prices are lower here than in the east, and the beaches are suitable for visiting with children.
Catamaran ride
The program of such an excursion can vary according to the wishes of the client. The main part is sailing out to sea. The route passes through several bays and involves several stops. For fishing enthusiasts, there are all the necessary equipment on board. Snorkelling near the reefs can be replaced by scuba diving accompanied by an instructor. Another way ashore is the opportunity to feed the monitor lizard and ride an elephant. Lunch is organized directly on the catamaran: during a snack there is a chance to see cuttlefish or other marine life nearby.
Siam Niramit Theater Show
The event takes about four hours. It includes a rich buffet dinner. But the main thing is two entertainment programs: one in the open air, the other in the hall. Siam Niramit reproduces a traditional Thai village with farmers' life, work, leisure, fairs and markets. Lovers of history and everything authentic will definitely like it more here than on the beach. The evening will not be complete without an elephant show, an abundance of dances and local music. The concert turns out to be incendiary, and being in the fresh air creates the right atmosphere.
Transvestite show "Aphrodite"
The show lasts about two hours. Men appear on the stage in female images. They are so indistinguishable from the fair sex that the uninitiated are unlikely to be able to determine who is in front of them. The decorations are always bright, as are the costumes of the participants. Incendiary songs and dances. The rooms follow one another without letting the atmosphere fade away. The show program is periodically updated, so when you return to Phuket it will not be superfluous to visit Aphrodite again and compare the emotions from different performances.
Hong Kong
A city that belongs to China, but at the same time has a special status. Hong Kong's cuisine is varied. National dishes coexist with those quite familiar to Europeans. Shopping is the goal of many who come here. The status of a special economic zone makes the prices for top goods significantly lower than in other countries. Hong Kong has stores of all the world's leading brands. The sights have both modern origins (Disneyland) and are related to the past (Wong Tai Sin Temple). About half of the beaches are open for public use, about fifty are private. Even public transport, like a small tram, is part of the flavor and must see program.
Golden Triangle
Territory of Thailand on the border with Laos and Myanmar. Here, in a small settlement, two rivers merge together. Among the attractions, in addition to natural beauty, the temple of Wat Pratat Doi Pu Khao stands out. It was built in the VIII century on a hill, well preserved, and from its observation deck you can see a picturesque view of all three countries. The world's only Opium Museum is located nearby. He tells about the history of the region and the difficult struggle of the authorities against drug trafficking. The extensive green area around is the Golden Triangle Park. You cannot cross the border in this place, you need to drive a little further and have a visa from Laos and Myanmar.