Phuket Shopping and Markets

Thailand is shopping paradise for many with all of the main tourist centres being full of shops and market stalls selling a huge range of items at bargain prices. While not as cheap as the likes of Bangkok and Pattaya, Phuket still has plenty to offer bargain and souvenir hunters. But its not just the prices that make shopping in Phuket fun. Bartering with the stall owners can be a good natured and entertaining experience also.

Clothing is by far the most common commodity on offer and is very cheap relative to most countries but just about everything you can think of can be found if you look hard enough though imported items such as electronics usually are not as attractively priced as the domestically made products.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling in Phuket

Phuket is an excellent place to base yourself for day-trips to the many beautiful dive spots that surround it. Its also the departure point for a large number of liveaboard dive trips that visit places such as the fabulous Simillan Islands and the Mergui Archipeligo.

There are many 5-Star Padi dive operators most with tour offices in Patong but wherever you stay on the island you'll usually be able to arrange a day trip through the hotel's own tour counter if there is no dive store nearby.

Most trips depart from Chalong Bay which is about 25 minutes drive from Patong. Pick-up and return transport to your hotel is normally included in the dive price.

The dive season in Phuket runs from November to April. Outside of this period operators still run trips including liveaboards though the visibilty and sea state tends to deteriorate dramatically and good diving conditions are far less likely.

Phuket Beaches and Fun in the Sea

Phuket is blessed with a large number of beautiful white sand beaches. The most popular is Patong due to its proximity to the island's busiest tourist centre. Although its a pleasant 2km stretch of beach it can get quite crowded so many people prefer to head to one of the many nicer and less populated beaches to be found all the way along the western coast of the island.

If you like to spend a lot of time on the beach then it may be a good idea to choose a hotel outside Patong in Karon, Kata or near Surin Beach.

On most of the main beaches there a good range of activities on offer such as jet skis, banana boats and paragliding. The water is a lovely clear turquoise with a temperature of around 30° C. throughout the high months.

A word of warning when renting jetskis : they are almost certainly uninsured and you will be asked to pay for any damage incurred so be sure to point out any existing damage to the operator before setting out. Additionally, be sure you are clear of the swimming zones at all times as you could feel the full force of thai law if injury or death is caused to others. Most people manage to come back safely and without problems but the skis are powerful machines and unfortunately they prove very attractive to show-offs whose ego exceeds their ability.

Phuket Nightlife & Bars

When darkness falls on Phuket the lights go on and the party starts or at least it does in Patong. All around the Bangla Road area the bars turn the music up and the streets fill with holidaymakers out for some fun. While many of the bars are undoubtedly aimed at attracting single male tourists there's still plenty of less rowdy establishments to cater for couples and familes.

If you are staying ouside the Patong area you can usually find at least a small set of late night bars and restaurants nearby. Only the most secluded hotels do not have this but often they will offer their own of in-house entertainment.

For those staying in the smaller towns of Karon, Kata, Kamala and Rawai there's the same sort of entertainment as in Patong but on a much smaller scale with a more relaxed atmosphere that some people prefer.

Phuket Sightseeing Tours

Visit one of the many tour counters in Phuket's and you'll find you have almost unlimited choice of sight-seeing tours.

For land based tours you can elect to take one of the scheduled island trips in an air-conditioned mini bus or, if you prefer, you can negotiate a private tour with one of the local taxis usually at a very reasonable price. Often the reception at your hotel can provide helpful guidance but as they sometimes organise their own tours it would pay to visit at least one tour counter to compare prices.

Phuket has many small islands within easy reach by boat including the world famous Phi Phi and Phi Phi Ley. You can choose to go with the scheduled trips or negotiate with one of the local boat operators that can be found near the beach to take you to one of the attractive little beaches on nearby islands. If you are staying in Rawai, traditional thai long-tail boats specialise in ferrying tourists to the nicest spots.

Phuket Fishing

Though better known for its lovely beaches and great nightlife, Phuket is also a fisherman's paradise with a fantastic variety of fish populating the surrounding seas from big gamers such as the blue and black marlin to the just plain good to eat trevally.

Tours are available to suit both the casual fisherman looking for a nice relaxing day on the water with a few tasty fish to take home or the serious game fisherman looking for trophy fish. Prices are reasonable although the big-game boats rigged to chase the likes of marlin will seem very expensive to all but afficianados of the sport.

Bungy Jumping in Phuket

Just over the hill from Patong in Kathu is the Jungle Bungy Jump. Located in a very attractive setting next to a small lake surrounded by dense jungle its a great place to spend a few hours. You can choose to do single or tandem jumps with or without a dunking in the water.

Jumpers launch themselves from a platform 50 metres above the lake but some prefer the "catapault" where you start on the ground and are pulled into the air at very high speed.

The Jungle Bungy is run by New Zealanders to New Zealand standards and has been operating since 1992. Insurance cover is provided as part of the jump price.

Spas & Massage in Phuket

Health spas incorporating famous thai massage techniques are to be found all over the island many of them being included as part of the larger resorts. These up-market spas are world-class and offer a large range of services sometimes in beautiful and peaceful garden settings. Staff at these establishments are well trained in both western and thai techniques.

Full treatments at the luxury spas can cost more than 100 US dollars which though very reasonable by world standards is a lot more than one needs to pay for some expert thai massage. There are massage shops just about everywhere offering both foot and full massage for around two to three hundred baht. And if you prefer you can even have it while you lie in the shade at the edge of most popular beaches.

Golf on Phuket

Phuket Go Karts

Just around the corner from the Jungle Bungy Jump is the Patong Gokart Speedway where you choose from a range of vehicles to race around their impressive 750 metre race track.

The karts come in range of power configurations to suit the all skill levels with the fastest being capable of 110 km/h. There are also in-line twin-seaters karts available which are great for dads to take the kids out in.

Thai Cooking Lessons in Phuket

Cooking courses for thai cuisine are plentiful and very popular in Phuket. Many of the hotels and especially the large luxury resorts offer in-house classes but if the style or format does not suit there's plenty of private classes to choose from.