5 Great Things To Do in Phuket

Check Out Phang Nga Bay

Words do not do Phang Nga Bay's beauty justice. Book one of the many tours available of this serene location, and head out for a day on the Bay's beautiful emerald green waters. It is famous for its sheer cliffs, which jut out of the water and offer havens for lush fauna. You'll get to see James Bond Island, which earned its nickname after it was prominently featured in "The Man With the Golden Gun." Afterwards, you can head into a nearby fishing town for lunch and sample the local fare. If you'd like to avoid the tourist crowds, opt for a boat tour from the northern side of Phuket. Exploring the island's incredible landscape is one of the best things to do in Phuket.

Explore Phuket City

If you have some free time on the weekend, one of the great things to do in Phuket is to check out its capital, Phuket City. It is least busy on the weekends, giving you the chance to explore the old city center and market. The historic buildings and churches offer a unique look into the city's past, and they make a good daytime diversion before the market opens up at 5 pm. The market is a can't miss – with miles of stalls selling local delicacies and quality goods. Bargain like a pro and you'll get fantastic deals on clothes, shoes, and accessories.

Elephant Trekking

Going on an elephant trek is one of the great things to do in Phuket that often ends up as visitors' favorite memory. There are elephant trek tours all over the island, from the main beaches to more off-the-beaten-path locations. Wherever you choose to go, you're sure to have an exciting ride aboard these enormous animals, which are so important to Phuket culture. Traveler tip: You can bargain the price down, making this great thing to do in Phuket a great deal, as well.

Scuba Diving

For outdoor enthusiasts, one of the great things to do in Phuket is to go scuba diving. Would you expect anything less than spectacular scuba diving opportunities from a tropical island? There are numerous dive locations worthy of checking out, with different environs and aquatic life at each. Koh Racha Yai, for example offers a great reef dive experience, with lionfish, octopus, rays, and other colorful creatures. Shark Point (don't worry, it's not as sinister as the name suggests) is another fun choice, with colorful coral and a variety of marine life, including the occasional dolphin.

Watch Sports

The local sports scene is vibrant, and watching a match or two is a great thing to do in Phuket. The local soccer team, Phuket FC, is a member of the Thai Division 1 League, and their weekend games are a lot of fun. Thai boxing, called Muy Thai, is another popular diversion, and you'll appreciate the fighters' grit and skill.

If you're interested in Thai boxing, here are the best places to see Thai boxing in Phuket.