| Referred to as the 'Jewel of the Andaman', | | | | the boat or on the land. Some, like the Similian |
| Phuket is Thailand's most popular tourist | | | | Islands, are primitive and undeveloped, though it is |
| destination. With pristine and well-equipped | | | | possible to charter an overnight boat with sleeping |
| beaches that are second to none, the international | | | | accommodation on board. More developed islands |
| community that has helped to foster this island | | | | like Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are outfitted with |
| gives it a unique atmosphere that you won't find | | | | accommodation and more modern amenities. |
| elsewhere. Since the tsunami, rebuilding has been | | | | Shopping Shoppers bound for Phuket will find the |
| steady and much of the island has recovered its | | | | bulk of the island's markets and night bazaars in |
| former clout as the best tourist vehicle in Thailand. | | | | Patong. All manner of products can be found here |
| Adventure sports Phuket is one of Thailand's | | | | including ceramics, jewellery, custom-made silk and |
| most well-equipped tourist destinations and as a | | | | cotton clothing. Antique shoppers will enjoy |
| result, the adventure sports arena is first-rate. | | | | browsing the shops, and standard souvenirs can all |
| Some of the more predicable opportunities include | | | | be easily found. Most goods are reasonably priced, |
| elephant trekking in the back jungles. However, | | | | though the touristiest areas may require a little |
| the more modern adventurer may wish to hire an | | | | polite bartering. Promthep Cape The |
| ATV and take a guided tour across forested hills | | | | southernmost spot of Phuket is Promthep Cape, |
| or to remote beaches. A licensed bungee jump | | | | home to a couple of famous structures. One is a |
| operator is located in Kathu, and there's a | | | | statue in honour of the Thai prince who founded |
| shooting range in Chalong. Tamer sports like | | | | the country's first school of modern navigation in |
| go-karting are also available. Anyone craving a | | | | the 1800s and the other is a merit-making shrine |
| surge of adrenaline should have no problem | | | | that is covered in elephants of many different |
| satisfying that need in Phuket. Gibbon Rehabilitation | | | | sizes. Most tourists come for the photogenic |
| Centre The Royal Reserve at Bang Pae is home | | | | scenery and the spectacular sunsets. Eating out |
| to more than just a lovely waterfall. Visitors who | | | | Fresh seafood enhances the already superb Thai |
| come for a refreshing dip in the cooling pools of | | | | cuisine ready to eat at Phuket. Restaurateurs will |
| the falls may also catch sight of one of the | | | | find authentic Thai food, usually prepared with less |
| gibbons that live on this land. The initiative to | | | | spicy chillies than what found in normal Thai |
| rescue caged gibbons and reintroduce them to | | | | cuisine. International cuisine is amply available as |
| this land has been successful with three families | | | | well, with every imaginable variety available across |
| so far, and their distinctive voices can be heard in | | | | the touristiest areas. The best international cuisine |
| the forest. Water sports The Andaman Sea is a | | | | is found in the resort areas and at five-star |
| great host for relaxing excursions at sea. The | | | | restaurants, while authentic local food is easier to |
| clear and calm waters are a wonderful setting for | | | | find farther inland where tourists don't venture |
| snorkelling and scuba diving. For outings above | | | | with as much frequency. Temples Visiting a |
| water, visitors can rent banana boats, jet-skis and | | | | temple, or wat, is one of the most enticing ways |
| sea kayaks. For those who long to sail, there are | | | | to learn about the local history and religious |
| charter boats, dining cruises and fishing trips to | | | | heritage of Thailand. It's important to respect |
| join. Parasailing is another water sport available for | | | | these sacred sites by wearing long pants and |
| those with an added taste for adventure who | | | | keeping your shoulders covered, and most Thais |
| want to gain a new angle on the island. Waterfalls | | | | will be pleased to see you taking an interest in |
| Phuket is home to three waterfalls that make for | | | | their local religious customs. While there are |
| great excursions. Bang Pae is on site at the | | | | several wats on the island which are worth |
| Gibbon Rehabilitation Fund, and so visiting this | | | | investigating, the most popular is probably Wat |
| location allows the added benefit of catching site | | | | Chalong, which has a unique and modern style |
| of a rare gibbon. Kathu Waterfall is situated inland | | | | with large murals and an ornate pagoda. Thai kick |
| and makes a great layover spot for a swim in | | | | boxing Muay Thai, athe Thai version of kick |
| one of the pools at the top or a scenic picnic at | | | | boxing is a form of combat that has been passed |
| its base. Ton Said is the smallest of the waterfalls | | | | down through the generations for centuries and |
| set with picturesque pools and tall palm trees. | | | | has achieved global status as one of the most |
| Island hopping Arcing out into the Andaman, the | | | | effective fighting styles in the world. Muay Thai |
| archipelago that extends onward from Phuket is | | | | training gyms are located in Chalong, Rawai and |
| well-worth a chartered daytrip or even an | | | | Phuket Town, and people flock to Phuket from all |
| overnight stay. These beautiful islands offer all | | | | over the world to study this rigorous discipline |
| sorts of getaway opportunities ranging from | | | | from the masters. Spectators can watch fights |
| diving and snorkelling to relaxed sightseeing from | | | | on Friday nights in Phuket Town. |