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Phuket is a busy island with dozens of activities and things to keep you busy for the duration of your trip! Here, I am covering the top of the creme; the kind of activities that should be in anyone’s ”Things to do in Phuket”! There are separate articles about what to eat in Phuket, as well as the best beaches In Phuket so make sure you read up on those too!

Bathe with elephants at the Elephant Retirement Park Phuket

In a country that is sadly considered to have one of the highest rates of animal exploitation and abuse in the world, the Elephant Retirement Park Phuket is a breath of fresh air. It provides hope that things are finally starting to change for the better.

In this Sanctuary, you can feed, bathe and play with the elephants in their natural habitat – the great outdoors. The elephants are all rescues from various difficult and abusive backgrounds. They are tamed, gentle friendly animals that will simply take your breath away!

What does the Elephant Retirement Park Phuket Offer?

You will find out their story, the kind of foods they like and their different temperaments and characters. You get to bottle feed the baby elephants, give them a freshwater bath with a hose and feed them! Then, you walk with them through the jungle and of course, take a mud bath with them!

An experience I will never forget – getting close to these gentle giants and creating lifetime memories! All this, while practicing responsible tourism and staying FAR away from animal exploitation and abuse.

Hands down, the best money I spent in Phuket! An experience you simply cannot miss and my personal No1 in the list of top things to do in Phuket. 

Cost: 2.600 THB Duration: 8:30-12:00 or 1:00-4:30    

Master your cooking skills with a Thai cooking class

Do you think you know Thai food? Well, think again, because Thai food overseas – like other popular cuisines – is completely different in its original place!

Thai cooking classes are hugely popular and a wonderful activity to do on a rainy day! Also when you’ve perhaps had enough of the scorching sun and intense shopping marathons!

Recommended Thai Cooking Class

One cooking class I particularly recommend is the Kata Thai Cooking Class. An authentic yet fun Thai cooking experience you will love to do with friends, family or significant other.  They will take you on a market tour to buy ingredients, explain each item and teach you everything from scratch including how to make your own curry paste!

You get to choose 4 traditional Tha dishes each to cook. These include a soup, a rice dish, a curry, and a dessert

Bonus fact: You get to eat what you’ve cooked too!

Top Tip: Make sure you are hungry. Very, very hungry..

Cost 2,300 THB (To check out Thai Currency please click here )

Duration: Half a day    

Feast your eyes and bellies at Fantasea Phuket

Fantasea Phuket is an extravagant show, housed in a theme park in Phuket that reminds you of a small Disneyland.

The show itself ‘’Fantasea Of a Kingdom’’ is the longest-running show in Asia. The story is based on Thai culture and traditional myths and customs.

It features aerial stunts, special effects and acrobatics, animal performances, stunts, and 4-dimensional effects. Its comprised of 11 scenes and features 44 elephants, 6 buffaloes, 400 birds, 40 goats and a handful of chickens!

You can walk along the beautiful gardens and indulge in some shopping. There is also a first-class dinner – either at the Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant or the luxurious Suriyamas Seafood Buffet.  I dined at the Kinnaree Buffet and the food was wonderful, I literally ate till I couldn’t physically breath!

Cost: 2150 THB to 3200 THB depending on the choice of seats and Restaurant options. All tickets include the Show, Dinner and hotel transfer.

Duration: 6pm-11pm  

Swim with Leopard sharks

Although I don’t have my diving certificate yet, Phuket Dive Tours is considered the best and most reputable company for diving.

The two most popular dive sites are the Shark Point and the Anemone Reef. Both are suitable for elementary and experienced divers! There are high chances of seeing leopard sharks and Whale Sharks along with a plethora of fishes and corals.

Diving has been something I have feared for a long time, but traveling has changed all that for me! It’s broadened my mind so much I have now booked my diving course in early 2019. I cannot wait to put it to use in my next Travel Destination!

Cost: 3.000-4.000 THB

Duration: Full day  

Enlighten yourself at the Big Buddha

High in the hills of Nakkerd, visible from all over the islands, lies the mammoth statue of the 45 ft Big Buddha.

Yes its tourist, but you know what? Anyone entering a foreign land is considered a tourist – so I don’t really agree with avoiding all ”tourist” destinations. I mean, they became popular for a reason so why should I avoid seeing it if it’s worth it? And it is.

So, Big Buddha Phuket is touristy and busy, but a must-see for its sheer size alone! And of course, the gorgeous views (and photos) of Kata Bay and Karon’s perfect sands. Take a moment to take in your surroundings and reconnect with your spirit.

The Big Buddha’s origins are a beautiful story! The story of a prince who gave up a life of privilege and luxury to become a monk, and achieve the highest knowledge of truth. Buddhism is a fascinating religion and one I plan of studying a lot more in my future trips to Asia.

Fee: Free

Duration: 1-3 hours  

Observe thousands of monkeys at Monkey Hill

Toh Sae Hill commonly known as Monkey Hill is a beautiful hill in Phuket Town. What makes it special is that its home to over 300 monkeys- particularly macaques.

The monkeys roam the hill free in their natural environment. Visiting the Monkey Hill is a dream come true for nature and photography lovers! You will see beautiful views of the monkeys and surrounding jungle; but also from the hill- the highest hill in Phuket!

The monkeys are not aggressive at all but they do love to steal! Nevertheless, you should not leave children unattended at any point.

Top Monkey Hill Tip

For a different experience, arrive at the entrance of Monkey Hill (a short walk from Phuket City Hall) instead of the top, where everyone else goes. Then Hike the 2 km distance to the top through the entire area. During your walk, you will also witness roosters and pigs roaming the streets. Choose to go between 4-6 pm when the road is closed off to motor vehicles. Ideally, aim to get to the top of the hill for the spectacular sunset views! , Once there, you can catch a glimpse of the Big Buddha and the Nakkerd hills of Central Phuket.,

On your way out, be sure to stop at the shrine of the holy spirits of Toh Sae Dam, Toe Sae Kaow and Toh Sae Dang. The shrine is located at the bottom of the hill. This is where locals go to pray for lucky lottery numbers!

You never know, luck might be on your side!

Explore Breathtaking Beaches

Phuket doesn’t disappoint on beaches and natural beauty! You will be spoiled for choice and hard pushed to choose a favorite! The Top Beaches in Phuket, are waiting for you to discover!

All you gotta do is figure out how to squeeze them all in!

Feel at peace at the Shrine of the Serene Light

The shrine of the Serene light is a small Chinese temple – that until recently was one of the best-kept secrets of Phuket.

Tucked away in busy Phuket Town, this shrine used to only be accessible by a small back alley! Sadly this all changed up in 2003 where the entrance was widened and the Shrine was opened to the public. Originally build back in 1891 by the descendants of the powerful Than Luan Jae Family; it is modest in size but extravagant in architecture and appearance. Inside, you will find a plethora of beautiful Si Yin Gui Murals, burning candles and incense. You will also offerings of fresh fruit, statues, and religious idols. It’s such a beautiful place to find serenity in the chaos of Phuket! Perfect to recollect and take time for peace and quiet.

Fee – Free

Duration: 1-2 hours  

Take a boat ride to Phi Phi Islands

If I am honest, Phi Phi is not the kind of place you should visit for a single day. It is so breathtakingly beautiful (although massively affected by irresponsible tourism) . You should really give it a good 2-3 days at the very list.

These Islands will blow your minds, provided you have the perfect Phi Phi Islands Ultimate Guide to follow!

Cost: Varies on tour, whether you stay overnight etcetera. You can reach Phi Phi from Phuket in under 3 hours via ferry or speedboat. Click here for tickets and timetable

Duration: Full day or ideally 3-4 days at the minimum!  

Help out dogs in need at the Soi Dog Foundation

What a beautiful thing it is, to be able to help others in need! And especially animals that have no voice to speak for themselves

The Soi Dog Foundation was founded back in 2003 as is sustained entirely by private donations. Its goal is to help the overwhelming amount of stray dogs and cats that roam the streets of Thailand. It has so far neutered over a quarter of a million animals and provides food, shelter, and medical care.  

Spend some meaningful days volunteering at the shelter. I guarantee you that your heart will be filled with so much love and warmth! Volunteers are asked to walk the dogs and cats and help integrate them into a future loving forever home. This is done by helping them trust humans, learn to walk on a leash and get used to being indoors. A wonderful way to contribute towards this great cause!  

Fee- Free

Duration: Up to you!  

Escape Phuket and land in idyllic Koh Samui

Do you have a bit of time to spend in Thailand? If so then dividing your time in between different Islands is something I highly recommend!

A couple of days in chaotic and vibrant Bangkok…then a good 4-5 days in Phi Phi Islands, ! Finally a short trip to Krabi and of course my absolute favorite Thailand destination. The utterly gorgeous Island of Koh Samui. I spent 10 glorious days here and cannot wait to return for more!

There is so much to see, do and enjoy in Koh Samui that I guarantee you will fall in love!  All these destinations can be reached from Phuket via ferry, bus, or flights.  

Bangkok Air is the main provides of these small flights. 

Cost: Varies!

Duration: 4-5 days (or a lifetime!!)  

Fall in love with the views at Karon View Point

There is something so special about Viewpoints. The view so often leaves you breathless and makes you feel rather small in the grand scheme of things!

Phuket has various Viewpoints scattered around the island – all beautiful in their own way. Do you want to see endless ocean views? Lush green surroundings? The beautiful Beaches Phuket is so famous for? Then Karon Viewpoint is the one for you!

For more info on Karon View Point and lots of pictures, content check out this awesome guide!

Top Karon View Point Tips

To avoid the crowds and get the best sunset views, arrive early to take your pictures from the top. Then, take the road next to the view point all the way downhill. Make a stop at this little restaurant called ‘’Heaven’’, and go straight for the balcony! Sit comfortably order a drink or two and watch the most beautiful uninterrupted sunset in Phuket!  

Fee: Free Duration: 1-2 Hours  

Volunteer at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center

In yet another tragic case of animal exploitation, more than 3,000 gibbons are killed every year in Thailand by poachers.

This rehabilitation project was set up to help nurse the sick and surviving gibbons back to full health. The aim is to be able to release them back in the wild

Volunteers get to do admin work, fix things around the center and feed the animals. A beautiful and gentle way to meet these beautiful animals up close! Whilst, of course, taking no part in any exploitation or unethical tourism acts  

Fee- Free

Duration: Up to you!  

Some words of advice about Phuket and Thailand in general.

Animal exploitation and abuse are rampant throughout the region. Seeing photos of people doing elephant trekking, taking pictures with chained tigers or stressed out Capuchin monkeys is heartbreaking.

I understand that these magnificent animals are mesmerizing. I also know that you often don’t think you are contributing to this abuse- but you are! We all are!

  By visiting such places you are actually paying for the animal exploitation to continue. Wild animals are not our pets or friends.

Elephants were not born to play football! Monkeys were not born to be chained by their neck! Crocodiles were not born to be prodded with a stick! Tigers were also certainly not born to be drugged up and toothless in a windowless room for all their lives. If it’s one thing I hope you take away from this article is this… Resist the urge. Be a grown-up. Teach your children that this is NOT OKAY. 

Please stop booking any such excursions to make sure that these companies close for good! No more animal abuse !!

 Related Articles

Thailand at a glance – Information on weather, visas, currency, etc.

Phuket Restaurant and Nightlife Guide – The Best Places to Eat, Drink and Party

The Best Beaches In Phuket- Enchanting Phuket – Breathtaking beaches you must visit.

The Ultimate Guide To Phi Phi Islands – Everything you need for your dream holiday

The Ultimate Guide to Koh Samui – A detailed mega guide to the island of Samui

Tropical Diseases and Vaccinations – A guide for safe travels to Thailand    

Responsible Travel -tips to travel ethically and save our planet 

Short travel Stories – How I crashed my scooter in Thailand

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Much Love and Happy Thai Smiles  

Tia  xoxo

The post Top Things to Do in Phuket For the Best Holidays Ever appeared first on Tia Does Travel.