5 of the Most Exciting Things to Do in Phuket

The most exciting things to do in Phuket include Glitzy Nightlife, Ritzy Beachfront hotels, and memorable island hopping. People also love the evergreen rainforest, gushing waterfalls, and hiking trails crisscrossing rolling hills on Thailand’s largest island. And then there are the old town’s mansions clamoring for attention, epitomizing Hokkien Chinese and British colonial influences in tin mining times.

Once you’ve checked out the 45m-tall Big Buddha, been to the golden, jewel-encrusted Wat Chalong, and experienced unforgettable sunsets, you might wonder what to do in Phuket. Don’t fret; there’s an endless list of attractions that keep you entertained. From ziplining adventures to catamaran cruises – here are five fun trip ideas, all included in the TAGTHAi City Pass.

1. Jump into Koh Hey’s Crystal Water

Koh Hey, also known as Coral Island, is a small island six kilometers southeast of Phuket, a 15-minute boat ride away. Only 2.5 km long and covered in vegetation, the granite islet is an excellent weekend retreat. The amazonite water and Long Beach’s blinding white sands make it hard to leave, whether you’re a laid-back beach bum or the adventurous type looking for exciting things to do in Phuket, like snorkeling.

Sip a coconut milkshake in a hammock under a cashew tree and let the hours slip past gently, listening to waves washing up against the shore. You can also grab one of the deck chairs along the beach. Once your stomach rumbles, Pad Thai at the seaside restaurant, a stir-fried rice noodle dish made with shrimp, peanuts, scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and other veggies, provides relief.

A fifteen-minute forest stroll will take you to another gorgeous, silky-white strip of sand called Banana Beach. You can get there via a jungle trail on Long Beach’s eastern end. This beach draws hungry trumpet fish and butterflyfish you can feed in the snorkeling area. Complete with banana boat rides, massages, and kayaking adventures, Koh Hey is a Phuket excursion you’ll want to have on your bucket list.

2. Stay Overnight at Phuket’s Ethical Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

As the name suggests, this is an ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket that doesn’t offer elephant rides. You can, however, interact with these giants in their natural home. 

Picture them deftly picking herbs, shrubs, bark, or fruits from your hand using their two fleshy “fingers” at the end of their long heavy trunks. Aside from feeding, you can also wash them, hearing them rumble or purr like cats. 

One of the must-sees in Phuket, the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Kathu, was the first to operate in the island province. When you arrive, a trained English-speaking guide gives you a tour of the facilities. You’ll learn about animal care initiatives and gain insight into the elephants’ behavior and history.

Should the half-day or full-day options be too short for you, you can stay overnight in a super-luxe, safari-style tent – bookable with TAGTHAi. Views of the rainforest and the beaches in the distance make this elephant and glamping adventure well worth it.

3. Feel the Adrenaline on Hanuman World Zipline Adventures

Imagine yourself zipping through the jungle at 50mph, strapped in a harness suspended from a pulley, high above hillsides. You’ll get your money’s worth at Hanuman World if you’re a thrill-seeker, that’s for sure. Hanuman World features 16 ziplines and 32 platforms, three abseils, two spiral staircases, and one honeymoon sling. 

If you can stomach the adrenaline, do the crazy roller coaster zip line, arguably one of the most exciting things to do in Phuket. Flying through the rainforest at hair-raising speed for two minutes, approaching almost vertical loops and spirals, you’ll be screaming at the top of your voice.

Crossing one of the five sky bridges is a walk in the park in comparison. But the skywalk’s appeal is in becoming one with nature. Rather than gliding to canopies, you can stroll at your own pace. Look down at banana tree plantations, spot a few monkeys jumping from twig to branch, and listen to the wind whispering through the treetops.

4. Join Elephants Taking a Bath at Phuket Eco Elephant Park

Situated in the Cherngtalay area near Surin Beach, Phuket Eco Elephant Park limits the number of daily visitors to provide a more personal experience as you walk through the jungle with them. Sixty people can join the morning tour, and another 60 guests are welcome in the afternoon.

Like the Ethical Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, the Eco Elephant Park doesn’t offer elephant rides. There are plenty of other top things to do in Phuket with them, though. Taking a mud bath with them is fun, but don’t wear your nicest clothes as it can get messy.

Likewise, showering and grooming them in the freshwater pool, these friendly giants might express their gratitude by splashing and spraying water on you using their trunks. Did you know that they can hold up to 2.5 gallons of water in their trunks? From siphoning water and collecting food to dusting and digging, elephants use them as versatile tools. Submerged underwater, their trunks become snorkels.

Whether you have water babies in tow who like to get wet as you play and wallow in the water or prefer to watch elephants eat grasses, shrubs, and herbs in the jungle – a visit to the Eco Elephant Park is among the most exciting things to do in Phuket.

5. Unwind on a Catamaran at Koh Hey’s Banana Beach

 

Cruising on a catamaran from Phuket to Koh Hey, catching some rays on the deck, you’ll feel like part of the jet set. Approaching Koh Hey, the captain will slow down the boat so you can snap a few pictures of the clear water. 

Stopping at Banana Bay off the coast of Coral Island, the crew will allow you to jump in the green-tinted waters or stay on the boat, listening to recorded chill-out music. With the ocean bubbling underneath the hull, working on your tan and snorkeling in the clear sea is equally appealing. Whatever your preference, a catamaran cruise is an excellent way to wind down and gather your thoughts.

You can opt between daytime and sunset cruises. If you choose the latter, you’ll watch the sun sink orange behind the horizon. Whichever trip suits your fancy, each is arguably one of the most exciting things to do in Phuket. And the best part is you can get everything for a flat fee with the TAGTHAi City Pass. Now pack your bags and enjoy the pre-holiday thrill!