Phuket Things To Do

Phuket ranks among the globe's top diving destinations. Day tours, including two dives, all equipment and three meals, can cost as little as $100. Aqua Divers offers day trips as well as multi-day ventures to islands further out in the Andaman Sea.

Gibbons, a primate species native to Phuket, disappeared from local forests in the ’80s when hunters captured and used them to stage photo-ops for tourists. See the survivors in their natural habitat at the center, which aims to return as many of the monkeys as possible into the wilderness.

Thanks to streets filled with go-go bars and tourist traps, Phuket's main beach gets compared to seedy Pattaya. But it’s recently moved upmarket and toward family tourism, and the long, sandy beach – Phuket's most developed – is quite scenic. Plus, this is the place to come when you need a serious nightlife fix.

One of Asia's premier golf courses features 18 holes on 720 acres of undulating, well-maintained fairways and lush greens. Tiger Woods has even played here.

Situated in Sirinat National Park on Phuket's northern tip, these unique saltwater swamps can be entered via elevated walkways. Look for unusual plants like mountain ebony, red cycas and black myrsina, and be on the lookout for leatherback turtles, which nest here in the winter. The park also harbors a string of undeveloped, deserted beaches.

Known more for its vibrant ornamentation than its architectural significance, this popular temple houses elaborate statues of revered monks. Don’t be concerned about the incessant exploding firecrackers – these are expressions of thanks for fulfilled wishes.

Home to Phuket’s only remaining virgin rainforest, this lush park features leisurely trails leading to two scenic waterfalls (bring your swimsuit for a dip in the cool ponds). You may even spot barking deer, gibbons and monkeys. Guides are available at the park’s headquarters.