| In spite of the tsunami of 2004, Phuket has steadily | | | | embark. |
| rebuilt much of its infrastructure so that it now holds | | | | Waterfalls |
| as much of its previous glamour as before. Its | | | | Phuket's waterfalls are great places to take a swim |
| beautiful beaches foster excellent diving conditions, | | | | or enjoy a picnic. Kathu Waterfall is the farthest |
| and the ever-clear Andaman waters never let divers | | | | inland and offers inviting, cooling pools for a quick dip. |
| down. The nightlife is thriving and there's always | | | | Ton Sai is often photographed due to its pools and |
| something to get on board with, so you'll never find | | | | tall palm trees. The island's Gibbon Rehabilitation |
| yourself without something to do. | | | | Centre is home of the island's third waterfall, Bang |
| Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre | | | | Pae, and those who venture here are also afforded |
| At this time, at least three families of rescued | | | | the opportunity to glimpse one of these rare animals. |
| gibbons have been introduced back into the wild and | | | | Shopping |
| currently live on the Royal Reserve. Their distinctive | | | | Shopping is a popular pastime anywhere in Thailand. |
| calls can be heard in the forest, and visitors who | | | | Shoppers in Phuket will find the whole gamut of |
| catch a glimpse of these animals are always glad | | | | traditional souvenirs. Silk, cotton and custom-made |
| they came. A stopover or maybe even a quick swim | | | | clothing can all be found at attractive prices, as can |
| at the nearby Bang Pae Waterfall makes this trip | | | | leather, jewellery and antiques. Patong is home to |
| twice as appealing. | | | | many of the markets and due to the everyday |
| Adventure sports | | | | tourist scene, shoppers do well to come prepared |
| Phuket is loaded with activities to get your heart | | | | ready to bargain for a price that both parties can |
| racing and your adrenaline pumping. The island is | | | | agree on. |
| home to Thailand's only licensed bungee jump | | | | Eating out |
| operator who, on top of those credentials, is the only | | | | Restaurants in Phuket cater for every palette with |
| operator in all of Asia to insure this activity. Those | | | | international and world-class Thai cuisine available all |
| wishing to dive into the forests and hills on the island | | | | over the hottest tourist districts. Fresh seafood is in |
| can do so on the back of an ATV or strapped to a | | | | seemingly endless supply, and most dishes are |
| lumbering elephant. A shooting range in Chatong has | | | | tailor-made to satisfy tourists--not too spicy without |
| safe and reputable facilities, and go-kart tracks are | | | | a specific request. Authentic Thai food is easier to |
| easy to find. No matter what your preference is, | | | | find the farther inland you go, where the crowds of |
| there's an outlet for the adventure seeker on | | | | tourists give way to legitimate Thai villages and |
| vacation. | | | | communities. |
| Island hopping | | | | Thai kick boxing |
| The archipelago of islands that extends past Phuket | | | | Visitors who come to Thailand specifically to study |
| is known around the world for its beauty. Chartered | | | | martial arts will not be disappointed in Phuket. Phuket |
| daytrips can be arranged to almost any of these | | | | Town, Chalong and Rawai are all home to open |
| Andaman Islands, where passengers can enjoy | | | | training gyms where students learn the ancient |
| sightseeing, snorkelling and depending on availability, | | | | martial art form of Thai kick boxing, or Muay Thai, |
| overnight accommodation. You may have seen a few | | | | which has increasingly gained world recognition for its |
| of these islands in feature films like The Beach or a | | | | highly effective combat style. Its popularity is evident |
| James Bond movie. A few of the more outstanding | | | | in the droves of spectators that gather every Friday |
| islands are Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Coral Island, Kaew | | | | to watch the fights hosted in Phuket Town. |
| Island, Similian Islands and Sirey Island. | | | | Promthep Cape |
| Water sports | | | | Promthep Cape is one of Phuket's most photogenic |
| Water sports at Phuket are multi-faceted. Parasailing | | | | spots, a fact to which the crowds of tourists testify. |
| over the Andaman offers a great perspective with | | | | On-site is a popular merit-making shrine covered in |
| the coast on one side and the horizon on the other. | | | | miniature elephants. There's also a statue erected in |
| Scuba diving and snorkelling in the famously calm, | | | | honour of a 19th century prince well-known for |
| clear waters is a fun activity that the whole family | | | | founding a Thai school of navigation. The cape is a |
| can participate in. For those with a penchant for | | | | great place to take spectacular photos, especially at |
| sailing, there are dinner cruises to enjoy, sailing | | | | sunset when the evening light bathes this |
| lessons in which to enrol and fishing trips on which to | | | | southernmost point of the island. |