Things to Do in Phuket for the Day

There are hundreds of fun things to do in and around the island of Phuket. But sometimes you don’t want to spend your day getting from activity to activity, and worrying about sticking to a schedule. You just want to spend the entire day having fun. Here are five activities to do in and around Phuket that can occupy you for an entire day without worrying about anything other than having fun.

Boat Trip to the Islands in Phang Nga Bay

One of the most popular things to do in Phuket is taking a boat ride out to the world-famous islands in Phang Nga Bay. These islands have been the backdrop for countless Hollywood movies over the years. Most of them are in a national maritime park, so they are protected by the government against development.

Speedboats are the most popular boats for a group to rent, but longtail boats can get you out to the islands as well, just not as fast. Be sure to bring snorkelling gear, a change of clothes, plenty of water and food, and sunscreen along with you. And, of course, a camera.

Spend a Night with the Elephants

It’s not your typical ‘day’ trip, but some of the elephant sanctuaries in Phuket offer programmes that allow you to camp out in the woods overnight with the elephants. You arrive in the late afternoon, are introduced to the elephants, eat dinner, then spend the evening with them as well before turning in to your tent in the jungle.

The next morning you feed the elephants their breakfast and eat yours as well before being driven back to your accommodations in Phuket. It’s a night-time jungle adventure that you’ll be able to brag about to your friends back home.

Trek to a Tropical Waterfall

Sirinat National Park in the north end of Phuket is home to the last remaining virgin rainforest on the island. It’s also home to Tonsai Waterfall, a picturesque waterfall that will take you a couple of hours to trek to and back.

But the surrounding rainforest is beautiful, and you're likely to see some of Phuket's wildlife and bird species if you're quiet enough. After your hike to the waterfall, visit the nearby Gibbon Rehabilitation Project that rescues gibbons from the tourism industry. They need your support.

Explore Phang Nga Bay by Sea Kayak

Numerous companies conduct day-long sea kayak trips around the islands in Phang Nga Bay. It’s a beautiful and peaceful way to tour the islands and get some exercise at the same time.

You won’t be tied to the same tourist destinations and beaches. You’ll be able to explore enchanting hidden tropical lagoons and inlets as well that are too shallow for powerboats to enter. Be sure to pack water, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. The glare off the water can be intense. But if you get too hot, you can go for a swim in paradise.

Take a Bike Ride Around Koh Yao Noi

Koh Yao Noi is one of two larger islands in the middle of Phang Nga Bay. The island is a throwback to less-developed times when life was slow-paced, and fishing and farming were the livelihoods for most people in and around Phuket.

The island also has various roads and trails that let you see and enjoy this less-developed lifestyle from the seat of a mountain bike. Small fishing villages, mosques, rice paddies and natural jungles will be your backdrop for a day of cycling around this charming and picturesque island.