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