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