Pablo Luna
Phuket, Thailand, is well-known for its party atmosphere, nightlife, and other activities, but it has plenty more to offer. Think a little outside the box (and be prepared to get on a motorbike), and you’ll be surprised what else you come across.
Tourist attractions are fun and all. They’re famous for a reason, but there are few things better than finding a real hidden gem when traveling.
These are just a few ideas for the best things to do in Phuket that are slightly off the beaten track.
Take in the views.
Phuket has plenty of lookout points where you can take in the stunning views of the island and surrounding areas. You’ll probably need to take a motorbike to get there, but trust us, it’s completely worth it. Side note: be careful when riding on motorbikes, as the routes up to viewpoints can be hilly, and Thailand isn’t exactly famed for its careful drivers. Check out Windmill Viewpoint, Samet Nangshe, Radar Hill, and Laem Sing.
Sneak off to secret beaches.
Phuket is very busy and popular with tourists, but there are still beaches where you can find peace and quiet. It just might take you a little while to get there, as many are hard to access or a little further away from more popular areas. Commit to spending a bit of time walking, or more likely traveling by motorbike, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning day on a beautiful beach. You might even have the place entirely to yourself!
Freedom Beach, Paradise Beach, and Yae Beach are all great picks for a day of secluded sun and sand. Just make sure to take plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen as they don’t have any stores or restaurants.
Visit Monkey Hill.
The clue to Monkey Hill is in the name. It’s a great spot for hanging out with wild monkeys in their natural habitat. The monkeys are very used to being around humans and will generally be perfectly fine with you being there, but remember that it’s their habitat and their space. Make sure to be respectful. Offer a monkey a piece of fruit, and you’re likely to have a whole crowd of them around you in minutes! Be sure to keep all your belongings secure, so nothing gets whisked away by a mischievous monkey.
Surf in bars.
Because its waters are generally pretty calm, Phuket doesn’t have a huge surfing scene. It makes up for this with surfing bars, of which there are two. If you fancy having a go at surfing, but the idea of doing so in the ocean is terrifying, this might be a great place to start!
If you don’t want to surf, you can always just pop in for a drink and watch other people have a go.
Swim with elephants.
Phuket is home to several elephant villages, where you can spend the entire days just observing and interacting with these spectacular animals. You can even swim with them! Don’t worry – these villages are perfectly safe and sustainable.
