Discover your own way of getting to know Phuket, as you embark on fun adventures with friends, or enjoy family-friendly activities
Learn to make authentic Thai dishes like tom yum goong, Panaeng curry and somtam (green papaya salad) when you participate in a cooking class at Angsana Laguna Phuket.
Beyond the hotel, other options include full day classes at The Phuket Thai Cookery School, which includes a tour to the local market before any actual cooking, with vegetarian options available. Alternatively, learn prepare four or five recipes in half a day at Blue Elephant Cooking School, and receive a culinary certificate before savouring your hard work at the in-house restaurant or as takeaway. Join the morning session for a market visit to learn about Thai ingredients, or private classes for a more intimate experience (up to 12 persons).
Asian elephants are the second largest land animals, with much smaller ears than their slightly larger African cousins. While deemed holy in Thailand, their population has been greatly declining due to deforestation. In 1950, there were about 50,000 elephants in the country, but today less than 4,000 remain.
Spend a day learning about these fascinating and intelligent animals at Green Elephant Sanctuary Park, where some of these animals that have been abused and traumatised are given a second chance in life and now well-cared for. Come face to face with these gentle giants as they go about their natural way, in this safe haven near Surin Beach.
Float through nature on a hand-crafted bamboo raft along a tranquil winding river in a dense national park. Soak in the rich sights and sounds of the tropical forest, as you are carried through the mangroves and estuaries of the Phang Nga jungle.
Along the way, visit stunning waterfalls and stop by the Suwan Kuha Temple, housed within a complex of caves near Phang Nga town and home to a massive reclining golden Buddha. Depending on your tour, this may be followed up by a delicious lunch set complemented with fresh, seasonal fruits.
There’s something for everyone at Hanuman World Phuket.
Thrill-seekers will enjoy the Flying Hanuman, which goes up to a 400-metre-long zipline trail, gliding from tree to tree across 32 platforms, three abseils, and five sky bridges. Alternatively, the “highest speed roller zipline in Thailand” curves and twists through the trees at speeds of up to 40km/h.
For something less intense, sky bridges through the forest canopy offer a leisurely walk surrounded by greenery and sounds of nature, while the nearbyThree Monkeys Restaurant boasts delicious Thai dishes and desserts set against unique architecture that blends in with the environment.
Muay Thai is a traditional art of self-defense, involving hand-to-hand combat. It traces back to the 13th century, when the Sukhothai dynasty army was trained to defend the Siam kingdom either with or without weapons – the latter simply done with fists, elbows, knees and feet.
However, asregulations were introduced during the Rattanakosin Kingdom era (18th to early 20th century), Muay Thai became recognised as a national sport and martial art form that is excellent for fitness and recreation. Sports fans can visit the Patong Boxing Stadium to watch a real life Muay Thai fight, or sign up for lessons with a professional fighter to learn a new skill.