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I believe that even in the most touristy of destinations, there is always something different to experience. A willingness to research and explore can go a long way. If you had asked me about Phuket a few months earlier, I would have ranted about the sun-kissed beaches of Patong, bustling crowd, glitzy parties of Bangla road, dozens of honeymooners, and the many fun activities to do during island hopping. I didn’t like Phuket on my first trip to Thailand but loved Krabi for it’s adventurous and laidback vibe. But, this post is not about that.
This is about the exploring one of the most commercialized tourist locations in Thailand, off the beaten path. All thanks to Great Girly Getaway campaign organized by Tourism Authority of Thailand, India for a 4-day offbeat adventure-laden trip to Amazing Thailand where we explored the lesser known locations in Phuket and Bangkok. I discovered all the best things to do in Phuket, and here I am laying it out for you.
After all, that’s what travel does best. Breaking stereotypes and debunking myths. It’s only when you explore, you expand your horizons.
Don’t you agree?
Additional Read:
Blue Elephant Cooking school – Best things to do in Phuket
Even when my culinary skills are next to zero, I just couldn’t pass up on learning to conjure dishes of a foreign country in their own backyard. I always go for the experience.
MaigLater for dinner, along with the dishes we prepared, there was a sumptuous meal waiting for us. And man, did we gorge on that meal! Additionally, they have fruit and vegetable cutting and carving classes as well.
Thai cooking classes are a great way to warm up to Thai culture. And if you find yourself in Chiang Mai, then you might want to learn to cook Thai dishes at Noi Cooking class.
Cost : 2500tbh
Flying Hanuman – Best things to do in Phuket
Flying Hanuman is an eco-adventure located in the dense forests of Phuket. Ziplining through the dense forests under the canopy of trees, assimilating the greenery all around and at the same time feeling like a miniature toy left me speechless.
It takes about 10-15 minute inclined walk through the forests to reach the platforms. You zip line from one platform to another, a total of 28 platforms altogether and sometimes pass through a sky bridge in between. Gliding like an eagle with hands outstretched overlooking the underlying forests (aka – the flying Hanuman pose) is just exhilarating. Try it out and you will know what I mean.
Cost: 3500 tbh
Phuket Trickeye Museum – Best things to do in Phuket
Although I’m not a fan of excessive posing, this Trick eye museum called for a change of pattern. It is interactive and quirky in a way that stimulates creativity. All the 3D art installations in the museum let the viewers engage with the artwork closely and camouflages well, making the participant as much part of the artwork as the art itself. Great place for kids or for the kid in you!
Cost: 450tbh
Banana beach – Best things to do in Phuket
Banana Beach is a quaint little beach located just on the way to the airport. Shallow clear blue waters, tall palm trees all covered in fine sand is what Banana beach is made up of. Pack up your hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and beach clothes and you can make a day out of it. You can go kayaking, snorkeling, and diving on an island close to the beach.
My Phuket Wishlist – Best things to do in Phuket
Even when I have been to Phuket twice now, I still have so much left to explore. So, that goes on my wishlist for a later time.
Phang Nga Bay
When I visited Phang Nga Bay the first time, it was part of the James Bond island tour. And, I didn’t particularly enjoy the tour since it was jammed with tourists. Although, I would have liked to visit Phang Nga Bay on my own without running through the tourist trail. Maybe, next time then. Hire a longtail boat to cruise around Phang Nga Bay, visit the renowned cave and enjoy a sunset cruise on a Chinese Junk. Also, an early morning walk to Samet Nangshe viewpoint located in Phang Nga Bay is gaining traction for its spectacular sunrise views. Read more about kayaking at Phang Nga Bay here.
Promthep Cape
Located in the far south-west of Phuket – Promthep Cape is a sunset spot and offers some splendid views of the unending sea. Karon viewpoint on the way to the beach also offers breathtaking views and it’s surely going to be my pit stop.
Sino-Portuguese buildings in Phuket town
Around old Phuket city, you can find a fusion of East and West architecture – Sino-Portuguese buildings all around. The architecture is a reflection of European influence on the island.
Wat Tham Suwan Khuha
A little drive outside the island is situated Wat Tham Suwan Khuha – famous for its majestic reclining Buddha surrounded by incredible limestone cliffs plunging right down into the sea.
Accommodations
The Roving Heart Recommendations
Marriot, Phuket, Nai Yong Beach – Have a luxurious and indulgent stay at Phuket just by the beach. This property is over 20kms from Patong Beach. Meandering pools through the property, languorous breakfasts, and exclusive Quan spa – what’s not to like? Book your stay at Marriot, Nai Yong Beach now.
On the other hand, if you are looking for pocket-friendly accommodations, then choose to stay in a hostel. It can be booked via HostelWorld or Booking.com. Aside from going easy on the pocket, it’s a great place to meet up with people from all around the world.
2W Cafe and Hostel – Located in Phuket town and has a great view from the terrace.
Fin Hostel Phuket – If you’d like to stay at a walking distance from the beach, then choose Fin Hostel Phuket. It’s at a 10-minute walk from Kata beach and features an outdoor pool.
Patong Backpacker hostel – The best part of this hotel is its proximity to Patong beach. It’s just a min away from the beach. In the night, head to one of the bars at Bangla road and dance the night away!
Looking for more options? Here is an in-depth guide on the best places to stay in Phuket
Booking Tours
All the tours can be booked when you land in Phuket through the roadside kiosks with a variety of tour options. They even take care of the transport to and from your hotel/hostel. It is quite convenient and hassle-free too.
Now that we have covered offbeat Phuket, did you know there is a reverent side to Pattaya?
So, what are your favorite hangouts in Phuket? And, any best offbeat things to do in Phuket? Do let me know in the comments below!
Comments
29 Commentssophie
Mar 2, 2017This is incredible. some cool places which I never heard before! Stunning weather as well. You gals look a bit more excited after zip lining! Cheers!
Raksha Rao
Mar 5, 2017Yes. We were totally thrilled after ziplining 🙂
Lucile
Mar 2, 2017I have never been a huge fan of Thailand, even though I have never been there. Dunno why, it is not a country that attracts me. But I have to say that your article is making my point of you evolve. Your ideas, the places, your pictures. One day I might give it a go!
Raksha Rao
Mar 5, 2017Thank you so much Lucile. So great to hear that. You made my day 🙂
Melissa
Mar 2, 2017Sooo I want to do pretty much everything you included on your list. I’m a little obsessed with local cooking lessons, and yours sounded so much fun. Promthep Cape and Banana Beach have some seriously amazing views too! I’d definitely love to visit one day and explore 🙂
Raksha Rao
Mar 5, 2017Thank you Melissa. Yeah had so much fun at the cooking class 🙂
Christie
Mar 2, 2017Phuket has been very high on my list for awhile now, it looks incredible. The trickeye museum looks like a fun outing and the pictures turned out great. The Blue Elephant cooking school sounds amazing too, the food looks delicious!
Raksha Rao
Mar 5, 2017Surely the cooking class was so much fun. And I totally loved the experience. And somehow, the food turned out delicious too even when i’m a bad cook 😀
Gareth
Mar 3, 2017As luck would have it, I’ve actually just returned from Phuket and while I really enjoyed my time there, it can be frustrating how many tourists there are and the apparent impossibility of escaping the crowds. That being said, I did manage to make it to Banana Beach and it certainly was quieter than the main spots. Hopefully make it back before to long and when I do, I’d love to take in some of these suggestions
Ami Bhat
Mar 4, 2017Phuket does seem amazing with these offbeat places. Among your list, the one that caught my eye was Phang Nga Bay. I would love to kayak through those narrow ceilings and crevices. It does seem like a lot of fun. Nice list Raksha
Raksha Rao
Mar 5, 2017Oh yes. Phang Nga bay is amazing. And I love kayaking. It’s so much fun. Thanks Ami. So great to see you here 🙂
Sandy N Vyjay
Mar 6, 2017The offbeat places in Phuket look so amazing. Looks like you had a really wonderful time and a much more wonderful experience. The banana beach was surreal. And your Phuket wishlist is something that I will share.
Raksha Rao
Mar 27, 2017Indeed I had a wonderful time. Thanks for dropping by 🙂
Neha Verma
Mar 6, 2017Already bookmarked. These are some really interesting and offbeat things to do in Phuket. Particularly Phuket Trickeye museum and the flying hanuman . I am going to try these out when I go here
Raksha Rao
Mar 27, 2017Glad to hear that Neha 🙂
Luca
Mar 6, 2017A friend of mine lives and works in Phuket so I guess one day I’ll go there at least to see him! Now that I know there is something cool to do other than the usual tourist attractions I won’t mind exploring Phang Nga Bay, Wat Tham Suwan Khuha (!!!) and the weird examples of architectures in the town 🙂
Raksha Rao
Mar 27, 2017Totally Luca. You should check it out!
Adam Biernat
Mar 6, 2017Phuket was not on my bucket list, but in your post it looks so wonderful, that I’ve even started thinking of going there 🙂 I lould love to visit Wat Tham Suwan Khuha. Really cool post!
Raksha Rao
Mar 27, 2017Happy to hear that Adam. Glad that it inspires you to go there 🙂
soumna
Mar 7, 2017Never been to Phuket and would love to check it out. I have done Ziplining once and it was so much fun and I would love to do it in Phuket as well. I am not a cook myself but would definitely love to learn how to prepare foreign dishes.
Raksha Rao
Mar 27, 2017Indeed. Ziplining is so much fun. You should definitely go to Phuket!
Parnashree Devi
Mar 7, 2017I have been to Thailand , but not been to Phuket yet. This is really a helpful list for a person like me who always look beyond regular. I am keen on visiting Sino-Portuguese buildings in Phuket town and Wat Tham Suwan Khuha. These seems interesting sites to explore.
Raksha Rao
Mar 27, 2017Totally! Phuket has lot more to offer than the usual touristy places. Hope you make it there someday 🙂
Indrani
Mar 8, 2017I always thought Phuket is only about beach. Good to know more about the place through your adventures. Kayaking interested me too.
travellingslacker
Mar 8, 2017Good to see an article liike this on Phuket. It seemed terrifingly touristy and over commercialized to me but seems there is a Phuket beyond all that. I will surely keep some of these in mind for my trip.
The Tales of a Traveler
Mar 8, 2017I have been to Phuket airport 🙁 as we were staying in Khao Lak. The view from the cape looks gorgeous and flying hanuman looks so much fun. I would love to add few more things – day trip to Khao Lak and Similan Island to your list 🙂
Carmen’s Luxury Trvl (@carmensluxtrvl)
Mar 8, 2017I don’t tend to purposefully avoid touristy sights because I do believe they are popular for a reason and most of the time worth seeing. But straying off the tourist path is something I always try and do! I absolutely love taking food tours and cooking classes during my travels so thank you for your suggestion. Happy travels 🙂
Jetsetter Jenn
Mar 8, 2017As a chef, travel and food go hand in hand for me! I can’t leave a new destination without trying all of the delicious dishes it has to offer. There’s no better way to learn than through a cooking class! Thanks for the suggestion.
Sid
Mar 10, 2017I completely agree with you Raksha – there is always something new to explore even in a touristy places. I really liked the kitchen, because I never cook much. Maybe I would try that out too 🙂