Referred to as the ?Jewel of the Andaman?, Phuket is Thailand's most popular tourist destination. With pristine and well-equipped beaches that are second to none, the international community that has helped to foster this island gives it a unique atmosphere that you won't find elsewhere. Since the tsunami, rebuilding has been steady and much of the island has recovered its former clout as the best tourist vehicle in Thailand.



Adventure sports

Phuket is one of Thailand's most well-equipped tourist destinations and as a result, the adventure sports arena is first-rate. Some of the more predicable opportunities include elephant trekking in the back jungles. However, the more modern adventurer may wish to hire an ATV and take a guided tour across forested hills or to remote beaches. A licensed bungee jump operator is located in Kathu, and there's a shooting range in Chalong. Tamer sports like go-karting are also available. Anyone craving a surge of adrenaline should have no problem satisfying that need in Phuket.

Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre

The Royal Reserve at Bang Pae is home to more than just a lovely waterfall. Visitors who come for a refreshing dip in the cooling pools of the falls may also catch sight of one of the gibbons that live on this land. The initiative to rescue caged gibbons and reintroduce them to this land has been successful with three families so far, and their distinctive voices can be heard in the forest.

Water sports

The Andaman Sea is a great host for relaxing excursions at sea. The clear and calm waters are a wonderful setting for snorkelling and scuba diving. For outings above water, visitors can rent banana boats, jet-skis and sea kayaks. For those who long to sail, there are charter boats, dining cruises and fishing trips to join. Parasailing is another water sport available for those with an added taste for adventure who want to gain a new angle on the island.

Waterfalls

Phuket is home to three waterfalls that make for great excursions. Bang Pae is on site at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Fund, and so visiting this location allows the added benefit of catching site of a rare gibbon. Kathu Waterfall is situated inland and makes a great layover spot for a swim in one of the pools at the top or a scenic picnic at its base. Ton Said is the smallest of the waterfalls set with picturesque pools and tall palm trees.

Island hopping

Arcing out into the Andaman, the archipelago that extends onward from Phuket is well-worth a chartered daytrip or even an overnight stay. These beautiful islands offer all sorts of getaway opportunities ranging from diving and snorkelling to relaxed sightseeing from the boat or on the land. Some, like the Similian Islands, are primitive and undeveloped, though it is possible to charter an overnight boat with sleeping accommodation on board. More developed islands like Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are outfitted with accommodation and more modern amenities.

Shopping

Shoppers bound for Phuket will find the bulk of the island's markets and night bazaars in Patong. All manner of products can be found here including ceramics, jewellery, custom-made silk and cotton clothing. Antique shoppers will enjoy browsing the shops, and standard souvenirs can all be easily found. Most goods are reasonably priced, though the touristiest areas may require a little polite bartering.

Promthep Cape

The southernmost spot of Phuket is Promthep Cape, home to a couple of famous structures. One is a statue in honour of the Thai prince who founded the country's first school of modern navigation in the 1800s and the other is a merit-making shrine that is covered in elephants of many different sizes. Most tourists come for the photogenic scenery and the spectacular sunsets.

Eating out

Fresh seafood enhances the already superb Thai cuisine ready to eat at Phuket. Restaurateurs will find authentic Thai food, usually prepared with less spicy chillies than what found in normal Thai cuisine. International cuisine is amply available as well, with every imaginable variety available across the touristiest areas. The best international cuisine is found in the resort areas and at five-star restaurants, while authentic local food is easier to find farther inland where tourists don't venture with as much frequency.

Temples

Visiting a temple, or wat, is one of the most enticing ways to learn about the local history and religious heritage of Thailand. It's important to respect these sacred sites by wearing long pants and keeping your shoulders covered, and most Thais will be pleased to see you taking an interest in their local religious customs. While there are several wats on the island which are worth investigating, the most popular is probably Wat Chalong, which has a unique and modern style with large murals and an ornate pagoda.

Thai kick boxing

Muay Thai, a the Thai version of kick boxing is a form of combat that has been passed down through the generations for centuries and has achieved global status as one of the most effective fighting styles in the world. Muay Thai training gyms are located in Chalong, Rawai and Phuket Town, and people flock to Phuket from all over the world to study this rigorous discipline from the masters. Spectators can watch fights on Friday nights in Phuket Town.