The adventurous island of Phuket is an ideal vacation spot for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. No matter whether you like jogging, cycling or stand-up paddling - you can really let off steam on the largest Thai island. What can you do? And what should you keep in mind when doing your leisure activities on Phuket? In my experience report I have put together many helpful tips for you.

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Many people do without Vacation on sport and too much exercise. They are on Beach, relax and just enjoy the sun and the sea. I can't do that. I have to do something and move. So of course I tried out as many leisure activities as possible on Phuket. I jogged every day, went stand-up paddleboarding as often as possible, snorkeled, scuba-dived and swam, hiked, scootered, jet-skied, and even sailed.

I want you in mine Travel Blog Be sure to introduce the most beautiful leisure activities because I did so much on Phuket during my trip. And that makes the vacation even more beautiful.

Video – The 27 Best Things to Do in Phuket

Below I have selected a video for you in which the 27 best leisure activities for Phuket are presented. This is good inspiration for your travel planning. Because there is always plenty to do on Phuket – I can assure you of that.

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I tried many leisure activities

So I've tried out practically a whole range of activities on Phuket - and I can tell you: you'll enjoy many of the activities sports have even more fun than at home. I found the tropical climate to be really pleasant for exercise - especially in the evenings when the sun has set.

You can enjoy your favorite leisure activities on Phuket such as jogging, cycling or kayaking - the versatile island is ideal for all outdoor activities!

Sascha Tegtmeyer

At first, when you arrive in Phuket, you will find it hot and oppressive, which will have a negative impact on your sporting performance and your enthusiasm for activities. But that changes very quickly and you get used to the high temperatures. I moved the particularly strenuous activities like jogging to after dark.

What you should know about Phuket

My experience reports about the infamous adventure island

Blog| Travelogue | points of interest & sights | Big Buddha | Elephant Sanctuary | beaches | Ya Nui Beach | Activities | Scooter ride | SUP | Baan Krating Resort | Travel information | Best time to travel | How to get there

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The best leisure activities in Phuket

Surfing, SUP, Diving, Hiking, Cruising - What to do in Phuket?

Phuket is a holiday destination that is located directly by the sea - and is therefore very popular with everyone who wants to enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and diving, stand-up paddling, kayaking or sailing on the island. Nevertheless, you can also keep your spirits up with numerous other activities and activities that take place on land.

1. Ride a scooter

Riding a scooter on Phuket is certainly not a sporting activity - but it is by far one of the most fun leisure activities on Phuket. With a scooter you are mobile and flexible, you can go to the beach or the food market as you please, just cruise around and discover the island. The scooter is the preferred means of transport on Phuket. I wouldn't recommend a rental car due to the traffic.

And that is exactly the problem with your scooter. You have to be extremely careful in traffic on the streets. Driving on Phuket or in Southeast Asia in general is a challenge - but you get used to it pretty quickly. If this is your first time in Phuket, you may need some time to get used to it. Also note some useful tips when renting your scooter.

Rent a scooter on Phuket – What you should consider

1. Driving license and international driving license: In Thailand you officially need an international driving license along with your national driving license to drive a motorcycle or scooter. Some rental companies could still rent you a scooter without this proof, but you can get fines at police checks if you don't have an international driver's license.
2. Wearing a helmet is mandatory: In Thailand, wearing a helmet while riding a scooter is required by law. Make sure the rental company provides you with a helmet.
3. Check insurance coverage: Check whether insurance is included in the rental price and what it covers. It is advisable to have insurance that covers damage to the scooter and any medical costs that may arise.
4. Condition of the scooter: Check the condition of the scooter before renting. Take photos of any existing damage to avoid problems when returning the item.
5. Traffic rules and driving behavior: Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules. Traffic in Thailand can be very different from what you are used to and requires special attention and caution.
6. Contract and deposit: Read the rental agreement carefully and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. A deposit is often required, the amount of which and return conditions you should be aware of.
7. Awareness of the surroundings: Phuket can be busy, especially in high season. Use caution when navigating heavy traffic and unfamiliar road conditions.
8. Avoid drinking and driving: Avoid alcohol if you plan to ride a scooter. Alcohol limits are strict and the police carry out regular checks.

Scooter provider on Phuket

You will find more than enough suppliers of scooters locally. You don't necessarily need to book a scooter before your trip. But you might want to take a look at what options you have, so I've picked out two scooter providers on Phuket for you.

BikesBooking.com

Address: online platform
Telephone: Not available
Opening hours: Available online 24/7
Website: BikesBooking.com

Rawai Scooter Rental

Address: 182, Wiset Rd, Rawai, Mueang, Phuket 83130, Thailand2
Phone: + 66 95 282 24362
Opening times: Not available
Website: Rawai Scooter Rental

2. Jogging and Nordic walking

Completing your daily run on Phuket is significantly less challenging than riding a scooter. During my time there, I ran almost every day - unless there was a thunderstorm. Then I skipped my run. In general, there are no limits to your imagination and creativity when you go jogging. You can plan your run as you wish – just like you would in Europe.

On the one hand, I went jogging in the Mai Khao region, which is particularly good there because it is very quiet at the airport. I always walked from my accommodation to the airport. This is a spectacular route because the planes fly low over your head.

I also went jogging in Nai Harn, which is also very quiet and pleasant. You can walk past the temple and the lake and walk around the rather quiet place. And thirdly, I went jogging on the beach in Rawai. The beach stretches for kilometers and you can get around very easily on the sand. Of course, you can also go running anywhere else on Phuket. The long bays of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon are ideal for running.

More information about running and jogging in Phuket

You can find ready-made running laps for your Phuket trip that you can run at AllTrails.

3. Hiking on Phuket

Hiking is an excellent way to explore Phuket. You will find numerous hiking trails on the island that you can walk and take you to remote, picturesque places. You can go hiking in Sirinat National Park, explore the city of Phuket and Koh Sire on foot or go on a hiking tour in the very south - again my recommendation - on Promthep Cape. The Baan Krating Peninsula in the far south also offers the opportunity to hike in the dense jungle.

As beautiful as hiking on Phuket is, be careful of wild animals - snakes and monitor lizards in particular can cross your path. You should also be careful on roads - road traffic is by far the biggest safety risk on Phuket.

More information about hiking in Phuket

You can find ready-made running laps for your Phuket trip that you can run at AllTrails.

4. Snorkeling and diving

When you're in Phuket, you can't avoid going snorkeling. The underwater world around the island is so rich in many places that you simply have to hop into the water with a snorkel and mask to take a look. But Thailand in general is also a place where many travelers go diving for the first time - take a diving course or even train to become a diving instructor. There's a good reason for that. There are many trustworthy diving centers and the overall atmosphere when diving is very casual. Ideal conditions to start diving.

Underwater world in Thailand is beautiful

The underwater world in Thailand is ideal for certified divers. Some dive sites actually offer world-class diving with huge schools of fish, barracuda, tuna, smaller reef sharks and sometimes even a whale shark. I have one Liveaboard in Thailand took part, which took me to the most beautiful spots in the country. But you don't have to go that far: there are colorful coral reefs, schools of fish and many other sea creatures to discover around Phuket and its smaller neighboring islands. With a bit of luck you can even see sharks, dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays.

Sea Bees Diving – my diving center recommendation for Phuket

• Address: 1/3 Moo 9, Viset Road, Chalong, Phuket 83130, Thailand
• Phone: +66 0 76 381 765
• E-mail: info@sea-bees.com
• Opening hours: 8:00 am - 20:00 pm
• Website: sea-bees.com

5. Phuket as a surfing destination?

I was quite surprised myself when I saw the surfing in the water at Karon and Kata Beach. And the waves that rolled towards the beach almost symmetrically, like in a wave pool. I didn't hesitate for long and borrowed a surfboard - and was in the water with it for hours. Several times. Because the surfing conditions in these bays were so ideal.

There are numerous surf schools on Kata and Karon Beach that rent boards and offer courses for all levels. On these beaches you can also meet and exchange ideas with other surfers.

My recommendation: Phuket Surfing Kata Beach – Surf School & Nautilus Dive

• Address: 186/1 katanoi road, karon, mueng phuket, Phuket 83100, Thailand
• Phone: +66 821062933
• Opening hours: daily 9: 00 - 19: 00 clock
• Website: phuketsurfing.com

6. Stand Up Paddling on Phuket

I love stand up paddling in Hamburg – and I love it even more in tropical destinations like Phuket. That's why I did a short lap on the board every day. Renting on the beaches is easy and unbureaucratic. You go to the nice lady at the rental shop, pay, take your board and throw yourself into the water. I really had fun doing it SUP on Phuket, because it's so informal and you have such beautiful scenery around you.

My advice: At the picturesque Ya Nui Beach in the very south of Phuket you can rent your SUP board and paddle to the picturesque island of Koh Man. This is a great experience. It's best to pack your snorkeling gear because the island is a great snorkeling spot. You can moor your board to the island and snorkel on site - a great experience!

Further information

You can do something like this sssphuket.com/ rent a board. You can also just go to the beach and grab a board there. They are offered almost everywhere.

7. Kayaking in Rawai

Basically you can kayak anywhere on Phuket. Boats are available for rental on almost all beaches. However, I had a particularly nice experience with the companions on Rawai Beach. We kayaked to the tiny neighboring island of Koh Lon. You can only reach this remote location by But there are of course other routes. For example, you can paddle from Ya Nui Beach to Koh Man Island, where you can enjoy wonderful snorkeling.

I love going paddling on vacation. Paddling allows you to enjoy the beauty of the coast and the crystal clear waters from a new perspective and gives you the opportunity to explore the underwater world if you have your snorkeling equipment with you.

Further information

The Seafarer Divers Phuket diving school in Rawai also focuses on kayaking. You can find more information here.

8. Sailing and jet skiing

On my last trip to Phuket I had an extensive one Sailing tour - one of the most beautiful experiences you can have in Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Accordingly, I would say that sailing is one of the most beautiful leisure activities on Phuket. You should definitely try it. You usually start at the Phuket Marina in the north near the airport and then explore the surrounding islands.

And speaking of water sports: a tour with the jet ski is a really exciting experience when you race over the surface of the water at 70 km/h per hour. I have to say, I've never been a fan of jet skiing, but since I tried it in Phuket, I've been hooked.

Further information

If you want to take a sailing tour around Phuket, I highly recommend the tour operator Sailwithus recommend to anyone planning sailing trips worldwide. I took part in a trip around Phuket – and was very excited. You can rent jet skis on practically every beach or go on a whole tour with them.

9. Riding a bike

I only briefly rented a bike on Phuket to try it out - and instead spent most of the time comfortably traveling on a scooter. But in general: Phuket is very popular with cyclists - especially in winter in the dry season, when the climate is pleasantly mild. Although I am not a keen cyclist myself, I have seen many road cyclists on the roads enjoying the island's beautiful scenery.

However, caution is also advised here, as the road traffic on Phuket is not always easy to manage - and cyclists are not always given the necessary consideration. It is strongly advisable to wear appropriate protective clothing and to be alert at all times. When renting a bike, you should also pay attention to the roadworthiness of your bike and the appropriate insurance.

My recommendation: Siam Biketours

Address: 21/9 Lagoon Rd, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand

Opening hours: daily 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 13:00 p.m. to 19:00 p.m. – closed on Sundays

Phone: +66 76 324 211

Website and dates: siambiketours.com

10. Massages and wellness

A Thai massage is the epitome of relaxation on a Phuket holiday. You can get an extensive massage for just ten euros per hour. After the treatment you will feel relaxed, like you are on the beach and like you have been reborn. A massage is exactly what you need, especially after an eventful day.

During my Phuket vacation, I had myself kneaded every day at Nid's Authentic Thai Massage in Nai Harn. The salon was very, very friendly and extremely professional. A Thai massage simply makes your vacation even more relaxing. The therapists always try very hard - so don't forget to leave plenty of tips.

My recommendation: Nid's Authentic Thai Massage in Nai Harn

• Address: 31/34 Moo1 Naiharn Rawai Muang Phuket 83130, Thailand
• Phone: +66 63 829 9422
• Opening hours: daily 10:00 a.m. to 23:00 p.m
• Website: Nid's Authentic Thai Massage at TripAdvisor

11.Meditation

Phuket – or Thailand in general – simply inspires contemplation, more mindfulness and meditation exercises. During my travels, I couldn't resist meditating on the beach in the morning or having a session in a particularly beautiful place during the day. This creates a unique moment and greatly increases mindfulness, relaxation and balance. You will then simply be more present and get much more out of your Phuket holiday. I can only warmly recommend this - it really helped me to let go of the stress when traveling.

A tip from me: Just take part in a yoga class or yoga retreat. You have so many options on Phuket.

Further information

You can get lots of useful information and dates about yoga courses and retreats on Phuket at Phuket Meditation Center and active in BookYogaRetreats.

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My experiences about the Land of Smiles

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The best Phuket leisure activities for your trip

My conclusion

I hope you got an idea of ​​what leisure and outdoor activities you can enjoy on Phuket. There's so much to do - hopefully you've planned enough days for your stay. If you have to limit yourself because you don't have much time, I would definitely recommend renting the scooter as it is particularly helpful for exploring the island and getting around flexibly.

Definitely diving and snorkeling

I would also strongly recommend diving and snorkeling because the underwater world around Phuket is so beautiful. But basically it's a matter of taste, of course. In this post I have put together a long list of possible Phuket activities for you - there is sure to be something that suits you.

Maybe these activities will help you enjoy your time on the infamous adventure island even more. Things to do and leisure activities are simply the be-all and end-all to really have a good time at a destination.

What leisure activities do you enjoy while on holiday in Thailand? Do you go jogging and have an active lifestyle? Share your experiences in the comments.