Sports and Activities in Phuket

Sports and Activities in Phuket

Phuket offers a lot more than lying on the beach. The island has a surprisingly wide range of activities, from casual fun to serious training. You can spend a morning snorkelling off a quiet beach, an afternoon ziplining through the jungle, and an evening at a Muay Thai camp. Most activities are available year-round, though water conditions are best during the high season (November to April) and some sports like surfing and kitesurfing only work during the rainy season (May to October).

Water Sports

The sea is warm all year, and water sports are a big part of what makes Phuket popular. During the high season, the west coast beaches are calm and perfect for swimming, snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. When the monsoon arrives, the same beaches get waves, and that is when surfers and kitesurfers take over. Wakeboarding is available year-round at cable parks near Kathu. Parasailing and jet skiing are offered on the busier tourist beaches, though jet skis have a reputation for scams and are best avoided.

Land Sports and Activities

On land, Phuket has become a serious destination for fitness and martial arts. Muay Thai camps attract fighters and fitness travellers from around the world, and the Soi Taiad area in Chalong has turned into a hub for gyms, CrossFit boxes, and combat sports. For something more relaxed, there are golf courses on the island, zipline adventures in the Kathu jungle, ATV tours through the hills, and go-kart tracks near Patong.

Golf Courses in Phuket

Phuket has seven golf courses and two more just across the bridge in Phang Nga province. The courses range from championship-level layouts to more casual options. Red Mountain Golf Club is carved out of an old tin mine with dramatic elevation changes and is considered the most challenging course on the island. Blue Canyon Country Club has two 18-hole courses and has hosted the Johnnie Walker Classic. Loch Palm, right next to Red Mountain, is more forgiving and popular with casual players. Green fees vary by course and season, but expect to pay more during the high season months. Caddy service is included at all courses, which is standard in Thailand. Early morning tee times are recommended to avoid the worst of the heat.