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Weekend Market

Written by lotta on . Posted in markets, shopping.

We love to visit the weekend market. You don’t need too much money as it is supercheap and the atmosphere is vibrant and lively. There are rows and rows of small cubicles and stalls selling all kinds of interesting items.

We enjoy poking around in the individual boutiques as the clothing is unique and one-off items. Many of the designers are fresh out of college and trying to make a name for themselves so we like to support their creativity. Saying that however, the sizes are quite small as Thai people are not as large as us foreigners!

Market Cuisine

Our favourite part of the market is the food section. Make sure you go with an empty stomach as the choice is immense and the food delicious. We like to sit down and eat first and then check out the rest of the food stalls in search of fruit, a smoothie or something sweet. There’s always something new we haven’t tasted before – although we haven’t the stomach to try the fried beetles and insects yet.

The best time to go is early evening before it gets too busy and as it’s cooler. Most of the market is under cover now, so if it rains you don’t get soaked to the skin. At some point we find ourselves at the second-hand section where you can get some real bargains. You have to sift through the rails, but more often than not we come away with a few tops and skirts for under 100 baht.

There’s a real mix of people at the market, the Thai locals, expats and tourists come in search of good deals. They have some funky bars now too, just like in Chattuchak Market in Bangkok. Put your bags down, order a cocktail and watch the shoppers while you rest your feet. If there’s time we fit in a quick foot massage too!

Cats & Dogs

There is a gloomier side to the market however, and one we try to avoid as it makes us sad and even angry. This is the pet section where small dogs and cats, and other animals, are kept in tiny cages. The dogs have come from puppy farms which is a business to be discouraged. It’s too heart-breaking when they look at you with their sad eyes thinking you might be there to take them home.

Join MV Phuket Champagne for a Phang Nga bay boat tour where the limestone cliffs and tropical lagoons will amaze you.

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Homestays in Phuket

Written by lotta on . Posted in accommodation.

Forget expensive resorts and hotel rooms that look the same all over the world. Think out of the box next time you travel, make the decision to book a homestay for a welcome change.

Homestays are more affordable for those on a budget. Popular all over the world, whether it’s a city location or off the beaten track. The idea is very simple – locals rent out spare rooms in their homes to tourists and travellers. Prices can be very cheap, particularly in Phuket during low season when there aren’t as many people around.

Airbnb has plenty of low-priced accommodation, including a range of homestays in Thailand. You can also check out booking.com, Agoda and TripAdvisor for more options and rates.

Living with your host makes the travel experience much more homely and real, in some accommodations you are even treated as part of the family. This is the best way to gain a better understanding into the culture, and get to meet the locals. You’ll find the best places to eat and can pick the brains of your host as much as you like!

Every stay will be unique, which is why it is so exciting to choose a homestay. Some hosts will welcome you to the dinner table with their family. Others will just be around to answer your questions and help with reservations, bookings, or organising Phuket boat trips.

Homestays are different from hotel stays as you can live as a local person does, not on the outside as a tourist. Often the people who welcome you into their home will also invite you along to any activities or events they are going to. Phuket has some major events throughout the year including Songkran, the Vegetarian Festival and the Loy Krathong Festival. Your hosts will know where to go and what to see at these important Thai celebrations.

Voluntary Work

There is another type of homestay in Thailand where you stay in the local community whilst doing voluntary work. For example, in Southern Thailand you can experience the traditional Thai way of life whilst giving a helping hand. There are all kinds of opportunities available but one of the most popular is teaching English to children and adults. Volunteers also help farming communities and other programs.

MV Phuket Champagne offers Join-in tours to Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi island boat tour and tours from Khao Lak excursions . Our prices are affordable and our trips unique.

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Kids Play Parks in Phuket

Written by lotta on . Posted in activities.

There’s a lot more to our island than beaches and sunsets, the choice of Phuket attractions and activities available are numerous. Many of them we didn’t even know about ourselves, until we started to look for fun things to do with family and friends when they visit.

Rawai Park

Rawai Park opened last year and is already very successful, particularly with families with children. Covering an area of more than 4000sqm, it’s designed for kids of all ages and is a safe and fun place to hang out for the day.

There are many different areas of the park to explore and you could easily spend the whole day here. The water zone has slides and fountains, and the playzone 4 playground sets. There’s an indoor playroom with aircon, ball pit, carousels, and a climbing wall. Outside is a 10m-tall rope climbing tower, and the green zone offers a mini football field and basketball court.

50 FLY!

Close to Phuket Town is 50 FLY! Trampoline Club. Calling itself an ‘extreme play park’ it’s designed for sports lovers and thrill seekers. Featuring trampolines, slacklining and a climbing wall, it’s a safe place to do gymnastics, acrobatics and parkour.

They offer free time on the trampoline, or you can book lessons with a coach if you’re really into it. They also give the opportunity to book the whole place for birthday parties. This is a pretty cool place for kids actually and a great activity for groups or individuals.

Rollerball Zorbing

Rollerball is situated in the hills overlooking Kalim Beach. If you have never experienced this before then do try and go. It’s a real laugh and suitable for groups of friends, couples and families. It’s not a good idea to take very young children as it can be a bit bumpy – people have been known to get a few bruises along the way.

Basically, you climb into a huge flexible plastic ball through a tube and are then rolled down a 190m hill track. The balls are called zorbs and big enough to hold two adults comfortably. They are very tough; there are two layers with air in-between and once you are inside the staff pump water into this space so you can, try to, stand up. Be aware you might be bounced around as you roll downhill.

After all the excitement at the park it’s time to jump onboard La Moet comfortable and kids friendly boat for an Phuket snorkelling tours. We offer comfort and spectacular views of Phuket from another viewpoint.

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Let’s Go Surfing Phuket

Written by lotta on . Posted in activities.

Phuket weather is tropical and we have a lot of sunshine. You won’t need to bring a lot of clothes if you come to surf, as most of your time will be spent on the beach. It’s very laid-back and casual here and people are friendly. There’s no time to be bored – there’s just too much to see and do, or you can do absolutely nothing at all.

High season is late November to early April and the island can feel crowded during these months with a lot of traffic on the roads. During the rest of the year there’s less people and more space for us on the beaches! The end of April to September are generally the best time to surf.

Surfing isn’t one of the most popular activities here as the waves are nothing in comparison to places like Australia and Hawaii. However, the west coast does attract surfers and its reputation is growing.

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Best Surf

There are places to rent boards if you haven’t brought your own, or to take lessons if a beginner. Kata Beach is probably the main destination for surfers, renowned for its reliable surf. Surf House in Kata is worth a mention as it offers a safe place to learn at any time of the year with its ‘Flow Rider Simulator Machine’.

It’s common to see surfers at Nai Harn Beach too. You should spot them at the south end where there’s a sandbank that gives a fast ride. The best place to surf at Patong Beach is at the north end, where the waves can be quite good, fast, and open to the wind.

When the waves aren’t up to scratch on any of the main beaches you’ll find surfers-in-the-know heading to Kalim Beach, as it’s protected from the swell. There’s also some surfing possible at Kamala, Bang Tao, Surin and Laem Singh Beach.

Surfing Competitions

There are 3 annual surfing competitions in Phuket. Hosted at Kata Beach for the last 7 years is the Phuket Surfing Contest, popular as the cash prizes are over 100,000 baht. Kalim Surf Contest at Kalim Beach is organized by members of the Phuket Board Rider Club, and Kamala Go Surfing Contest at Kamala Beach recently had their 13th annual contest.

At MV Champagne we know all the hidden coves, special snorkelling places and amazing views around the island. Join us for Phuket boat trips.

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Phuket Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Written by lotta on . Posted in activities.

If we’re not out on our Phi Phi island boat tour on Sundays,then generally we are out and about doing odd jobs and trying to fit in some relaxation time. Typically, we get up late and go out for roti, this is a Thai style pancake that can be eaten with curry or sweet milk depending on which you prefer. Most Thai people like everything super-sweet so we only eat one, otherwise we overdose on the sugar!

After our delicious roti, we get our jobs done. This can be anything from cleaning the boat, doing some shopping, answering emails or updating photos on TripAdvisor. After our chores are done it’s time to relax. If the sun is shining, we head to the beach and chill there for a few hours, sunbathing and swimming.

Mangroves

Last week we decided to try something new. We were invited by friends to go paddle boarding, and as it sounded like a lot of fun we happily accepted. It did involve waking up at 5.30 as that was when the tide would be high, and we wanted to avoid being out in the midday sun. We made our own way to the meeting point where we met our guide, Ten.

Khun Ten has been registered as a tour guide for the past 5 years around Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Khao Sok and Khao Lak. His knowledge of Phuket waters is vast and he takes his customers to all the best places for paddle boarding adventures.

We had a demonstration on how to move from sitting position to standing on the board without falling off, and how to use the paddle properly. Then we were out on the water fending for ourselves.

Peace & Quiet

It didn’t take too long before we were standing upright, which is why this activity is called Stand-Up Paddle Boarding! We meandered through the mangroves in the north-east of the island, it was peaceful and the water very calm. It was so shallow in some places that you could even get off the board and have a quick swim about.

There was no-one else around at that time of morning to spoil our experience, and it was still cool enough that we didn’t have to worry about sunburn. Far away from Phuket tourist places the atmosphere was quiet and still.

The warm and clear waters here are the ideal setting to try out this sporting activity. You don’t have to be very fit or have any previous experience either, which makes it right for nearly everyone.

We had a great day out, and a big breakfast after as we were starving after all that exercise and sunshine. We’d definitely recommend it as an activity to enjoy here and are keen to book our next tour.

Our boat tours aboard La Moet  offer a unique and relaxed way to see the mangrove forests of Phuket.

 

Phuket, It’s a Circus!

Written by lotta on . Posted in activities.

Most people come to Phuket for the beaches, stunning viewpoints and nightlife. This is enough entertainment for most of us, but if you have kids we all know how demanding they can be and how difficult it can be to keep them happy.

There are plenty of child-friendly Phuket attractions, but one of our favourites is the circus school. There’s nothing more exciting than learning skills that enable you to swing through the air on a trapeze. Now, if that doesn’t put a smile on your kids’ faces then we give up!

Circus Academy

Mid-Air Circus Arts Academy is a training academy in circus skills for beginners and advanced students. Based at British International School they have a full-sized flying trapeze and teach the basic aerial arts. Imagine your kids having the confidence to swing upside-down from the bar, or catch the arms of someone hanging from the gantry!

Anyone can sign up for a few lessons, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced professional, an adult or a child – all are welcome. You can join in the general classes or book private lessons.

More and more people are realising the number of physical benefits involved by learning the aerial arts. The skills taught in class are a unique way to keep fit, help to focus, and improve flexibility and strength. The blend of technique alongside the visual aspect offer skills that are challenging and fun, whilst maintaining your body’s level of fitness.

Safety standards are high and the instructors are fully qualified and experienced. They’re also very passionate and keen to teach their skills to anyone who wants to try.

There’s a variety of programmes to join, including the Flying Trapeze Program, and the Aerial Arts Program. They also offer intensive courses for 5 or 7 days if you’re keen. The school is located centrally and easy to get to from most places on the island.

KidzSole Flying Trapeze

Right up at the northern tip of Phuket on Mai Khao beach is KidzSole Flying Trapeze, in the grounds of the Micky Monkey Beach Hotel.

They have a trapeze and 40-piece obstacle course with a challenging array of trampolines. Equipment also includes tightropes, vaulting horses and stilts, they even have human hamster balls – these are a lot of fun and great for kids’ parties.

Suitable for all ages they can also accommodate those with disabilities. The owner undertakes all the safety aspects himself and has plenty of experience, as do the team of skilled instructors.

The trapeze facilities are on the beach, but it’s not too hot as there are plenty of trees running along the shore offering shade. It’s a cool area for activities and for chilling out whilst enjoying the view – particularly the sunset. Phuket snorkelling tours are always a popular activity with kids too. 

At MV Champagne, we are available for private boat tours Phuket and promise to whisk you away to sights that are unbelievable.

 

 

 

 

Get Back to Nature in Phuket

Written by lotta on . Posted in activities.

The Botanic Garden in Chalong offers a different view of Phuket tourist places, far removed from the bars and clubs, busy beaches and bustling markets. The gardens are open to the public and sure to be of interest to anyone with a love of plants and flowers. Take your time when visiting as the gardens cover 15-rai of land and the displays are remarkable.

With more than 30 zones to explore, each with its own unique features and plant collections, you can spend a few good hours here. Along with being a tourist attraction, the gardens are also a research centre for many rare plant species.

The Tropical Palm Garden is very pretty and there are exotic plant species in the Rainforest Garden, check out the waterfall as you can walk right through it. We loved the cactus garden with its impressive 50 varieties, and the Aromatic Fragrant Gardens are charming.

Learn more about the fruits native to Southeast Asia at the Fruit Orchard – bananas and mangos, mangosteens and jackfruits, rose apples and lychee and many more. Then meander over to the Orchid Pavilion to admire the hundreds of different tropical orchids, many of them unusual and valuable.

At the Herb Garden, you can learn all about the use of herbal plants in the Thai community and culture, and their medicinal benefits.

The exhibition of a Thai farmers life gives an interesting insight into how the farmers work the land, in the past and today. There’s a rice paddy, traditional bamboo house and vegetable garden on display. It explains what kinds of crops they plant and how, years ago, country people lived off the land with little need for money.

Take a stroll around the pond and get up close to the beautiful water lilies, lotuses and Japanese carp. Don’t miss the Winter Garden as the air-conditioned room is a welcome respite from the heat. Most of the flowers and trees are native to the northern part of Thailand, and there’s Thai-style spirit houses and wooden artefacts on display that demonstrate the art of Thai workmanship.

Phuket Orchid Farm

Another option for Phuket island tours is the Orchid Farm, open since 1975. It has over 1,500 different hybrids and species on show.  The vibrancy of the colours is delightful and the garden setting shaded and cool.

Just be aware that there’s not really that much to do here apart from admiring the beautiful orchids. You could always try the delicious homemade passionfruit and mango ice cream of course! They also have a small range of orchid-related jewellery on sale. The pieces are unique – created from real orchid flowers and coated with 24k gold plating.

It’s possible to buy an orchid as a gift to take home, ask the staff for advice on which orchid is best for your climate. However, according to some reviews on TripAdvisor, some countries stop you at customs and confiscate them, so keep that in mind before you buy.

La Moet welcomes everyone onboard for Phuket day tours, join us for a fun packed day and bring along your friends and family.

A Game of Phuket Golf or Tennis?

Written by lotta on . Posted in activities.

Fabulous shopping, a vibrant night life, delicious dishes, and a first-class snorkelling and scuba diving destination. Phuket has plenty to please everyone. The range of accommodation available attracts all kinds of tourists, with modest guest houses and bed and breakfasts to first-class hotel chains.

Lots of visitors like to play sport, try a new activity or keep up with their exercise schedule, even whilst on holiday. There’s plenty to do in Phuket to keep moving, anything from Muay Thai and yoga, to running, swimming and cycling to name just a few.

Tennis Club

Phuket Sports & Tennis Club is in the south of the island in a beautiful green setting. There’s quite a range on offer, including beach volleyball and tennis, or try your hand at archery, badminton, croquet or petanque, there’s even a swimming pool. If you’re interested in improving your tennis skills they have qualified tennis coaches that can be booked on request.

The indoor games room has pool and snooker tables, dart boards, table tennis and carpet bowls. There’s also a fishing lake kept stocked with all kinds of sport and edible fish. Membership, and even some of the activities, are free, and with a children’s playground you can see why it’s popular with families.

Another option is Thanyapura Phuket, they have put together tennis packages where you can train whilst here on holiday and offer private tennis lessons. There are other tennis courts around the island, check at your resort or online for one near to you.

Golf Courses

Golfing holidays are very popular, even whilst on a Phuket honeymoon. Whatever your handicap, you’re guaranteed to be pleased with the high standards. They offer a combination of spectacular sea views, tropical surroundings and challenging courses for beginners and experienced golfers.

Some people choose to stay in the club accommodation and spend the whole holiday immersed in the golfing world, whilst others find a hotel close by.

All the courses attract a mix of beginners, intermediates and professionals. Here’s a quick rundown of the 6 courses in Phuket.

Mission Hills is an18-hole green created by Nicklaus Design. Surrounded by rubber plantations and mangrove forests it’s conveniently close to the airport.

Red Mountain is one of Asia’s most interesting courses as it winds its way through the rock-strewn landscape of an old tin mine.

Loch Palm is popular with visitors and resident’s due to its central location.

Blue Canyon Country Club is regarded as one of the most significant golf clubs in Asia with two high-quality championship courses.

Located in the hills between Phuket Town and Patong Beach, Phuket Country Club was the first course to offer championship-high standards. There are two parts to the course, a 9-hole and an 18-hole course.

Laguna Golf is an inspiring course based within the Laguna Resort complex.

MV Phuket Champagne understands what’s essential for the perfect boat trip. A sunset cruise, sparkling sea, sunshine and first-class service – we can provide them all.

 

 

Water Sports in Phuket

Written by lotta on . Posted in activities.

Phuket is a major tourist destination popular for its glorious beaches, magnificent scenery and outlandish nightlife. These, along with a well-developed infrastructure, are just some of the attractions that encourage thousands of tourists to visit.

We are lucky enough to have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea. The warmth of Phuket weather, and the sea temperature, makes it the perfect setting for water play.

The best time to visit, to ensure you spend as much time on the water as possible, is between November and April. The skies are clear and blue and the weather good for weeks on end. Between May and October, we call it low or rainy season, the winds can cause bigger waves. This can mean no boat trips out and, on certain days, even be unsafe for swimmers.

Holidaymakers keen to join in the water-based activities and sports will be pleased to find numerous companies catering to their needs. The most popular excursions are for diving and snorkelling trips. However, there’s also lots of organized classes and lessons available for sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, paddle-boarding and windsurfing. And don’t worry if you’re not feeling so energetic, there’s always the chance to join a relaxing boat trip to the islands around Phuket.

Kiteboarding

Phuket is ideal for Kiteboarding or kitesurfing and many choose to take their first lessons here for different reasons. Tuition is inexpensive, the weather is hot and the sea calm and flat for most of the year.

There are a few schools with qualified instructors and first-rate equipment. If you have your own gear then feel free to bring that along and they will teach you how to use it properly and safely. Contact the individual school to find out more details.

SUP

Stand-up paddle boarding, or SUP for short, has finally hit the island big-time. No previous experience or qualifications are needed for this fun sport, just a sense of adventure and a lesson or two to learn the best techniques.

The basics in SUP teach you how to keep balance on the surfboard, use the long-handle paddle properly, and deal with waves. There are a few companies providing lessons, equipment rental, and trips around the island.
 

Windsurfing

Windsurfing is increasing in popularity as the islands winds are constant most of the year, and many of its beaches are suitable for this kind of sport. You can find equipment to rent and teaching schools providing private lessons for 1, or courses for groups at Patong Beach, Kata Beach and others.

Beginners are taught the basic techniques with some theory, and get the chance to practice out on the water. Generally, once the basic skill of standing up on the board has been mastered the progression to intermediate level can be quite quick. You’ll find yourself gliding along at a decent speed in no time.

Choose to spend the day on comfortable MV Champagne for Phuket boat tours where you can jump right into the ocean from our boat – so refreshing and cool!

Have a Gay Time in Phuket

Written by lotta on . Posted in nightlife.

Thailand is the land of sanuk, this means it is a lot of fun. Thai people like to smile and they love to laugh. They adore slapstick and you will rarely see them angry as they believe by losing your temper, you lose face.

Thailand is acknowledged as one of the most open-minded countries in Asia regarding homosexuality. Thais are private people, and similarly don’t generally interfere or judge how others live. As the Thais are fond of saying, “It’s up to you.”

Phuket is the largest island, and one of the most popular with tourists. Holidaymakers arrive here from all over the world to check out its beautiful beaches, dramatic bays, national parks, busy markets and fabulous coastline.

Patong

Phuket nightlife is lively and the place to party is Patong. There’s lots of gay accommodation available within walking distance of the beach, and many bars popular with members of the gay community. We would say that every bar and club here is gay-friendly.

Walk down the most visited street in Patong, Bangla Road. You’re sure to be waylaid by flamboyant ladyboys, eager to tempt tourists into the bars and clubs or to watch a cabaret show. Although this might not be your kind of thing it just demonstrates how easy-going Thai people are.

Although it can be very sabai sabai here, you should always remember that this is not your country and it’s impossible to understand any culture in just a few weeks. We have been here for nearly 20 years and still have misunderstandings at times.

What you might know as acceptable in the west doesn’t necessarily mean that it is in Asia. For example, whilst in Europe we might not look twice at a couple having a snog, here in Thailand public displays of affection are frowned upon. Just be aware that the Thai culture is very old compared to most western societies, and this makes it unique in the way it deals with things.

Phuket Pride

Pride is an annual event organised by The Phuket Loves You Club. Their objective is to support the LGBT community and plan events, like an Private charter, to bring the community together. The money raised helps support various programs, such as HIV Prevention, Education and Treatment.

TropOut Festival

TropOut is ‘a festival for the modern gay traveller’ – the next event is scheduled for 2018. They organise parties at several venues, next year they have plans for Café del Mar, Dream Beach, and Level 1, amongst others. Expect a blend of relaxed afternoon pool parties and wild, late nights.

If you do visit, then it would be a shame to miss out on a Phuket cruise to one of the nearby islands. Join us at La Moet to visit the Phi Phi Islands or Phang Nga Bay, where the clear waters and white sandy beaches are the purest you’ve ever seen.

Recharging & Rejuvenation

Written by lotta on . Posted in Blog.

In Phuket, we only really have 2 seasons. They’re called by a variety of names – the dry season and the wet season, the hot season and the rainy season or monsoon season, and the high season and low season.

High season in Phuket generally starts in November and runs through to May. It can be a crazy busy time as we start work when the sun rises and work through until late in the evening. Tourists flock to the island, and our boat, MV Champagne, is out every day taking sightseers to the most beautiful places as Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay.  

We can be busy from early morning to late evening as thousands of tourists arrive on the island daily. The time goes so quickly, it always seems that high season is over in a flash. Suddenly low season is with us again.

Seasons

After May things start to slow down and low season really kicks in. There aren’t as many visitors during these months because of the monsoon rains. The rain is unpredictable in Phuket, we can’t say for sure that it will rain every day during July, for example. Every year the amount of rainfall differs.

Rainy Season

Some years the rain can be constant and the skies grey for days on end. Others it can be especially dry with weeks and weeks of sunshine scattered with a few heavy showers. Sometimes there is so little rain that the reservoirs can’t cope with high demand during the busy season.

Monsoon here isn’t that bad. You could wake up to a big storm with high winds and heavy rainfall, then by the afternoon the skies are blue again and the rain has disappeared. May and September are usually the wettest months, but not always. The sea can be rough during the low season and not always suitable for swimming and sailing.

This is the time to take stock. There’s a lot of maintenance to do on a wooden boat as big as MV Champagne.

Once the busy season is over we send her to the shipyard where she gets her beauty treatments. She gets her botox and fillers, and has a mini-facelift to get her looking beautiful in time for the busy months. We want her looking her absolute best for all the tourists.

The deck is scrubbed down, new paint applied, the wood sanded in preparation to be varnished, and faded furnishings are replaced, ready for more Phuket boat trips. 

The kitchen gets a face-lift too and old appliances are thrown away and replaced. We look at our menu and come up with some new recipes that we are sure guests will enjoy.

Our carpenters have over 100 years of experience, and we call in the painters, mechanic’s and welders to get Champagne looking ship-shape. Even the engine room gets a tweak and oil to keep her running smoothly and to provide relaxed boat tours in Phuket.

Don’t think while they are working hard that we are sitting back relaxing! At La Moet, we see our team as family, and family are great for helping out! We take up a paintbrush, get on our hands and knees to scrub and varnish and run out for supplies and snacks.

Visit Phang Nga Bay by boat with La Moet and view its dramatic scenery, unique cave systems and tropical lagoons.

 

 

Phuket Health & Fitness

Written by lotta on . Posted in activities, beauty, health.

Phuket is a great destination for anyone eager to get fit as it offers heaps of activities and sports, along with meditation and health treatments. Whether your thing is running, swimming, cycling, MMA, yoga or lifting weights, then you can do it here on our beautiful island.

In-between working out there’s plenty of opportunity to chill on the beach and relax, go for a massage or sauna, visit Phuket Big Buddha, eat some wonderful food and even meditate. We have it all in Phuket.

You don’t even need to spend a lot of money getting fit either, there are plenty of activities that are free. We have lakes and dams popular with runners, joggers, cyclists and walkers. Swim in the ocean, or visit one of the many swimming pools and get the lengths in.

In certain locations, there are areas that have been fitted out with gym equipment. Cycle bikes, rowing machines and treadmills are freely available. Tourists, local Thai people and expats embrace the chance to exercise.

If money is no problem then join a gym or use the facilities at a top resort. There are heaps of fitness centers and resorts offering exercise classes and high-tech gym equipment. They welcome drop-in customers or those here for longer. At most gyms, it’s possible to pay per visit or monthly. Phuket is also well-known for its great Muay Thai gyms.

Practice Yoga Phuket

Yoga can help maximise your relaxation during your holiday, and Phuket is the ideal place to practice. Take advantage of the tranquil surroundings and many kinds of classes on offer. It’s possible to join a yoga class at one of the larger hotels, or there are professional studios at various locations around the island where drop-in sessions are available.

One of our favourite salas is The Ganesha Yoga Shala where they use the Ashtanga yoga sequence that maximizes body tone, detoxifies and increases all-round health, flexibility, strength and balance.

Sauna and Steam

Phuket Sauna and steam treatments are popular and very affordable. You can hang out at the sauna for hours and pay just 150 baht. A great way to relax, some offer additional services including massage, jacuzzi and ice bath.

Phuket is a picture-perfect place to escape to when stressed or dog-tired. Even if you only have a few weeks to spare, it’s enough to start you on the path to a healthy lifestyle. Join Phuket day tours for some insight into local life.

Join a Meditation Class

Meditation for a lot of people can lead to a greater meaning and fulfilment, for others it can help improve athletic performance or reduce anxiety and stress. At Thanyapura they offer mind training which helps achieve mental balance and well-being through cultivating and integrating the balance in different areas of the mind.

Dharana Meditation and Retreat Center is based in Chalong and organizes Mindfulness Retreats with regular free meditation classes. Their teachings are based on Thai Theravada Buddhism.

Enjoy a trip with La Moet with stunning sights of lagoons, mangrove forests and limestone cliffs on a Phang Nga bay boat tour We guarantee the trip in this stunning  bay will be one of the highlights of your holiday in Thailand.