Visit a Wat (Temple)

The culture of Thailand is heavily influenced by Buddhism... There are of course many temples in Phuket, but the most popular is Wat Chalong which is situated to the southeast of Phuket City.

Wat Phra Tong is also a popular attraction for both visitors and local residents. Phra Tong means "Golden Buddha" One attraction is that the upper half of the golden Buddha image appears to sprout up from the ground. The temple is located on Thepkrasattri Road 20 kilometres from Phuket City.
Wat Khao Nakkerd is on the top of Nakkerd Hill where a huge Buddha statue is being built. The hill offers 360 degree panoramic views. From Wat Chalong, drive towards Chalong and turn right at Soi Yodsane. Follow this road for six kilometres. The route is marked by yellow flags.

When you visit a temple remember to remove your shoes, hat and sunglasses before entering the temple building and to dress modestly. If you sit in front of any religious artifact such as a Buddha image, you should not point your feet towards the object. Importantly, women should not attempt to touch a monk.

Try Home Stay

Would you like to experience our local cultural flow and way of life? Try a "home stay". An example is Kho Yao Community Based Ecotourism Club, which offers tour itineraries.

The tours can include the experience of traditional fishing for prawns and fish with a hinged floating basket or net. Try your hand at the printing of batiks. You could also visit the fruit orchards or a coconut plantation where monkeys do the work.

Koh Yao is a Muslim community so guests are asked to refrain from alcohol and to wear modest clothing whilst visiting. Accommodation including three meals is 650 baht/person/night.

For more information: Koh Yao Homestay - Tel: +66 (0)76 597428, +66 (0)89 723 5367
E-mail: kohyao07@gmail.com, Website: www.kohyaohomestay.com

Try Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)

Saphan Hin Stadium in Phuket City stages regular demonstrations by well-trained martial arts experts and there are plenty of schools on the island offering training in Muay Thai. If you prefer a quiet gym, then Rawai Muay Thai Camp in the south of the island might be suitable for you. If you plan to watch a Muai Thai fight for real, you should visit the Boxing Stadium located in Bangla Road, Patong.

Where to go:
Saphan Hin Stadium-Saphan Hin, Phuket City.
Bouts are held every Friday evening from about 8pm.

Rawai Muay Thai Camp-Rawai
Tel: +66 (0)81 476 9377, Website: www.rawaimuaythai.com.

Phuket Muay Thai Camp and Gym-Kata Beach
Tel: +66 (0)76 284090, Website: www.phuket-muay-thai.com

Learn to Cook Thai Food

The unique and exotic flavor of Thai cuisine is well-known throughout the world. If you love Thai food and want to learn how it’s done, it is worth taking a day or two of your holiday to attend a Thai cooking class. You get to sample what you have made!

In Phuket there are several cooking schools that offer excellent courses where you can learn directly from professional Thai cooks. The classes range from half-day sessions to advanced courses covering several weeks.

Classes are offered at the following:
Mom Tri's Boathouse-Tel: +66 (0)76 330015-7, Website: www.boathousephuket.com

Kangsadaan Thai Cooking school-Land & House Park, Chaiyapruerk
Tel: +66 (0)89 651 1064, Website: www.kangsadaan.com

Sukko Spa, which also offers 'Thai cultural courses'
Tel: +66 (0)76 263222, Website: www.sukkospa.com