Phuket: Beyond the Beach

• A Land of Contrasts: Discover a port where ancient shrines sit comfortably alongside modern malls and neon nightlife.

• Ethical Encounters: We highlight the best ways to interact with Thailand’s wildlife, from the Soi Dog Foundation to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.

• Action Packed: From Muay Thai training to surfing on dry land, find out how to get your adrenaline fix.

If you have the Thai island of Phuket on your cruise itinerary, brace yourself. This is not just another beach stop; it is a destination defined by its contrasts and contradictions.

Phuket is a place where you can munch on fried insects from a street vendor on Bangla Road whilst looking at a Starbucks across the street.

It is a place where you can shop in the ultra-modern Central Festival mall one minute, and be trekking through the lush jungle the next.

While the pull of Patong Beach is strong, to go straight from the port to a sun lounger would be a missed opportunity. Here are our top suggestions for exploring this hot, heady hotspot.

Cultural Highlights

The Big Buddha

Even if you are not religious, the temples in Phuket are a spectacle. The island’s most famous landmark is the Big Buddha, a gleaming white marble monument sitting high on the Nakkerd Hills. Measuring an impressive 45 metres tall, it is visible from half the island.

• The Visit: You can hike up if you are feeling energetic, but a taxi is a much cooler option! The views from the top are as jaw-dropping as the statue itself.

• Tip: Dress modestly. Bikinis and Buddhas don't mix! Sarongs are usually available to borrow at the visitor centre.

Wat Chalong & Wat Khao Rang

If you have time, visit the intricate Wat Chalong temple (said to house a splinter of Buddha’s bone) or the gleaming golden Buddha at Wat Khao Rang. Both are worth an hour of your time for a dose of serenity.

Blue Elephant Cookery School

Want to take a skill home rather than a souvenir? The Blue Elephant Cookery School is an institution in Phuket. Their morning and afternoon classes will teach you the secrets of Royal Thai cuisine. Forget the Friday night takeaway - you’ll be the chef from now on!

Animal Encounters (The Ethical Way)

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Just a trunk's length away from the tourist centre, you will find the island's lush jungle. While riding elephants is often advertised, it is harmful to the animals and not encouraged.

Instead, visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. They are renowned for their high standards of animal care, allowing you to observe these majestic mammals in their natural habitat responsibly.

Soi Dog Foundation

Missing your pooch back home? The Soi Dog Foundation is a rescue centre for stray dogs and cats that does incredible work in the region. You can visit to learn about their mission and even volunteer for a few hours.

• Warning: You will want to take them all home with you.

Monkey Hill

This spot does exactly what it says on the tin. Located in Phuket Town, this hill is home to troops of macaques waiting for a snack. Buy some bananas from the waiting vendors and watch them in their home environment - a much better alternative to the captive monkeys often seen in tourist areas.

• Tip: Feed the big monkeys first and leave the babies alone to avoid any drama!

Action & Adventure

Play Tarzan & Jane

If the high ropes course on your ship isn't quite high enough, head to Xtrem Adventures. Their treetop aerial courses and zip lines take you right into the jungle canopy. It is a thrilling way to see the island - just don't look down!

Say Aloha!

Not sailing on a ship with a surf simulator? No problem. Head to Surf House Phuket, a beachfront club with its own double FlowRider. You can ride the artificial waves while enjoying a burger and a drink, all just a few steps from the white sands of Kata Beach.

Warrior Training

Thailand is the home of Muay Thai. If you want to sweat it out, book a session at the Phuket Dragon Muay Thai Camp or the Maximum Fitness and Combat Center. Be sure to buy a t-shirt to wear in the ship’s gym for extra cool points.

Go-Karts

Feel the need for speed? Phuket has several tracks, including Phuket Kart and Patong Speedway, where you can rev your engines and race your fellow cruisers. Just watch out for stray banana skins!

Family Fun & Quirky Attractions

The Trickeye Museum & Upside Down House

If the weather takes a turn, these indoor attractions are perfect for families. The Upside Down House (Baan Teelanka) lets you take photos walking on the ceiling, while the Trickeye Museum uses optical illusions to make it look like you are floating or being eaten by sharks. It is perfect fodder for your Facebook feed.

Chamber of Secrets

Escape the heat and test your brainpower at this puzzle attraction. It is a real-life "escape room" experience where families have to work together to solve mysteries and unlock doors.

Dino Park Mini Golf

Is the mini-golf on the ship not themed enough? Dino Park features life-size dinosaurs, a prehistoric-themed bar, and a Flintstones-style burger joint. It is brilliant for kids who refuse to sit still on the beach.

Shopping & Nightlife

Bangla Road

In daylight hours, this famous street in Patong is a great place to shop for cut-price tailoring or simply to people-watch. It is a sensory overload of sights, smells, and sounds.

• Tip: If you have kids, drop them at the Kids Club Phuket indoor playground on Bangla Road so you can explore the area worry-free.

Central Festival Mall

If street vendors aren't your thing, the air-conditioned Central Festival Mall offers a high-street experience with a Thai twist.

If you need a rest, the SFX Coliseum Cinema offers luxury seats and blankets for a fraction of the price back home.

Alternative Beaches

If you simply must do a beach day but want to avoid the crushed crowds of Patong, head to its neighbours.

• Kamala Beach: Located just north of Patong, it offers a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe.

• Karon Beach: Located to the south, it features a long stretch of squeaky white sand and is generally quieter than the main strip.

You could easily spend a year docking in Phuket and still not see everything this vibrant island has to offer.

So step off the sand, embrace the chaos, and discover why the Pearl of the Andaman is a port of call like no other.