Exciting Things to Do in Phuket for Thrill Seekers in Paradise
Get your pulse racing with these adrenaline-fueled, exciting activities in Phuket.
If the parties of Bodega Phuket aren’t enough for you, it’s great to mix in some excitement along with your beach time in Phuket. Those with a sense of adventure can get their adrenaline fix gliding, hanging and swinging their way across the island. We’ve picked some of the best to give your holiday trip that extra zip.
Parasailing in Phuket
If you’ve spent any time on Patong Beach then you’ve probably seen the parasailers drifting past. It’s a popular activity in the dry season and is an affordable option for a bit of fun during your day at the beach.
What to Expect
You’ll be given a quick safety briefing and a life jacket- check that this fits OK and that all the buckles do up tightly. You’ll then be strapped into a harness which clips onto a rope and parachute. Once you’re in the sea, a speedboat will zoom off with the other end of the rope attached and bingo! You’re airborne. Expect great views of the coastline, plenty of waving to the crowds and hopefully a smooth landing back down to earth!
How much and where?
There are a couple of parasailing operators on Kata and Karon beaches but the main center is Patong Beach. Expect to pay around 800 baht for a ride (haggling is expected) but be aware that each ride is only about 5 minutes long.
If you’d prefer to do your parasailing elsewhere then some trips to Coral Island include it as part of their itinerary. You’ll pay about 1000 baht for a half-day trip, making this quite a cost-effective option if you fancy seeing somewhere new as well.
Hang Gliding in Phuket
If you want to get even higher in the sky then check out the options for hang gliding. You’ll need nerves of steel but the views are well worth it.
What to Expect
Unlike parasailing where you hang vertically under the canopy, for hang gliding you’ll be in a horizontal position holding onto a metal bar in front of you. After a safety talk you’ll be strapped into a sort of sleeping bag which is then harnessed onto the hang glide frame. It’s very secure and you can’t fall out! If you’re a beginner then you’ll go tandem so there’s nothing for you to worry about but enjoy the ride.
How much and where?
The most popular spot for hang gliding is Windmill Viewpont in southern Phuket, just above Promthep Cape. Talk to a few operators in Patong to get a feel for their ethos. You’re not looking for a budget operator here as your safety is paramount! Hang glide trips start from 3,500 baht upwards and usually include transfers from your accommodation.
Ziplining in Phuket
If you’d rather stay a bit closer to the ground then make like a monkey and fly through the trees at a zip-line center. You can climb, abseil and jump your way through the forest canopy all safely harnessed onto safety lines.
What to Expect
When you arrive you’ll probably be put into a larger group to move round the course- take good note of your companions, they’ll be the ones laughing at you if you scream too loudly later! After you’re strapped into a harness an instructor will lead you into the forest. The zip lines run between platforms set amongst the trees and the lengths and heights of the lines will get progressively more extreme as you move round the course. Throw in some swinging ropes and some abseiling and you’ve got a very fun day out!
How much and where?
Prices with operators like the well-respected Flying Hanuman start from 2,300 baht for a 16-platform course up to 3,490 baht for a 28-platform course with lunch with Agen toto. If you have your own transport then you could turn up yourself and pay on the day but if not then look for a tour operator at one of the beaches who can do you a good deal.
Have fun and be safe!
Pick an activity, charge up your camera and go and enjoy. This is the exciting side of Phuket and you don’t want to miss it!
