Things to do off the island

Game fishing

Surprisingly,Phuket is not yet world-famous for its game fishing, although this is more dueto lack of fast, modern boats than the lack of fish. In fact, the seas surrounding the island teem with a variety of good gamefish: principally sailfish, with barracuda, tuna, marlin, bottom fish and wahoo. Some of the companies that offer gamefishing excursions include Phuket Game Fishing Charter (Tel: 283 270) or Dorado Big Game Fishing Charters (Tel: 202 679).



Island Getaways and Day Trips

Most of the beautiful Andaman picture-postcard scenes are taken on the small islands surrounding Phuket. Some ofthemare exquisitely beautiful and many are uninhabited.To rent a boat, go to the south end oftheisland,Rawai Beach,where both longtails andspeed-boats are available.Theprice dependson how far you want to go and for howlong(half-day, full day).Youcanalso join a day tour through operators such asCoralSeekers (Tel: 354 074) or Andaman Speed Tours (Tel: 234 173).Others can be foundthrough travel/tour operators.


Mini Golf

One of the island's star family attractions is Dino Park (Tel: 330 625) Located between Karon and Kata, Dino Park comes complete with realistic-looking dinosaurs, a "live"volcano spewing only steam. Not smoke, into the night sky, and water traps to be crossed on wooden log look-alike bridges. Complementing the mini golf area, are a great bar and restaurant, visually enhanced by a stunning waterfall, and serving Thai cuisine and some of the best burgers on the island.



Shopping

Phuket has more than enough items and venues to satisfy even the most demon of shoppers. Handicrafts abound, representative of all of Southeast Asia, the majority being from northern Thailand. There is clothing from beachwear to eveningwear, ready-made or tailored specifically for you, from rayon to hand-woven cotton and silk. The places to places to purchase such items are far too numerous to mention. There are antiques and home decor items, both authentic and reproductions, as well as great buys in pearls and some gems. Again, be aware that there are always scams, especially when it comes to gems, so check prices and shops carefully.


Pearl Farms

In the Andaman Sea, thriving oyster beds give birth to a wide variety of beautiful pearls. Around Nakha Noi Island, just off the east coast of Phuket, rare South Sea pearls are cultured. Visit one of the most famous pearl cultivation farms in the world and find out the secrets of oysters and how they create pearls.Take one of the Pearl Island Tours' day trips by comfortable cruiser and you may find you go home with a little something extra. For more information please contact Naga Pearl Island (Tel: 219 870).


James Bond Island

This strange but over-rated rock was featured in the Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun. Tourists on standard bus tours to Phang Nga Bay are deposited here and besieged by trinket vendors. The boat day-tours generally pass by, giving the rock the quick glimpse it deserves, to spend time among the more spectacular parts of the bay.


Phang Nga Bay

On the east side of Phuket lies Phang Nga Bay -one of the most beautiful as well as most photographed areas in the world. With its mystic rock formations towering vertically out of green waters, secluded bays and beaches, and clear aquamarine seas, the bay is almost as well-known as Phuket itself.There are many tour options for exploring this area, from a sea canoe trip to a rented sailboat, either crewed or bareboat. One of the best ways to see the beauty of this bay-and avoid the masses-is to take one of the boat trips departing from the top end of the island. Some tour operators include: SeaCanoe (Tel: 212 252) or Andaman Sea Kayak (Tel: 235 098).


Quest

Quest is an innovative and challenging obstacle course designed to build team spirit and self-confidence. Groups, whether large or small; family, friends or corporate executives; can take a half-day or longer course to break down interpersonal barriers, encourage leadership and promote teamwork.Small groups can have custom-designed courses, if requested in advance. (Tel: 324 062).


Bungy Jump

This daredevil sport is available at Tarzan's Jungle Bungy Jump (Tel: 321 351). An attractive setting belies the exciting thrill of the 54m fall to the small lake. The first Jump is the hardest with inner fears being the greater obstacle to overcome. Once you' ve taken the initial plunge, chances are good you'll want to do it again...and again. Look for the crane peeking out over the tops of the coconut palms in Kathu.



Wine Tasting

A great way to socialise, meet others and compare notes on sights to see and things to do, or to hear what it's like to actually live in a tropical paradise, is to attend the wine-tasting at MM Wine. This wine bar, located on Thepkasatree Rd in Phuket Town, is open from 7-12pm Friday evenings. Great ambience and wine cellar. (Tel: 213 797).