the thai-me of your life
WORDS MANAMI OKAZAKI
PHOTOGRAPHY KOHIYAMA TAKAHIRO

Treat the kids to a good time with seven of the best activities in Phuket.

Few places in Asia can match the charm, beauty, fun and convenience of a holiday in Thailand’s island paradise, Phuket. Ringed by beautiful beaches and with an abundance of cool things to do, the whole family will have a ball here. No wonder it’s Australia’s new favourite playground!

Who doesn’t love elephants? Start your holiday off on a high note with an elephant ride through the jungle. There are many operators in Phuket, but we recommend Safari Elephant Club because the scenery is interesting and the guide will get off the elephant and take your photo while you steer with your legs – it’s harder than it looks! Longer treks will take you to a river and up a hill, but a 30-minute ride of this giant’s rolling gait may be long enough. Bht750 (AU$29) for adults, Bht400 (AU$16) for children.

Another experience you don’t find everywhere is horse riding along the beach. You can opt for a one-hour horse ride with guide for just Bht660 (AU$25) and if you request a slow and steady horse, it’s safe enough even for young children. The only riding centre to use is Phuket Bangtao (Laguna) Riding Club.

Older kids will love the thrill of bush-bashing with an ATV (all-terrain vehicle). These monster bikes with four wheels are a blast to ride and a tour with the pioneers, PhuketATV Tour Co, will have you rumbling through muddy trails, jungle, rubber plantations and mangrove forests. Kids over 16 can drive their own vehicle, while children aged eight to 15 years are only allowed to ride under parental supervision. A one-hour ride is Bht1,600 (AU$61) for adults, Bht1,300 (AU$50) for children eight to 15 years, passengers from Bht1,000 (AU$38).

Even really young children will love the colour and mystery of Phuket Aquarium. The small tanks feature piranhas, octopus and eels while the giant seawater aquarium features Andaman Sea creatures, including sharks, giant groupers, turtles and trevally, which you can view from inside a transparent tunnel aboard a travelator. It’s a great excursion for a rainy day. Adults Bht100 (AU$4), children Bht50 (AU$2).

The verdant jungles of Phuket are a natural habitat for butterflies and Phuket can claim to have Thailand’s largest butterfly garden. The enchanting Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World exhibits around 30 different species and their amazing metamorphosis from egg, pupa and caterpillar to butterfly. With a lifespan of just 90 days, they breed up to 8,000 butterflies per month! Adults Bht300 (AU$11), children Bht150 (AU$5.70).

Apart from its beaches, Phuket is famous for its striking vertical rock faces. You can literally get inside these karst formations in Phang Nga Bay with a fascinating sea canoe trip. John Gray Sea Canoe launched these eco-adventures, which make for an easy day – just sit back and enjoy the ride as a knowledgeable guide leads you through the caves and into the hongs (sea caverns). Full day trips with lunch Bht2,900 (AU$111), starlit trip Bht3,450 (AU$132).

Spare the kids the nightly sleaze of Bangla Road and take them to watch Phuket FantaSea instead. Every night at 9pm (except Thursdays), Thai culture, mythology, pyrotechnics, special effects and acrobatics converge in one razzle-dazzle show that also features more than 30 elephants. To catch this Las Vegas-style theatre only (dinner is extra) is Bht1,100 (AU$42) for adults, Bht800 baht (AU$31) for children.

For all your travel choices, go to jetstar.com

FIND IT:

Safari Elephant Club
Kathu, tel: +66 (76) 341 859/333 120/292 383

Phuket Bangtao (Laguna) Riding Club
394 Moo 1 to 47 Lagoon Road Moo 1, Bangtao Beach, Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang, tel: +66 (76) 324 199

PhuketATV Tour Co
20/31-2 Moo 2, Koh-Kaew, Muang, tel: +66 (76) 239 717

Phuket Aquarium
Sakdidet Rd, tel: +66 (76) 391 126

Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World
71/6, M.5, Soi Paneung Yaowarat Road,
T. Rassada A.Muang, tel: +66 (76) 210 861

John Gray Sea Canoe
tel: +66 (76) 254 505

Phuket FantaSea
99M3 Kamala Beach, Kathu, tel: +66 (76) 385 111