KERRIE HALL REVEALS EIGHT EXCITING WAYS TO GET THE ADRENALINE PUMPING IN PHUKET

ENDLESS SUMMERS, FABULOUS SEAVIEWS, beachside dining, wonderful sunsets, and a laid-back lifestyle are exactly what makes Phuket a true tropical paradise. But while this is heavenly for the most part, what is life with out an adrenaline rush once in a while? Ever wanted to dive with turtles, learn to surf, be a boogie-queen or go on a jungle adventure? You’ve come to the right place. Seize the moment and live your dreams with one of these eight exciting experiences awaiting you in Phuket.

1 MARTIAL ART MIX

An explosion of worldwide interest in the King’s sport of muay thai, or thai boxing, is attracting many international visitors to Phuket’s training gyms where experts run professional courses in the centuries-old martial art. Originally used on the battlefield in male combat, muay thai is also attracting a growing number of female fans interested in learning for fitness and competition. Students enrol in courses ranging from one week to several months that, along with personal technique and kickboxing sessions, also include gym workouts to increase body strength. Schedules are serious, but still leave plenty of time for enjoying other attractions in the region. How to: Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai Training Centre (tel +66 (0)89 873-6432, www.mmaphuket.com) and Phuket Muay thai Camp (tel +66 (0)76 281090, www.phuket-muay-thai.com)

2 SURF’S UP

Popular with the surf fraternity during monsoon season (April to November) when currents, winds and swells descend on the west coast of Phuket, the beach scene gets funky with local and international board-riders and boogiers hanging out for waves. Although not of the mind-blowing calibre raved about on the international circuit, the local surf scene does attract a decent crowd for the fun of the sport and is a great place to learn. Several surf competitions are held each year from Surin in the northto Kalim and southof the island at Kata Beach. Nai Harn is also a popular surf spot during these months, with a legion of surfers and boogie-boarders catching some great waves. How to: Learn to surf or rent a board at Phuket Surf School (www.phuketsurf.com) located at the southern end of Kata Beach.

3 JUNGLE JAUNTS

Nature lovers will delight in the variety of wildlife found in the tropical jungles of the Andaman region and with in easy reach of Phuket, including the myriad of national parks located just over Sarasin Bridge on the mainland in Phang Nga province. Drive yourself or take a tour, but be sure to pack a swimsuit, as many feature stunning waterfalls and natural pools for a refreshing dip aft er exploring the nature trails. For the serious and hardy trekkers, Khao Sok National Park is a few hours drive from Phuket and offers hiking trails deep into the jungle where untouched beauty abounds. A wealthof exotic animal and bird species can be sighted, such as wild elephants, macaques, gibbons, hornbills and perhaps even an elusive tiger. How to: Paddle Asia (tel +66 (0)76 240952, www.paddleasia.com) offers a range of extreme adventures in the region, including hiking, raft ing and mountain-climbing.

4 KAYAK KICKS

the amazing waters of Phuket and the region are easily explored by kayak. Sea kayaking, in particular, offers many great experiences, including the chance to explore offshore islands, karsts and caves. Head to Yanui; this is one of the most scenic coastal regions in the island’s south– with gorgeous surrounding beaches and uninhabited islands nearby, plus a rich marine life to view with a snorkel. How to: Kayaks are available for hire by the hour from a beach operator at Yanui. John Gray Sea Canoe (tel +66 (0)76 254505, www.johngray-seacanoe.com) offers accredited educational, environmental tours in Phang Nga Bay and beyond.

5 DIVE IN

the elusive Green Sea Turtle, weighing up to 200kg, is the largest hardshell sea turtle found in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate waters. Protected by the Endangered Species Act, it can be sighted in Phang Nga Bay, the Similan Islands and occasionally off Phuket’s west coast. this marine species brings excitement to any dive expedition in operation around the Andaman region and, along with the amazing coral reefs found here, make this home to some of the world’s best dive sites. How to: One of thailand’s oldest and most famed dive operators is Fantasea Divers who run expeditions off Phuket, into Burma and beyond. Tel +66 (0)76 281388, www.fantasea-divers.com

6 HOLD TIGHT

An emerging activity for thrill-seekers bound for Phuket during monsoon time is kite-surfing – also known as fly-surfing or kite-boarding – the art of jumping waves on a wakeboard and flying through the air propelled by wind and a hovering sail. A rapidly growing sport across the world, many enthusiasts travel with their own equipment, and can be seen ripping along the waters at Karon and off Rawai beach. How to: Kite thailand (tel +66 (0)81 090-3730, www.kitethailand.com) has a base at the southend of Rawai beach at a restaurant called Baan Had Rawai, where lessons are held during high season in a large shallow sandy area ideal for learning this exciting pastime.

7 BEACH DIGS AND BUMPS

Recent host to the SWATCH-FIVB World Tour Women’s Professional Beach Volleyball tournament and other popular competitions, Phuket has witnessed a rise in the popularity of this energetic sport, with volleyball nets on most major beaches. Many thai locals are now forming teams for friendly matches, and anyone is welcome to join in the beach action and fun. the activities start when the day cools down, sometime in the late aft ernoon, when volleyball matches can be found on the sand at Surin, Patong, Karon and Nai Harn. It’s a great way to meet new friends and indulge in fun fitness – plus, the waves are right there for a quick dip aft erwards. How to: Phuket Sports and Tennis Club (tel +66 (0)76 289714/289715) now welcomes volleyball enthusiasts to its new, international-standard volleyball court at Rawai in southern Phuket.

8 ON THE WATER

Boating is one of Phuket’s most popular adventure activities for visitors, and the variety of watercraft available for charter is astounding, although usually, the tour itineraries are set on dedicated courses that don’t deviate from its path. One new luxury operator, OmniMarine (tel + 66 (0)81 825-9243, www.omnitrips.com), however, now offers exclusive experiences designed for the individual aboard a range of imported European vessels. Itineraries are specialised to cater for every whim. It might include a half-day outer island trip on a super-speed, six-passenger Silver Cloud or overnight cruising of the Similan Islands Marine National Park aboard a private, fully-catered Ferretti motor yacht. those who prefer the buzz of being at the helm couldn’t be in a better place to learn. Home of the King’s Cup – Asia’s largest sailing regatta, Phang Nga Bay Regatta, Phuket Race Week and other regular yachting events, this part of the thai coast boasts some of the world’s best sailing waters. with a growing number of marinas on the island and more planned for the Andaman region, the opportunities for sailing adventures look set to abound. How to: the popular Sunsail Phuket (tel +66 (0)76 239057, www.sunsailthailand.com) runs a training school for novices through to competitive racing and Yachtmaster level.

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