Big Game Fishing

Magnificent and colorful coral reefs and the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea are a big draw to this island in southern Thailand. Known worldwide for its swimming, sailing and diving, Phuket has a secret. There is world-class game fishing ready and waiting for the adventurous angler to enjoy.
The deep blue waters of the Andaman Sea are ideal for game fish and the region is on the migratory paths of large numbers of Black Marlin, a classic fighting fish. Late November is a good time to go after marlin, tuna and any number of other fighting fish. By this time, the monsoons have settled and the fish are biting. The best fishing is usually found around full moon and spring moon and the drop-off west of Phuket and Similan Island are the hot spots.
Tuna are common and there are several varieties; Yellowfin, Dogtooth, Skipjack, Mackerel, Longfin and Eastern Little Tuna. Wahoo are plentiful during the monsoon season as well as Narrow Barred Mackerel (Tenggiri).
Sharks of several species can also be found. There are big Tigersharks, Bullsharks and Reef sharks. Other species of game fish include Dorado, Rainbow Runner, Blue Finned Trevally, Cobia and a variety of bottom fish.
Techniques for catching these fish are varied, they include: trolling with artificials, dead baits and live baits, trolling with the downrigger, casting poppers, jigging and spinning, drift fishing with live and dead baits and bottom fishing.

Biking and Running

One of the many advantages of biking or running on Phuket are the many well-surfaced roads that wind through beautiful green hills, rubber plantations and tropical rainforest.  The scenic road along the coastline from one white-sanded beach to another is a world-class journey that should not be missed.
The wide variety of possibilities makes it easy to set a comfortable pace, no matter whether you are on foot or on a bicycle. It just depends on your athletic ability and your imagination. Many hotels and rental facilities provide mountain bikes, on Phuket as well as on the neighboring Krabi mainland.
There is a major sporting event for bikers and runners on Phuket, that is a must-see: the Thai Airways Laguna Phuket Triathlon. It attracts attention from all over the world and offers entries to the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.

Rock Climbing

In the past few years, the area around Phang Nga and the Krabi Province near Phuket, has become world renowned for its climbing possibilities. High, sheer cliffs of limestone are there to be challenged by the climber. Some reach a height of several hundred meters, giving breathtaking views of the Thai landscape to those skilled enough to reach the top.
In and around Krabi, there are many climbing schools offering instruction for beginners and sports equipment for the more experienced climbers.

Horseback Riding and Riding Clubs

Phuket Island is definitely more famous for its beaches, night life and golf, but for fans of horseback riding there are several opportunities to enjoy horseback riding both at the beach and in the woods.
First address for horseback riders would be the Phuket Laguna Riding Club, easily to be spotted in front of the Dusit Laguna Hotel at Bang Tao Beach. For first-timers, riding instructors are available. You can take your horse for a stroll on the sand beach or saunter into the woods nearby. The best part is a sunset ride along the beach - with the crimson sun in the background, the sea breeze in your hair and the sound of the waves in your ears, maybe the most romantic moment you could possibly have on Phuket.
The Phuket Riding Club is located near Rawai Beach in the southern part of Phuket. It offers rides on imported quality horses from Australia on peaceful Rawai Beach or the exploration of the woods and coconut plantations around the club premises. Tour guides are available on request, and are optional for skilled riders.
Best suited for family tours is the Crazy Horse Club near Nai Harn Beach, providing ponies for little children. From here you can also take your horse further down onto nearby Laem Kanoi Beach. The instructors at Crazy Horse Club are also helpful in advising you on how to take care of your horse.

Seakayaking and Canoeing

The southern part of Thailand is a paradise for seakayaking and canoeing. This unique landscape in Asia is formed by remote limestone islands and offers breathtaking views of an environment alien to the western visitor - an environment which plays host to a rich variety of wildlife and an abundance of incredible tropical flora.
The very unusual limestone geology of the areas bordering the Andaman Sea has brought about the creation of a huge number of caves and inland lagoons in and amongst the island outcroppings. The entrances to many of the sea caves are often small and disappear at high tide.
The Hongs, or "rooms" of Phang Nga Bay and Krabi are collapsed cave systems open to the sky. They are filled with jungle flora and fauna and often accessible only through the sea caves at low tide in tough, purpose-designed inflatable canoes. Each Hong tends to have its own distinct character.
These systems of caves and hongs were created by the constant moving force of both fresh and salt water. Percolation created small caves which in time became collapsed caverns and eroded into open air lagoons. Salt water tidal action has worked against the fault lines to eat into the islands and has formed caves. The fact that caves are found at different heights is testimony to the presence of different sea levels since the last ice age. This fresh water-salt water combination has created some unique effects, such as intensely vertical cliffs, and tidal naps or overhangs inside the lagoons.
The peak season on the west coast of Thailand, including Phuket, is from November to April, when the sun is shining and there are no strong winds. Phang Nga Bay, protected by high-rising limestone towers and in the wind shadow of Phuket Island, offers calm water for ten months of the year. Even during the southeast monsoon, which is the rainy season on the western coast of Thailand, the islands and hongs of Phang Nga often assume an unearthly beauty, especially when it rains, then, inside the caves, the stalactites sparkle even more.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a simple sport, which allows even the beginner to glimpse at the incredible undersea world with very little risk, expensive equipment or long-term planning and preparation. All that is needed are fins and a mask.
It is quite easy to become totally fascinated by the submarine world and forget about the climatic conditions overhead: to avoid a nasty sunburn, it is recommended that you wear at least a T-shirt and use lots of water-resistant sun block.
Phuket and the entire southern coastal region have lots of shallow water above coral reefs offering excellent snorkeling conditions. The sunlit, tropical waters display their incredible colors very well and many of the exotic marine creatures inhabiting these reefs can be seen merely by diving down from the surface with a mask and snorkel.

Jungle and Elephant Trekking

Phuket Island itself still has one sizable tract of virgin rain forest, as well as lots more secondary tropical forest growth. On the neighboring mainland, Khao Sok National Park offers extensive forests, rivers, an enormous lake, caves and fascinating flora and fauna, including a few wild tigers that still inhabit the remoter areas.
Jungle trekking makes an excellent option in the summer season from May to October, when the forests are at their greenest and the rivers are high enough for exciting rafting or canoeing trips.
When visiting Thailand don't miss the chance to ride an elephant in one of Phuket's forested areas.

Thai Boxing

Thai Boxing or Muay Thai, as the locals call it, is the traditional martial art of Thailand and wherever it is practiced, it becomes a gambling event as well. The program for a fighting evening in a boxing hall like at Saphan Hin Stadium on Phuket consists normally of no fewer than eight fights, with the fifth fight as the main event. Show boxing and training fights can be seen daily at the Vegas Boxing on the top end of Soi Bangla in Patong Beach; entry is free.
The history of Muay Thai goes back as long as Thai culture itself, around 2.000 years. It evolved from a military code named Chupasart, which called for all able bodied people to be fully prepared to come to the aid of their leaders. Thus Muay Thai was born.
In the 16th century, during the reign of King Naresuan the Great, Muay Thai was introduced as part of the training for foot soldiers. Many of the battles in these times were settled by soldiers in hand-to-hand combat and Muay Thai reflects this use.
Up to the present day, tradition continues to play an important part in the sport of Thai Boxing and no woman is ever allowed to step into the canvas ring for fear that her influence will destroy the strength and skill of the boxers. The contestants also wear a charm, a small Buddha or even a magic amulet on their bodies. This is usually inserted in the thick cord worn around one or both upper arms and may be kept on during the fight.
Before every match, the two fighters dance around the ring to a special kind of music, called the Raam Muay. It is intended to honor and pay respect to the boxers trainer, his religion, family, sport and the fighting spirits. Gamblers and spectators say, that they can tell how a fighter will do in the ring simply by watching how he performs the Raam Muay.
After a short praying ritual, the fight starts and the music in the background changes tempo, following the mood of the evening. During each round, the music will increase in volume and speed to encourage the boxers to fight. This, coupled with the frenzied yells of the supporters, makes even the most mundane fight a thrilling event.
At once a sport and a means of self-defense, Thai Boxing differs dramatically from the western form in that the fighters are free to use almost every part of their body except the head as a weapon. The feet are the deadliest and to watch a fighter use them with skill is like observing a graceful dance, enhanced by the traditional music played throughout the event.