Top 8 Activities to Experience in Phuket During Your Asian Cruise

1. Discover a Significant Buddhist Temple

Phuket boasts nearly 30 Buddhist temples, with Wat Chalong being the largest and most intricately designed. Here, you'll find a shrine dedicated to the deity Brahma, alongside a museum and a lighthouse at the cape. This temple, built over a century ago, features sculptures of Wat Chalong's three previous abbots, including Luang Pho Chaem, who led the local residents in their struggle during the 1876 rebellion. Remember to adhere to specific etiquette when visiting temples in Thailand—remove your shoes and dress modestly (no short skirts or beach attire).

The vistas from Wat Chalong are breathtaking. Promthep Cape offers panoramic sea views in every direction, complete with a lighthouse and museum.

2. Experience Snorkeling

Phuket is famous for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs filled with schools of colorful fish. Depending on your itinerary and budget, you can stay near Phuket or take a boat trip to nearby islands for snorkeling or diving adventures.

3. Visit James Bond Island

Another iconic film has its origins here—the 1974 classic, "The Man with the Golden Gun." The island is officially known as Koh Tapu, but it's primarily recognized as James Bond Island among expatriates and tourists.

4. Visit a Responsible Elephant Sanctuary

Exploring an elephant sanctuary ranks among the top experiences in Thailand. However, it's crucial to choose wisely, as not all sanctuaries prioritize ethical treatment. Spend your day in Phuket at a sanctuary where elephants roam freely across 30 acres of lush land adjacent to Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. The elephants here are rescues, and this sanctuary serves as their permanent home, providing veterinary care for injured and elderly elephants.

5. Savor the Local Flavors

Phuket's culinary scene is diverse, reflecting its history as one of Thailand's primary trading ports. You'll notice the influence of Chinese and Malay cuisines in various dishes, which range from sweet to intensely spicy. Expect to find soy sauce and pork from Chinese culinary traditions, while the Malay connection introduces dishes inspired by England, India, and Portugal.

Don't miss trying Apong, a crepe-like flatbread akin to South Indian appom, but sweeter and typically enjoyed as a snack or for breakfast. Hokkein mee is a Chinese-inspired dish featuring 'Hokkein-style noodles' made from wheat and egg, served with slices of pork, seafood, greens, and a rich broth resembling gravy. To cool off from the tropical heat, look for oh eaw, Phuket's take on shaved ice desserts, often featuring colorful ice with gelatinous cubes made from banana starch and kidney beans.

6. Discover Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is Phuket's last untouched rainforest, home to around 100 bird species, various wildlife, and stunning forest flora. Numerous hiking trails are available, including shorter routes that take just one to two hours. If you're eager to see the famous Bang Pae Waterfall, plan for a hike of at least four hours with a knowledgeable guide. Near the park headquarters, you'll find the Ton Sai Waterfall, which, though smaller than Bang Pae, is equally picturesque and great for photos.

7. Explore the Big Buddha

You can visit the impressive 147-foot-tall marble Buddha situated atop Khao Nakkerd Hill. Visible from many locations in southern Phuket, it's definitely worth the trip to see it up close. Remember that Thailand enforces a strict dress code at religious sites—beachwear and short skirts are not permitted. If you're not dressed appropriately, the temple provides free sarongs for visitors.

8. Enjoy a Boat Trip to the Phi Phi Islands

A visit to the Phi Phi Islands is essential for many travelers on Phuket cruises. The two main islands, Phi Phi Leh and Ko Phi Phi, are a quick 45-minute speedboat ride from Phuket or about 90 minutes on a traditional Thai longboat. Ko Phi Phi is renowned for its vibrant party atmosphere and stunning turquoise waters. These islands gained fame as the filming location for "The Beach" at Maya Bay. Due to a surge in tourism, Thailand temporarily closed Maya Bay in 2018 to allow the ecosystem to recover. Enjoy cruising along the magnificent limestone cliffs, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach.