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SPORT IN PHUKET
Diving
Phuket diving sites number among the very best to be found. In fact, the readers of the top diving magazine voted Phuket diving among the top ten in the world. Diving Phuket's warm clear blue waters is best from mid-October to May, when the calm seas and rain free day make Phuket diving off Ko Kaew Noi, Ko Rajali Yai, Shark Point a truly unique experience. Phi Phi Island diving is also one of the highlights for any serious dive itinerary, Phi Phi Island diving takes the diver to one of the most famous diving sites in the world, and facilities for Phi Phi Island diving are among the best for such a site.
Diving Khao Lak will introduce the diver to many new varieties of fish and coral. Khao Lak diving is a relatively unspoiled diving site offering much natural scenery and diving Khao Lak means entering into one of Thailand 's premier marine national parks.
Scuba companies diving Phuket offer full training courses and equipment hire, so that experienced and amateur divers can experience diving Phuket waters without needing to worry about bringing more than their underwater cameras.
Scuba Diving
Expeditions regularly leave Phuket for dives around neighboring islands, and further afield, most particularly around the enduringly popular Phi Phi Island in neighboring Krabi province, some 2 hours east of Phuket, and the Similan Islands, some 110 km northwest of Phuket, and the Raya Islands, 1-3 hours due south of Phuket, depending on the type of boat. Several dive shops concentrated in the Patong, Kata and Chalong areas have Asian and European expatriate (s) (speaking English and several other languages) and bi-lingual Thai dive instructors who offer inexpensive beginner's courses. All diving equipment is available for hire.
The following Diving Companies base in Phuket, offer dive package day & live aboard:
Golfing
At first glance. Golfing and the ocean do not seem to go together. However, when you combine this popular sport with extraordinary beauty of the Andaman Sea and its long coastline, what you get is a golfing experience unlike anywhere else on earth.
Thailand 's southern provinces of Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi have long been the destinations of people looking for rest and relaxation. Sea, sand and sun are in abundance, complementing great seafood, unspoiled national parks and a unique culture. For those that pursue and active lifestyle and enjoy the challenges of golfing, the three provinces offer perhaps the ultimate high.
Phuket Phang-Nga and Krabi all have world-class golf courses some designed by renowed international architects and star golfers. The courses are set among a variety of exciting surroundings like amidst green mountains and by the azure sea. Wherever they are, all have modern facilities and impeccable services.
Green and caddie fees are always very affordable. Some courses boast excellent cuisine and accommodation. All can cater to any program for groups large and small.
This publication gives you valuable insight into the golf courses in the three provices, but there is nothing that can compare to actually playing on one, or a few, of them. We believe that after one visit, you will likely return for more glorious golfing by the Andaman Sea.
- Loch Palm Golf Club:
will become a fast favorite with all golfing enthusiasts. The 18-hole, par 72, 6,434 yards course sits amid beautiful rolling hills, providing a scenic backdrop to the lush green fairways. Designed by Sukitti Klangwisai - Phuket Country Club:
This is one of the five most beautiful golf courses in Thailand , with a standard 18-hole. 72-par. 6,483 yards course. The course has three distinct characters – in some parts hilly, in others laced with waterways, and in others it has lush green fairways. Golfers need to be good, and well-prepared, to perform well on this course. But whatever the score, there's no doubt that golfers will enjoy those lush green fairways. - Laguna Phuket Golf Club:
is a resort style 18 hole golf course located within the Laguna Phuket development. Situated on the exclusive Bang Tao Bay on the western shore of Phuket Island , this par 71 layout stretches 6,850 yards from the championship tees. The front 9 holes of this Max Wexler designed golf course opened for play on 7 December 1991 . The back 9 holes were opened in August 1992. Carved out of the existing sand hills, the front 9 holes, a par 36, meander through a once flourishing coconut plantation. Players must be exact on their tee shots, as water comes into play on 5 out of the 9 holes. - Blue Canyon Country Club:
With the great success of the 1994 Johnnie Walker Classic, Blue Canyon has been recognized as a world championship golf course and one of the best in Asia. Gary Player was moved to comment. “Absolutely magnificent course, they've got the most beautiful setting, really using the natural landscape and building the holes around it. You won't find a better club house anywhere in the world, the food is good, and everybody is friendly. How can you beat it!” Designed by Yoshikazu Kato - The Andaman Course ( Thai Muang Beach Club)
A sea breeze while playing golf. What an experience! The only real Andaman sea course, Thai Muang Beach Club. Offers panoramic views of the mountains and the sea. Regardless of your game, the course design alone will make this a round you will never forget. Designed by Dye Designs, 18 hole, 72 par, 7,028 yards
Mini golf Ideal for family with the young kids.
Fishing
Daily tours are available, making early morning departures and late afternoon re-turns, mostly to lesser islands to fish for Fed Sanppers, Rainbow Ranners and other game fish.
Mountain Biking
One of the many advantages of biking 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.
Swimming
This can be enjoyed throughout the year, and is mostly safe. However, undertows can be problematic during the Rainy Season.
It is best to seek the advice of local people regarding swimming conditions. Most of 3 stars and above hotels are offering the swimming pool in their proprieties. Public pools are also available at the major modern housing project and golf courses club house.
TAT cautions tourists not to swim in red flag or warning sign areas.
During the May to October monsoon season, the seas around Phuket become very rough. Even the strongest of swimmers can find themselves struggling against the heavy currents. Statistics show that drowning is the leading cause of death among tourists visiting Phuket To minimize the risk to tourists, the island's government and private sectors have joined together to rid Phuket of this threat in the near future. To begin with the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization has joined with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to set up Beach Guard Units, equipped with life-saving gear, to keep a watchful eye on tourists during the monsoon season. From June 15 to October 31, 2001 , there will be nine units at the following Phuket beaches: one each at Kata Noi and Naiharn, two at Kata and Patong, and three on Karon.
However, these nine Beach Guard Units may not be enough to save the increasing number of lives at risk. Therefore, TAT urges tourists to pay close attention to red flags and warning signs on every beach and island.
Horse Riding
Three riding clubs, one on Patak Road , on the way to Kata Beach , Ban Sai Yuan on the way to Naiharn Beach , and Laguna Phuket, Bangtao Beach , offer facilities for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Today's massage therapy has multi-level benefits. First and foremost is the significant relief from stress massage provides. In addition, it helps maintain flexibility, reduces the chance of injury, improves athletic performance, and re-energizes body and mind providing greater alertness and productivity. The highly trained therapists offer a variety of techniques including Thai, Swedish, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Sports Massage and etc.
Recreations
Yachting
Phuket is a natural base for sailing. This Singapore-sized island is packed with accommodation facilities and yachting services for all kinds. There are scores of uninhabited islands to explore and despite the many attractions, the Andaman Sea has yet to become congested with boat traffic.
The Andaman Sea has very good weather conditions all year and is comparable to any region in the world in this respect. The long northeast monsoon season from November to May creates the best climate for sailing, with the best winds from November to February.
Sailing
Enjoyed mostly at Naiharn, Patong and Kata beaches. Toppers and dinghies are available at Patong. Catamaran, Hobie Cats and Top Cats are available at Kata.
Bungy Jump
Take the plunge, or catapult, and view life from a completely different angle, with insurance! There is only one Bungee jump/Catapult in Phuket on the Kathu to Town road.
Canoeing & Kayaking
This form of eco-tourism is available in several forms, as popular one-day tours, or more extended tours involving overnight camping on island beachs, and occurs principally in the neighboring Phang-Nga Bay and Krabi, where mangrove swamps and island grottoes are accessible only by canoe.
Elephant Trekking
Phuket Island 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 more remote areas.
Jungle trekking makes an excellent option in the summer season from May to October, when the forests are at their greenest.
Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)
One of the most popular spectator sports in Thailand , and now gaining world renown, is the martial art of Muay Thai. Exciting enough on TV-the furious panches, crushing elbow strikes, lethal kicks and artful feints are even more exciting when seen live. Witness the passion and drama of one of Thailand 's historic sports amidst crowds of onlookers whose cheers blend with the strains of Javanese clarinets, drums and cymbals that accompany the fight from beginning to end. Phuket Boxing Stadium on Phuket Road , Amphoe Muang, Phuket Town features live matches on Fridays at 8.00 p.m. For tourists in the Patong Beach area, nightly displays of Thai Boxing are carried out in a specially built stadium on Soi Bungle.