Diversions

Catch a glimpse of rare birds soaring overhead and watch the forest come to life during a morning elephant trek through the island's jungles. Phuket's forests are exciting enough at ground-level, but imagine the wonder of riding atop Thailand's most famous and beloved animal. Explore the jungle from new heights as you pass by waterfalls, lush flowers and orchids. Watch the endearing relationship between the ‘mahout', guide, and elephant, often forged over decades.

Koh Phi Phi is a perennial favourite with visitors for the many excursions, such as diving, snorkeling, rock climbing, and kayaking. Nearly 90% of the island is contained within the lush forests of a National Park. Hire a local long-tail boat to explore secluded beaches and incredible rock formations.

Visit one of the most inspiring animal rescue ventures in Thailand. The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project has successfully reintroduced gibbons to the wild with the most progressive conservation techniques. The centre, based by Bang Pae Waterfall, is located adjacent to their natural habitats, where visitors can watch them manoeuvre the canopies and leap to branches up to 15 metres away!

Tee off in a challenging and beautiful course set between the hills of Phuket. Just 10 minutes from Anantara Resort, the expansive and rolling 720 acres at Blue Canyon Country Club includes two award-winning 18-hole golf courses.  4 other excellent golf courses are found a little further from Anantara including the newest and simply stunning Red Mountain. Practice your swing and meet some other global golf aficionados in one of the world's premier golf destinations.

Stroll through the island's historic district, lined with Sino-Portuguese mansions that reflect Phuket's intriguing cultural blend and wealth that was introduced from the tin mining industry. Discover local fruits and culinary delights in the markets, and be sure to visit the Thai and Chinese temples, some of which are the oldest buildings on the island. The harbour bustles with the traditional fishing industry, preserving centuries-old charm.

Explore a beautiful ecosystem of islands, forests and incredible coral reefs - some of the most renowned and best-preserved in the world! The Similans are an ideal place to begin or continue your study of diving, due to a variety of shallow and deeper reefs and unparalleled water clarity. Find a world of inspiration underwater as you pass tropical fish, sharks and rays.

Meet the people who descend from Phuket's first inhabitants. Long ago, they arrived as sea-based nomads, yet gradually fixed their homes in Phuket, attracted by the excellent fishing and picture-perfect climate.  Visit their traditional communities and keep an ear out for their conversations, spoken in a language wholly distinct from Thai.