There is a lot going on in Phuket. While the island is a prime place to chill and do nothing, most people who set up life here long-term will search out and participate in some type of hobby or activity. At this time, it’s a place with a nice balance of urbanized and developed areas and nature. This means you can reap the benefits of the city while still being able to find some peace and quiet and enjoy the natural environment. These benefits also provide a wide variety of hobbies and activities to get involved in.

For two-wheeled enthusiasts, there are a few different opportunities in Phuket. Although the roads have a tendency to be on the dangerous side, there are secondary and tertiary roads that have far less traffic and are often more scenic. Road cyclists can study maps and link together routes to create circuits of varying lengths. There are cycling groups that organize rides around different parts of the island and into Phang Nga. Early mornings are best to avoid traffic and the hot sun. 

For those keen on the combination of two-wheeled vehicles and tech, off-road e-bikes are now available in Phuket. These minimalistic bikes fall somewhere between a mountain bike and a motocross bike. There are a few brands available in Thailand and one with a dealer in Phuket (Surron). Utilizing the latest tech, these bikes have impressive performance and range and, best of all, are nearly silent. Lighter, shorter, and easier to drive than a typical off-road motorbike, they lower the barrier of entry to explore the jungle on two wheels. While exploring Phuket’s back roads is fun and can keep you busy for a while, knowing how to access and navigate the island’s trails is where the real excitement is. Inquiring at the Surron shop in Phuket Town can connect you with other riders, and there is even a fledgling company doing tours in the south of the island.

Another activity that is perfectly suited to Phuket is sailing. Neighboring Phang Nga Bay and having many nearby islands, it is a premier spot to learn how to sail. There are several sailing schools where you can simply learn the basics or even earn a certification. With some experience and knowledge of best safety practices and the local waters, you can venture out on your own craft. One can find everything from a kayak with a sail up to massive luxury sailing yachts in Phuket. For those who get into the sport of it, consider a small, fast vessel like a laser or Hobie cat. These boats are light and can even be towed behind a motorbike. Once on the water, they can be sailed by 1 or more people depending on the size and it’s quite a thrill flying across the water on such a small boat. 

Learning to sail opens up other opportunities such as joining crews on race boats in local regattas, joining local sailing clubs, and even teaching your skills to others.