While Phuket’s tourists are typically focused on beach days and fun in the sun, long-term residents will realize that one can’t spend all their time on the beach. After roasting in the tropical sun for a few days, tourists also often reach this conclusion and look for shaded activities. Fortunately, the island has plenty of opportunities to escape the sun, heat, or rain. From cultural experiences to adrenaline-pumping attractions, let’s look at a few of Phuket’s best indoor activities.
Thai Cooking Classes
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Whether you’re a keen chef in search of new skills or recipes, or just want a kitchen trick up your sleeve to show off to friends or family, a Thai cooking class. Participating in a cooking class will not only give you hands-on experience preparing your favorite Thai dishes, but many will also lead you through a local market to learn about and source fresh ingredients. While there are numerous options for Thai cooking classes, there are several long-established and well-reputed ones like the Blue Elephant, Phuket Thai Cooking Academy, and Phuket Thai Cooking Class by Chef VJ.
Indoor Sports
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For the active lifestyle crowd, Phuket has no shortage of options here. For a slightly more intense/extreme endeavor, check one of the island’s rock climbing gyms. Rebel Rock Climbing in Manik is one of the best and biggest around. You’ll find plenty of variety for all skill levels and routes that change often to keep things fresh. They have shorter “bouldering” routes as well as taller ones, which require ropes.
Some other popular indoor sports in Phuket include Muay Thai and MMA training, ice skating and hockey, skateboarding, as well as paddle sports like tennis, badminton, and pickleball. Many fitness centers also offer yoga, pilates, or dance classes in well-equipped indoor studios.
Interactive Experiences
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For groups and families looking for interactive entertainment to wake up the mind, explore Phuket’s escape rooms. The general concept is that you and your friends are locked in a room and have to be creative and use critical thinking to find clues, solve riddles, and ultimately, find your way out. Virtual reality experiences, like VR Games Park, are a great way for tech-lovers to explore immersive gaming and simulations, perfect for all ages. For some fast-paced, competitive action, there’s indoor e-kart racing for kids and adults.
Pampering and Relaxation
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It will come as no surprise that Phuket is home to some of Thailand’s best spas, offering everything from traditional Thai massage to luxurious day-spa packages. With hundreds of hotels and resorts offering massage services or full-day spas, there are simply too many to list. However, there really is something for everyone from basic local-style Thai massage shops to Japanese-style onsens,and European-oriented spas with steam rooms and ice baths.
For the Kiddos
Families traveling with children will find many indoor play areas, such as Kidzooona at Central Festival, Adventure Village at Blue Tree, or Froggy’s Fun Park in Patong. These safe, air-conditioned spaces offer interactive games, obstacle courses, and educational toys that are the perfect distraction for young ones with an abundance of energy.
