Surprisingly, paddle sports have been around for many centuries with tennis’s popularity going back to at least the 11th or 12th century. However, it probably comes as no surprise that at that time while aristocrats were batting balls back and forth and being fanned by slaves between matches, Phuket’s people were hunting and gathering and trying to not be eaten by tigers or trampled by wild elephants. But now, the Phuket of that era is long gone and now one can shop for a Gucci bag and stop off at a Michelin-star restaurant on their way for an afternoon game of tennis almost anywhere on the island.
Located in Kathu, the Coconut Tennis Academy is located on the Prince of Songkhla University campus in the Faculty of Technology Department, not far from Central Festival. They offer newer, well-kept indoor facilities with both tennis and pickleball courts. Hourly coaching can be booked as well as multi-day camps for groups or individuals. Courts can be rented out for THB 390 per hour and should be booked in advance – especially the pickleball courts as it is the fastest-growing sport on earth at the moment.
This facility is located on a side road in Rawai near Chalong Circle. It has opened very recently and has just a couple of courts at the moment. However, they have opted for quality over quantity by implementing competition-level turf which meets international regulations. It’s a convenient option for those in the south of the island as there is ample parking and lighting for night games.
Situated on Soi Pasak 8, Siam Sports Pro is another fairly recent addition to the island’s paddle sports centers. They make the bold claim to be the best tennis facility in Thailand, and while probably no one has visited all of them throughout the country, it is a very nice club and people rave about it. You can just rent a court, get a membership, join a club, get lessons, get package deals, or join a camp for adults or kids. They also have a cafe with food and drinks on the premises. They also host events like live music, quiz nights, and more so it’s a great spot for locals to network and hang out as well.
And again, just opening in March 2024, the Royal Tennis Club is another new tennis club on the scene. This one is located right in the middle of the Royal Phuket Marina so has a nice scenic backdrop. They offer covered, open-air courts with ample lighting. They are equipped with high-quality hard-surfaced courts and have options for food and refreshments nearby.
Just south of Royal Phuket Marina, the Oceanic Tennis and Fitness Club is more of a one-stop solution. It’s what’s termed a “sportel” which is a hotel targeted at active people who can find everything they need on-site. Enthusiasts will find four indoor tennis courts and two outdoor. Additionally, guests can take advantage of the pool, steam room, ice bath, onsite dining, and more.