Botanical gardens - Phuket
Phuket’s Botanical Gardens is diverse and large - over 25,000 square meters. The beautifully kept gardens house rare and exotic plants from all over the world. The ornamental lakes feature Koi fish and a floating market.
The garden is divided into sections, set around a circular path. Every kind of plant imaginable is here. Herbs, orchids, bamboo and palms sit alongside cacti and a traditional English garden. Wander through the Bonsai section to the Japanese garden that meets the lake. Full of Koi fish, there is also a floating market. The rainforest section leads you through a very well done man-made waterfall.
Meticulously kept, lush and healthy, botanists often come to study the multitude of plants growing. Facilities include a restaurant, souvenir shop and toilet.
Things to do:
Diving
Phuket is a long established location for dive enthusiast and those who want to learn. There are a number of reputable diving schools and tour operators that cater to all levels and experience. Most diving takes place on the islands in Phuket province, a day trip from the main Island of Phuket. There are countless incredible places to choose from. We have listed 5 of our favourites.
Bangla Road (Patong)
Patong is the undisputed nightlife capital of the island. At night Bangla Road becomes a neon-lit party paradise. Beer bars, go-go bars, nightclubs, massage parlours, cabaret shows and literally hundreds of restaurants serving every cuisine imaginable line the street and side streets. For many tourists, this is their first and only stop when it comes to night-time entertainment.
Shows and cabaret
Thailand is famous for its ladyboys and the performances in Phuket are some of the best in Thailand. A great night out, the shows are glamorous and glitzy, the ladyboys fierce and the music an explosion of pop hits. Simon Cabaret and Aphrodite are the most popular family friendly venues. Soi Paradise and Soi Katoey hold some of the raunchier adult themed shows.
Surfing
The West Coast surfing season runs from around April to November and is starting to make a name for itself. Waves are maximum 3 metre which makes it a good place to learn. Surfing here isn’t limited to beginners though. A number of well-known surfers have been spotted in the area as it continues to grow in popularity. Take a look at our quick guide to surfing in Phuket.
