Phuket Zoo and several of the other animal attractions around the island give you an unrivalled opportunity to get far closer to some of the world's most powerful and majestic creatures than you would have thought possible. It is important to realise that the Thai version of a zoo is very different from the western interpretation. With the animals being encouraged to perform for large audience, they can be more like circuses than zoos, and this distinction can be jarring if you're not prepared for it.

The tropics and exotic animals are intrinsically linked, with crocodiles, tigers, monkeys, elephants, birds, butterflies and snakes all here in Phuket, some performing fun shows while others enjoy a more sedate lifestyle. The opportunity to get up close to these remarkable creatures is certainly worth your while in terms of the sheer 'wow' factor.