Phuket Land Sports, Thailand

Elephant Trekking

Thailand's deforestation has not been kind to its famous beast, and the elephant population is now at a critically low level. Formerly used to fell logs and battle on the front lines in times of war, the Thai elephant is still expected to "earn its keep" to survive. The tourism trade is a way to protect the lives of the elephants while providing the means to satisfy their enormous appetites.

Riding the back of an elephant and seeing the grace, dexterity and "personality" of this giant pachyderm up close is an experience that is not soon forgotten. Just be sure to use only the services of an operation that looks after the health and wellbeing of its animals - some in Phuket clearly fail to properly care for their elephants. (See Photos of Elephant Trekking in Phuket)

Bungy Jumping

If you need an adrenaline-fix, look no further than bungy jumping. For those adventurous types who live for challenges, you can jump 50 metres over the green-blue water of the Jungle Lagoon at the Jungle Bungy Jump in Kathu.

Set over a picturesque pond, formerly an old tin mining site, but now a safe location for experiencing big-time thrills, the jump site is the only licensed one in Thailand and the only insured site in Asia. Look for Jungle Bungy Jump on the main road leading out of Patong to Phuket Town near the major intersection at Kathu.

There are two places in Phuket where you can hurl yourself from great heights and live to tell your friends about it, with the help of a bungee cord: Jungle Bungy Jump in Kathu District promises to give you "The best fun you can have with your pants on!" - a jump from 50m tower over water.

World Bungy Patong, meanwhile, claims to be Southern Thailand's highest bungy. Located on Soi Kepsap, 2 Sai Namyen Rd, Patong Beach. Open daily 10am-7pm. P

Go-Karts

The Patong Go-kart Speedway is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm. Pit your driving skills on a challenging racing track. Single and double karts plus helmets are available and there's floodlighting for evening races.

The track has a car park, restaurant and seating area for spectators. Located on the main road in Kathu between Patong Beach and Phuket City. Open daily 10am-7pm. From 390 Baht for 10 minutes. (Tel: 076-321949)

Mountain Biking

Phuket has good well-surfaced roads that wind along scenic hills, rubber plantations and wonderful coastline. With more and more hotels providing mountain bikes to guests, you can set yourself as strenuous or as relaxing a route as you like. Explore the wooded interior of the island, or tour the coast. If you prefer to have someone to show you around the interior, take a look at the local eco-tours that include mountain biking as part of their activities.

Horse Riding

There are two riding clubs in Phuket, both offering tours and instruction for people of all ages and abilities. Phuket Bang Tao Riding Club, 394 Moo 1, Bangtao Beach, at the entrance to Laguna Resorts. Fee from 660 Baht per hour (Tel: 076-324199 or 076-324099).

Phuket Riding Club, 95 Viset Rd, Rawai. Fee between 300 Baht and 500 Baht an hour, depending on whether instruction is required. Open daily from 7am-6.30pm (Tel: 076-288213).

Rock Climbing and Abseiling

Just a few hours away from Phuket are some of the most challenging and beautiful climbing sites in the world, attracting both novice and hard core climbers. Most of the action is on the towering limestone rocks in the headland between Tham Phra Nang (Phra Nang Cave Beach) and Railay East beach in Krabi. To get there, take the bus (about 2.5 hours from Phuket to Krabi Town, then a long-tail boat ride from either the pier at Krabi Town or from Ao Nang Beach), rent a car or arrange a tour that includes accommodation in Krabi.

In Phuket there is one climbing wall, located at Quest Laguna Phuket, which offers instruction in climbing and abseiling techniques for people of all ages and experience. Reaching a height of 15 meters, the tower has three faces: a 75-degree face, a vertical wall, and a gravity-defying overhang. Click here to find out more about Rock Climbing in Krabi.

ATV

All-terrain vehicle riding is easy, fun and a great way to see some parts of Phuket not accessible by car or foot. Guides will take you into rubber plantations, through jungle, and to hidden beaches.

It's an unusual nature tour that allows you to cover a lot of ground in just a few hours. (Read more about ATV in Phuket see Photos of ATV Tours in phuket)

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)

Muay Thai, the ancient combat technique formerly used on Thai battlefields, is an exciting and challenging sport.

A couple of gyms offer instruction in the martial arts form under the guidance of former Thai kickboxing champions. Phuket Thai Boxing Gym, 82/5 Moo 4 Patak Rd, Kata (Tel: 076-281090, 076-281200) and Abang Marts, Rawai, on the road leading to Kata from Chalong Circle. Expect to pay about 300 Baht per session, or at Bangla Boxing Stadium in Patong 700 to 1,000 Baht.

Mini-golf

Dino Park in Kata is no ordinary mini-golf course. Ever golfed under the watchful eye of a T-Rex dinosaur? Or to the sound of a erupting volcano? The prehistoric jungle atmosphere of Dino Park makes for a unique and entertaining game of golf for adults and kids alike. Open from 10 am to midnight; best to go after 6 pm to avoid the heat of the day. Adults 240 Baht; Children (age 4-12) 180 Baht (Tel: 076-330625).

Golf

Phuket has some of the finest golf courses in Asia. Facilities are superb, prices are very reasonable and standards are high - there are enough challenges to stretch all players.

Many of the courses offer day rates and packages which include accommodation, green fees, etc., For more information on golf, please click here. (See Photo Galleries of Golf in Phuket)

Fitness

With the amount of time you'll be spending on the beach its understandable that you might want to hit the gym while you're here. A little extra around the middle might be nice when the mercury drops but 'spare tires' have no place on the beach.

While there are plenty of outdoor activities around the island to help keep you fit and firm (swimming, Scuba diving, Muay Thai) for many people there's no substitute for a good gym.