| Sea Canoeing
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Phang-nga Bay is unquestionably one of the great scenic attractions
in the world and a must do during your stay in Phuket. Fringing
Phang-nga Bay is a complex network of river estuaries with dense
forests of mangrove and nipa palm growing right out into the sea.
Protecting the shoreline is a series of sheer-sided limestone mountains
and other artistic rock formations that soar up to 300m (980 feet)
out of the sea like an eerie army of stone monoliths. Touring by
boat allows you to explore the mysteries of the mangrove swamps
and provides a scenic view of distance forested limestone hills.
The natural beauty of the bay is breathtaking as you pass coves
and bays many with remote idyllic tropical beaches. Most of the
mountains and outcroppings are of limestone origin covered with
luxuriant vegetation, bushes, and climber vines that overhang the
cliffs. Upon closer inspection many of these odd rock formations
are hollow and conceal hidden caves (Hongs) and lagoons. It is easy
to picture how pirates managed to operate in this area for centuries
and were able to defy the authorities by simply vanishing into one
of the many hiding places. Many visitors claim that being paddled
in a canoe through the side of a limestone mountain that emerges
into a pristine tidal lagoon isolated from the world and surrounded
by sheer rock evokes a surreal experience of going back in time
a million years. This is clearly one of the most remarkable journeys
you will ever make. The appeal is universal, it's the perfect all-season,
all-weather outdoor adventure, ideal for everyone in the family.
Elephant Trekking
In former times wild elephants roamed Phuket Island but as tin
mining and rubber plantations changed the natural environment elephants
slowly disappeared. Traditionally domesticated elephants were used
as transport, and in the logging industry moving cut timber. All
logging was officially banned in Thailand in 1989. Elephants that
had been employed to move logs in the forest became unemployed,
that is why they can now be seen in Bangkok and tourist areas literally
'begging' for a living. It costs approximately 500 US$ per month
to feed and care for an elephant in captivity. In the modern world
elephants have an almost human-like problem of needing to be gainfully
employed in order to survive. Elephant trekking can generate the
funds to assure the survival of thousands of elephants in a dignified
manner. Since 1994 numerous trekking operators offer visitors to
the island the opportunity to ride on an elephant.
Golf
The year around warm climate and the natural scenic beauty of Phuket
make it a natural for developing championship golf courses. There
are three courses on Phuket available for visitors to play. All
of the courses on Phuket are old tin mine sites that have been transformed
into beautiful and challenging golf courses. The courses offer rental
clubs, shoes, and carts.
Thai Boxing
If you don’t mind the violence, a Thai boxing match is worth
attending for the pure spectacle and the wild musical accompaniment,
the ceremonial beginning of each match, and the frenzied betting
around the stadium. Each fight consists of five rounds of three
minutes each. Accompanying the fight is music stimulated by action
in the ring, rising and falling as the boxers battle it out. All
surfaces of the body are considered fair targets, and any part of
the body except the head may be used to strike an opponent. The
origins of this martial art and sport are thought to stretch back
to the wars with the Burmese during the 15th century. Thai Boxing
matches are held every Friday night at the Boxing stadium in Phuket
town.
Bungee Jumping
The bungy jump site in Kahtu, located halfway between Patong and
Phuket Town, is a beautiful lakeside setting that is worth a visit
even if you do not jump. Jumpers take off from a metal cage hoisted
by a crane to a height of 44 meters. Below the cage is a used tin
mine lake. Anyone from 40 to 230 Kg is welcome to make the jump.
Shooting Range
800 meters from the Chalong traffic circle towards Kata is a shooting
range especially designed for those experienced in using hand guns
and rifles. Available are hand guns and rifles of varying caliber.
All ammunitions used are special range bullets. The cost varies
according to the gun models and quantity of bullets spent.
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