Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
One of the world's fastest-growing sports is also one of Phuket's latest fads. The three
best spots are Hat Nai Yang, Karon (in the low season) and Rawai (ideal conditions for
beginners in the high season). Phuket's three kiteboarding outfitters are all affiliated with
the International Kiteboarding Organization (PADI for kites).
Kiteboarding Asia
( 08 1591 4594;
www.kiteboardingasia.com
; lessons from 4000B)
Its main office is on Hat Nai Yang,
but it has a kiosk on the south end of Hat Karon that's open in the low season. It also of-
fers lessons off Rawai's Friendship Beach.
WATER SPORTS
Kite Zone
OFFLINE MAP
WATER SPORTS
GOOGLE MAP
( 08 3395 2005;
www.kitesurfingphuket.com
; 1hr beginner lessons from 1100B; half-day lesson 4400B;
May-late-Oct)
With locations in Nai Yang and Rawai, this is the younger, hipper school,
with a tremendous perch on Friendship Beach. Courses range in length from an hour to
five days.
Bob's Kite School Phuket
(
www.kiteschoolphuket.com
; Nai Yang; 1hr discovery lesson 1000B, 3hr course 3300B)
Phuket's very first kite
school is still running. The instruction and equipment is top notch and they have the best
prices too. They're open year round on Hat Nai Yang, and on Hat Rawai during the wet
season.
WATER SPORTS
PHUKET FOR CHILDREN
There's plenty for kids to do on Phuket. And while the seedier face of the sex industry is on full show in Patong
(we wouldn't bring our kids there, although many people do), the rest of the island is fairly G-rated.
Elephant treks are a big hit with kids, with the best options available on the Kata-Hat Nai Han road. Phuket
Aquarium (
Click here
) and a visit to the tiny Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre (
Click here
) are also terrific
animal-themed activities that are sure to please.
The main family-flogged feature of Phuket is Phuket Fantasea (
Click here
), which is a pricey extravaganza of
animals, costumes, singing, pyrotechnics and a lousy dinner.
Other fun activities include the following:
Surf House
(
Click here
) is a new attraction across the street from Kata beach, where older kids love the chal-
lenge of riding a wake board in a man-made surf park. It's more challenging than it looks.
Phuket Wake Park
(
Click here
) The island's newest attraction is a must for adrenalin-addled older kids. Set on
Kathu's marvelous lake, this is a full-fledged wake-boarding park. Gear rental is available too, and they'll even
organise transfers to and from your hotel.
