Go Your Own Way!—Niche Activity Ideas in Phuket

So you've admired the beautiful beaches, breathed in the fresh sea air, and listened to the crash of the waves. That's plenty, you might think. Think again! Phuket has far, far more about it than just this. Deep diving and snorkeling, surfing, jungle ziplines, shooting... If you like to veer off the beaten path, once you've explored the surface of the island, you'd better dig deeper to find what else it offers!

The vast majority of Phuket's bays are pretty tame, relatively speaking. It's not your classic surfing destination. But at the Surf House in Patong or Kata, you can surf to your heart's content! In the artificial wave pool, professional coaches teach you the basics of how to master the surf while you hold onto a guideline. You get complete security, rather than fear of the sea. And step by step, from lying on the board to standing up, you get a real sense of achievement! Getting to your feet is just the first step; having a go at the breaking waves is the real deal. You'll be the envy of all your girlfriends who stayed behind in the safety of the cafeteria. Look at you go! Of all the adventure sports, surfing is the safest. And with a professional coach who's completely got your back, it's safe as houses as an experience for beginners. If you're tired out, the cafeteria next door is a great place to take a rest. Ordering up a cold drink and enjoying some delicious Thai food cooked by a top chef while you watch others having fun in the waves is also a totally relaxing experience. Note: The surf house provides professional boards, coaching, and showers, but you need to bring your own change of clothes and swimwear. A close-fitting, conservative swimsuit is recommended, first off for your own protection, and second to reduce water resistance.

If you've always wanted to try a bungee jump but never quite summoned up the courage, Phuket's jungle ziplines make a great dress rehearsal. And as you slide like Tarzan from one side of the rainforest to another, the scenery on the way down gives you something neat to look at, too. The azure seas, crystal-clear skies, and thick rainforest are a real sight to behold. Apart from the traditional zipline, you can also try other activities such as the vertical drop, the spiral staircase, the sky-bridge, the horizon ladder, or the treehouse. The rest stations along the way give you a chance to get your pumping adrenaline back down in preparation for the next challenge. Note: It's best not to wear flip-flops on the jump. If you don't have any other footwear, you can ask the staff for rubber bands to fasten your flip-flops. Selfies during the jump are not recommended either, as you'll be traveling pretty fast and it's easy to drop your phone. The staff take photos of you while you're traveling along the zipline (there's a fee for the prints).

Phuket has been dubbed "the world's best dive spot." Of all its dozens of outlying islands, nowhere beats Koh Racha (the Emperor's Island). Koh Racha is an outlying island that has only just started to be developed in the last few years, so man-made pollution is much lower here than on the other outlying islands. With the gentle breeze, calm waves, and perfect water temperature, this is an ideal spot to experience diving, and all of this is where Koh Racha comes into its own. Underwater, you can see the clumps of coral sticking to the reef, with the occasional school of fish shooting back and forth between them. It's only when you dive in these waters that you really appreciate the unique charm of Koh Racha. The other outlying islands can't compare. Note: Although there is no definite requirement to be able to swim in order to dive, it is recommended that you can. If you can swim, it reduces your fear considerably when you go into the water, and as long as you're not scared of the water, everything else is manageable. Diving equipment is not required, as the boatmen will prepare it for you. Before you go into the water, listen carefully to the trainer's instructions, as once you're in, you can't make your voice heard and you'll have to rely on hand signals.

Most visitors to Phuket get no further than island-hopping, elephant rides, and massages. But actually, like in the U.S., guns are legal in Thailand, and there quite a few shooting ranges. Although there are shooting ranges in China, they are subject to many restrictions. The shooting range in Phuket has few restrictions, so you can shoot to your heart's content. Professional trainers provide one-to-one guidance, going through the whole process with you, from the gun mechanism through loading bullets, inserting the round in the barrel, posture, shooting technique, fundamental shooting posture, and clearing the barrel. This way, you not only have fun, but you also do it right. Note: It's best to opt for a gun with as little recoil as possible. If you want to try different weapons, you can pre-book a "set menu" online, which is better value for money. Beginners and experienced shooters alike must comply with the rules of the range.

Imagine for a second... over the ruddy soil, through the mud, racing free across bumpy mountain trails. Only ATVs can do this! ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, may sound like a big deal, but you can quickly get the hang of them, even if you can't drive a car. Before you formally begin, a professional trainer will give you some basic instructions, then they'll take you to the course for a 3 to 5-minute test-ride. The trainer will pick out a route for you according to your ability and show you a few tricks to spice your ride up a bit! Note: You'll need to adapt quickly before you formally begin. If you've got any questions, let the trainer know and ask for help. Before you get on, you need to wear your helmet. If you need a facemask you can ask the trainer for one, so you don't get sick breathing in mouthfuls of dust after you start. It's best to wear breathable, quick-drying clothes. If you have a GoPro action camera, you can fasten it to your chest or the front of the vehicle.

Normally we're not likely to devote a fortnight or more to learning Thai boxing; after all, it's seriously physically demanding. But this doesn't stop you from enjoying the hot-blooded thrill of a match. This isn't a show or a performance but a real, hard-hitting match. You'll feel your own blood rise with the combination of powerful, hard-packed muscle, attacks and counterattacks, and cries ringing out. Before the bell, the two competitors perform a special prayer ritual, part of the traditional culture. Then when the fast and furious blows start to rain down, it's time to start cheering with the rest of the crowd! Note: Not recommended for children (who are natural imitators and may develop violent tendencies). Please do not throw drinks bottles or other garbage inside the venue (apparently there's a strong chance of getting beaten up for throwing things). Before the match starts, the staff will ask whether you want to place bets, but this is entirely your choice (a small flutter won't hurt but a big bet might). So, if you like to go your own way, how about trying some of these niche activities? If you want a go, grab your friends and come on down!