Offering a fascinating blend of pristine nature, cultural attractions and family adventures, a trip to the Bay of Islands is a unique Aotearoa New Zealand destination worthy of inclusion on any North Island itinerary.
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Explore the marine wonders of the Andaman Sea
7 incredible Phuket holiday experiences for couples
Heading overseas with your significant other and keen to make it the most memorable vacation yet? Jet away to Phuket, a fun-filled, affordable destination in Southern Thailand.
Alongside the 30+ jaw-dropping beaches, spend your time on Phuket exploring marine-rich turquoise waters, the lush jungle-clad interior, and stunning limestone formations in Phang Nga Bay.
While many holidaymakers head to bustling Patong, Surin, or Kata, we recommend basing yourself in the more laid-back areas like Nai Harn and Cape Panwa. No matter where you stay, there are countless activities on offer to suit every kind of traveller and couple. Choose from water sport adventures to animal encounters and Thai cultural experiences. It’s practically impossible to be bored with your partner when visiting Phuket!
Best things to do on a couples’ getaway to Phuket
Explore the marine wonders of the Andaman Sea
Phuket has a well-deserved reputation for its world-class dive sites. Many travellers head to the island especially to scuba dive the fringing reefs, coral walls, wrecks, caves, and tunnels.
Whether you’re ready to earn your PADI certification or eager to dive into the Andaman Sea for its marine treasures, there are ample sites to suit.
Don’t miss the Similan Islands. They are revered among the dive community for the island’s deep reefs, crystal clear waters, and plentiful fish. Expect to spy giant trevally, barracuda, manta rays, and even whale sharks if you’re lucky.
If you prefer the pace of snorkelling, you can easily see tropical fish in vibrant colours from many of Phuket’s beaches. Popular snorkelling spots include Freedom Bay, Ao Sang Beach, Ya Nui, and Banana Beach.
Wander charming Old Phuket Town
For the best way to experience Phuket’s rich and varied history, head to the Old Town. While it’s easy to spend time looking up, enamoured by the town’s colourful and ornate Sino-Portuguese architecture, what’s inside these former homes is as appealing.
Thai Hua Museum is a great site to understand the island’s history. From there, alternate between the vibrant shrines dotted around the town and the quirky boutiques and bustling eateries.
Around the Old Town you can sample delectable Thai food, but you can learn to cook it here, too. Blue Elephant is a cooking school favourite, set inside a beautiful former mansion.
On the weekend, countless market stalls line the streets selling pretty much everything. Save room for some Thai street food!
Wander around the Old Town you can sample delectable Thai food.
Enjoy the serenity and views at the Big Buddha
Take a trip to one of Phuket’s most revered sites, the Big Buddha in Southern Phuket. This impressive 45-metre landmark towers high atop Nakkerd Hill, close to Kata. Aside from the peace experienced at the foot of this white-marble Buddha statue, you’ll also enjoy sweeping 360-degree views.
You can explore the onsite temple, filled with Buddha statues and amulets. The monks here offer blessings and occasional ceremonies.
If you’re both into fitness, consider hiking to Big Buddha for sunrise. It’s steep and takes around an hour, but it feels like you’ve earnt your time watching the sunrise over the jutting islands in the distance. You’ll also have the place pretty much to yourself.
Bond at Soi Dog, Phuket’s top attraction
For animal-loving couples, a visit to Soi Dog is a Phuket must-do. This incredible rescue organisation has been critical in assisting Phuket’s vulnerable street dogs and cats.
Soi Dog offers free daily tours that allow you to experience their passion for animals and appreciate the important work they do. You also get to meet and greet some of the resident strays.
If you have the time (a 2-day minimum), it’s especially rewarding to volunteer at Soi Dog. Volunteers typically assist, walk or play with some of the 950+ dogs and 170+ cats that currently call Soi Dog home.
Reset at a wellness retreat
To reset your equilibrium, why not book a stay at one of Phuket’s many wellness resorts?
For an immersive experience, with activities from sunrise to past sundown, some wellness resorts offer enriching all-inclusive health adventures.
Muay Thai classes with professional Thai boxers, infrared hot yoga classes, daily hikes, cooking demonstrations, nutrition classes, meditation, breathwork, sound healing, sunset SUP boarding and talks on personal development are just some of the other activities offered by wellness resorts.
Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary where aged, injured and sick elephants come to recover.
Get out in nature at an ethical elephant sanctuary
Phuket’s first ethical elephant sanctuary opened in 2016, providing a welcome way for visitors to meet Asian elephants without stressing about the level of care they receive. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary offers a home for aged, injured and sick elephants across 30 acres of unspoiled rainforest.
Observe these gentle giants as they play, bathe, feed and wander freely through the lush grounds. A new feature at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the 600-metre-long, 6-metre-high canopy that allows visitors a unique view of the resident elephants as they go about their (now) carefree days.
Take a trip back in time to Koh Yao Noi
While many travellers head to Koh Phi Phi when they’re ready for a change of pace, those want to step back in time choose Koh Yao Noi.
Only 45-minutes by speedboat from Phuket, Koh Yao Noi acts like a time machine for Thailand 30-40 years ago. Explore fishing villages, walk the long sandy beaches, and enjoy the lush vegetation by motorbike or boat.
