Khao To Sae
A good asphalt road leads to Monkey Hill (or Tosae Hill); it’s a great place for walking and jogging, but most travellers, of course, come here for a different reason. Monkey Hill in Phuket is well known, thanks to many wild macaques around here. You cannot miss them when climbing the hill.
Besides, there are three equipped observation platforms on Monkey Hill: the first one is with shops, restaurants and a view on the sea; the second one—with benches and gazebos; and, finally, the third one—with outstanding panoramic views of the coast. The platforms are perfect places to sit and enjoy the endless sea, view the city under your feet, the golden sunset and the first stars in the sky.
Address: Ratsada, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Operating Hours:0700 to 1700 (Daily)
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
There have been raising concerns about animal tourism in Thailand, especially when it comes to the country’s national animal. There are reports that show elephants across the country being abused for tourism and logging purposes over the years, but thankfully things are starting to change. You can be part of the changing force here in Phuket!
A visit to one of the elephant sanctuaries is definitely rewarding; here, you can interact with the peaceful pachyderms in an ethical way while you learn more about the elephants. There is absolutely no elephant riding going on here, and that’s a good thing. There are a few such places to visit on the island, one that comes highly recommended is the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
Address: 100, Moo 2, Paklok, Thalang
Contact:+66 88 752 3853 / +66 76 529 099
Operating Hours:0900 to 1300, 1400 to 1730pm (Daily)
www.phuketelephantsanctuary.org/en
Hanuman World
Hanuman World Phuket is an exciting yet safe treetop ziplining adventure, located west of Phuket Town. With 16 thrilling lines up to 400 meters in length, dodging between huge and ancient trees in dense hillside jungle, it is a great way for families and thrill-seekers to get close to nature without risking either your own safety or that of the trees around you.
Opened in March 2016, the large adventure park also features a skywalk, allowing you to traverse the forest canopy at a rather more sedate pace, stopping to look at the remarkable wild trees and plant life around you. The walk leads to a large platform with a trampoline-like sunbed and a bar for trying out local fruits and different juices. There is also a “roller zip line” which traverses the whole park at high speed in one long, twisting line.
Address: 105 Moo 4, Chaofa Road. T.Wichit, Muang, Phuket
Contact:+66 62 979 5533 / +66 76 540 767
Operating Hours:0800 to 1700 (Daily)
www.hanumanworldphuket.com
Windmill Viewpoint
An Instagram-Worthy place in Phuket. Situated above the hill between Ya Nui and Nai Harn Beach, this small and breezy viewpoint offers a spectacular sunset view overlooking the Andaman Sea. This viewpoint derives its name from the tall, picturesque three-bladed windmill. From the viewpoint, you can catch a glimpse of the long-tail boats, fishing boats, beautiful coastline and sprawling seascape.
To reach the Windmill Viewpoint, head south on the coastal road from Kata Beach. Then drive south passed the Karon Viewpoint and go straight towards Nai Harn Beach. Drive toward the direction of Prompthep Cape, just few hundred metres after Nai Harn, you will see a small hill after the lake, follow the trail until you reach a sharp left curve. At there, keep left to a narrow dirt road, after a short drive, you will arrive this charming viewpoint.
Address: Rawai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Contact:+66 95 210 4626
Opening Hours:0600 -2100