Phuket is famous for its beaches and nightlife, and millions of tourists come each year to lounge in the sun and party. It'd be a shame to go all the way to Thailand, and never experience anything really Thai! Muay Thai Boxing is the national sport of Thailand, and a very important part of the nation’s culture.

If you want your vacation to include cultural experiences, fitness activities, and learning opportunities, as well as time on the beach, temples, and Buddha – this guide is for you!

What you’ll see and do:

Thai Boxing Lesson:
Learn to fight Thai-style with some of the best instructors in the country. Phuket is home to many gyms – you’ll find out which one is gaining the reputation as the best in Thailand. The Beginner Muay Thai class is appropriate for any age or fitness level, including children.

Big Buddha:
Visit the giant statue of Big Buddha, at the top of one of the tallest points in Phuket. The statue itself is 45m (147ft) tall and 25m (82ft) wide.

Phuket Town:
Phuket Town is the most Thai part of the island, known for its beautiful buildings and architecture. Walk around for a few hours, exploring temples, small art galleries, and local shops. See the ex-red light district (now the nicest street in town!) and visit Chinese Temples. Buy yourself a souvenir at the Buddhist amulet market, and try some Thai “fast food”.

Krabi Krabong Lesson:
Study a Thai martial art using weapons! “Krabi” means curved sword and “Krabong” means staff or pole. The class is held using wooden sticks, so nobody gets hurt!

Thai Karaoke & Buffet:
Go where the locals are – the karaoke bar & buffet! Cook your own food right on the table, and then belt out a song or two (English and Thai songs are available). Not many tourists go here!

Wat Chalong:
Explore Wat Chalong - the biggest and most important Buddhist Temple in Phuket. Ask the Thai “fortune blocks” to answer your questions.

Boxing Match:
Now that you’ve learned the sport and trained hard for a few days, watch a real competition! You will see 8 or 9 fights, with competitors ranging in age, gender, nationality and experience. Is there a way to get a cheaper ticket than the rest of the tourists? Often it’s possible, and the details are in this guide!

Patong Beach:
Patong is the most popular area of Phuket, famous for its beaches and nightlife. Spend a few hours on the beach relaxing after all that hard training. Or try some of the more adventurous suggestions in this guide, if you’re up for it…

A sample from this itinerary:

Spend an hour exploring Wat Chalong - the biggest and most important Buddhist Temple in Phuket. There are a few temples to explore on the grounds, containing various Buddhist statues and paintings. The temples are incredibly beautiful on the outside as well, with their intricate, brightly-colored carvings.

Inside the Main Hall, you will see 2 cans on the floor. After making a donation (50 baht or more should do), you may pick one up, and shake it rhythmically until one stick falls out. There will be a number written on it. Around the corner (to the right) you will see a wooden cabinet with numbered drawers. Open the corresponding drawer, and take the paper inside to someone who can translate it for you (if not at Wat Chalong, perhaps your hotel or a local restaurant).

Also on the floor, you will see pairs of wooden blocks. You may ask a yes or no question and toss the blocks into the air. If they land with the same side up, the answer is No. Opposite sides, and it is Yes.

Do not be alarmed if you see people lighting firecrackers. While this isn’t typical of a Thai Wat, it is often done at Wat Chalong. It is a way to show gratitude for prayers that have been answered.

Local’s Tip: Remember to take your shoes off before entering a temple, and not to wear revealing clothing. This means shorts above the knee, or anything showing your chest, belly, or shoulders. Also no disrespectful Tshirts!