Tourists love Phuket for its sun-drenched beaches, investors for its secure property – and athletes? They come for the island’s truly unique energy, facilities, and competitions. Below are six sports that shape Phuket’s athletic spirit – whether you’re a pro or just in it for the joy of movement.

Golf

Picture this: breakfast at a luxury villa, an afternoon round of golf, and cocktails at sunset aboard a yacht. If that’s not the perfect resort lifestyle, what is?

Phuket’s renowned golf clubs – Loch Palm, Blue Canyon, Red Mountain, Laguna, and others – offer not just scenic fairways but a serious sporting edge. Tournaments with titles and cash prizes are held regularly. At the Singha Laguna Phuket Open 2024, for example, the prize pool hit B4 million, with cars awarded for hole-in-ones – a long-standing tradition.

The island’s own rising stars is Louise Landgraf, a BISP student and a proud member of France’s national golf team.

Marathons & triathlons

Running is Phuket’s most inclusive sport uniting school kids and their grandparents, business leaders and officials. Races happen often and usually include categories for those who prefer to walk the scenic routes rather than sprint them.

Signature events include the Laguna Phuket Marathon, the Andaman Trail, and the vibrant Thanyapura Colour Fun Run.

Triathlons are equally popular, with the Laguna Phuket Triathlon in November leading the pack. The course features a 1.8 km swim, a 50 km bike race, and a 12 km run – all set against a tropical backdrop.

Sailing

Every December, Phuket welcomes yachtsmen from around the globe for the King’s Cup Regatta, the crown jewel of Asia’s sailing calendar. When the European season ends, Phuket’s turquoise waters take center stage.

Other key events include the Yacht Sales Regatta (July), The Bay Regatta (February), Jai Dee Regatta (November), and the PYC Race Series (year round). Plus, the island offers sailing courses for children – making it a family-friendly sport from the start.

Martial arts

It’s hard to find a fighter in the MMA or Muay Thai world who hasn’t heard of Phuket as dozens of UFC and ONE champions prepare for their bouts at elite gyms in Bang Tao and Chalong.

Chalong’s legendary “Boxing Street” isn’t just for the pros. It’s also packed with wellness seekers and everyday athletes – where else might you run into Fabricio Andrade or Petr Yan mid-workout?

Surfing & wakeboard

While Phuket’s waves don’t reach Bali or California heights, they’re perfect for beginners – and plenty of fun for everyone else. The surfing season runs from May to October, while SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) takes over during high season.

Equestrian

A horseback ride along the beach at sunset? Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. This postcard-perfect experience has long been part of Phuket’s charm – but the island is now also home to professional-grade equestrian centers.

Even Olympic-level athletes are discovering places like Niran Farm, while among villa owners, horseback riding is fast becoming a lifestyle sport to rival golf.

Tennis & padel

Why does Maria Sharapova know Phuket so well? For decades, top tennis players have used the courts at Laguna Phuket and Thanyapura to train in hot-weather conditions before tournaments.

Now, padel tennis has joined the lineup – and made a splash. Clubs like Padel Phuket, Padel Bay, and FifteenLove have popped up across the island’s most in-demand neighborhoods.

In 2025, the island’s most fashionable sports are arguably golf, padel, and horse riding – and Phuket makes them all feel effortlessly within reach.