Phuket Mangroves

Images of mangrove forests rarely appear in ads showing the highlights of Phuket. The short trees grow in mud along the shore, their tangled roots and arching branches create striking, sculptural forms that look like natural art installations. They are also a crucial part of Phuket’s coastal ecology, providing shelter for nurseries of fish and crustaceans.

The people of Phuket have been replanting them in earnest since their value to settlements became apparent following the 2004 tsunami. Mangroves act as a natural barrier against large waves and flood damage, filter impurities in water, and their roots can hold large amounts of carbon. Aside from their ecological, safety, and economic benefits, mangroves offer plenty of fun things to do as well.

1. ATV discovery tours

All terrain adventure awaits

Good for: Adventure, Families, Unusual

There’s a variety of tour operators in Phuket who will take you on a thrilling ATV ride. After a quick intro to learn the controls and safety rules, a local guide will lead you through rubber plantations to beautiful deserted beaches. The coast offers plenty of space to drive on the sand and along muddy tracks just off the beach, a fun challenge to test your skills and a great way to get close to the mangroves.

All beaches in Thailand are public, but the ones in Thalang are a little more remote, so you’ll feel like you own the place. ATVs are big enough to carry 2 adults and at least 1 child, and refreshments are often provided.

2. Mangroves by mountain bike

Pedal-powered Phuket tours

Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo

Cycling is an unhurried way to enjoy Phuket’s scenery and explore parts of Phuket that few tourists get to see, especially if they stick to the resorts. Tours include visits to small villages with stops along the way to learn about tropical plants such as mangroves, coconut, and rubber plantations. It’s a great way to get a glimpse into traditional Thailand.

Anyone who is reasonably fit can take one of these cycling trips. Tour companies usually provide you with a mountain bike with a lightweight aluminum frame, 21 or 24 gears and front suspension, along with a full support vehicle, an English-speaking guide, snacks, and drinking water.

3. Kayaking in the mangroves

Phuket from the water

Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families

If you’re looking for a quick trip out for your group of around 4 people, try canoeing along the mangrove-lined Klong Mudong (Mudong Canal). The journey is about 1.25 miles long and the canal is wide enough to be able to paddle in comfort. You’ll get to see many of the mangroves’ inhabitants, including snakes, birds, and macaques.

There’s a choice of canoe tours out of Phuket, many of which set off in the early morning, stopping for coffee and snacks on the way. Activity options include visiting mangrove swamps near Baan Nam Khem, canoeing on the Sok River, jungle-trekking, or touring the vast Chieo Lan reservoir and its spectacular limestone cliffs.

4. Nature safaris

Where the jungle meets the rivers

Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo

A multiple-day safari can be a great choice for those with plenty of time to spare during their Phuket vacation, especially if getting out into nature is a priority. You’ll be able to spend time exploring rivers that cut through a mangrove forest aboard a dinghy that’s fitted with an outboard motor.

There is a maze of channels between the islands and the mainland. You’ll have the opportunity to get closer to the banks of lush greenery, explore the smaller creeks, and see some birdlife. You can easily rent a canoe and lifejacket then paddle at your own pace through the dense mangrove forest.

5. Mor Mu Dong Restaurant

Thai dining among the mangroves

Good for: Couples, Food, Luxury

If you’re spending a day out by the Klong Mudong canal, why not treat yourself to a meal at Michelin-listed local restaurant Mor Mu Dong. Many of its dishes are typical (and very spicy) Phuket fare, such as locally-caught seafood and deep fried pork belly.

What’s fascinating about Mor Mu Dong is its location and atmosphere. Here, you can sit and enjoy your meal with the mangroves alongside and within reach, and the water beneath you: the restaurant is built on stilts. There are several open-sided huts for group dining, as well as smaller huts for couples and solo diners.

Location: Soi Palai, Chao Fa Road, Chalong, Muang, Phuket 83130, Thailand

Open: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm (closed on the 15th of every month)

Phone: +66 (0)88 766 1634

6. Chaiyo Seafood Restaurant

Fantastic seafood and Thai cuisine with a view

Good for: Families, Food, Unusual

You can find Chaiyo Seafood Restaurant on the way to Cape Panwa. It serves authentic Thai food and very fresh seafood at reasonable prices. The restaurant has a gra-chang: a large keep net in the water containing live fish like carp. Choose the fish you want to eat and they’ll haul it out for you.

The restaurant is right next to the Klong Mudong canal so you can dine with the view of the beautiful mangrove forest. You even can borrow a canoe from the restaurant, for free, and paddle around the nearby area before or after your meal.

Location: 25 2 Muangthong-Kaokard Road, Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Open: Daily from 10.30am to 10.30pm

Phone: +66 (0)76 393 142

7. Bang Pae Seafood

A seafood restaurant right on the beach

Good for: Families, Food, Photo

Bang Pae Seafood is one of Phuket’s all-time favorite neighborhood restaurants. It is located in Bangpae Village, not far from Bangpae Waterfall near Thalang. While a little bit out of the way for most travelers in Phuket, this seafood restaurant is the real deal. Try their tom yam talay (hot and sour Thai seafood soup), steamed crab, deep-fried tempura shrimp, stir-fried vegetables with cashew nuts, fresh oysters with local herbs, or deep-fried squid with garlic and pepper.

This seaside restaurant has a spectacular location, with a small beach and a lovely backdrop of mangroves you can explore before or after a meal.

Location: Soi Bang Toei, Pakhlok, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand

Open: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm

Phone: +66 (0)87 887 5785

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.