Phuket Horse Riding Club

There are not so many activities in the world that can beat riding along the shoreline strapped upon a majestic stallion. Although horse riding can be quite an expensive pastime in the western world, the Phuket Riding Club at Rawai, Phuket, is one of the best value-for-money excursions on the island.

Imagine tackling some of the most beautiful terrain Phuket has to offer, from scenic jungle tracks to stunning sandy beaches on horseback, equipped with fully trained guides. This was my first experience riding a horse so obviously I was quite intrigued yet nervous. My hesitancy was clearly unfounded because once I met the fully trained staff and guides, I was immediately more confident about the experience.

Phuket Riding Club uses Australian horses that provide the perfect companion for each and every level, from beginners to experts. Because of my lack of riding experience, I was briefly guided around the dressage riding rings and paddocks to become familiar with this majestic beast. This was a learning curve that I desperately needed, just to familiarize myself with the technical aspects of horse riding.

There are two route choices you can make: a one-hour Jungle Tour, which costs 800baht, allowing you to explore the beautiful scenery of the nearby jungle-laden hills high above Chalong, Rawai and Nai Harn on horseback. The second choice is a mixture of the same jungle route and also a picture-postcard beach route, which combined takes two hours for the price of 1,500baht. We opted for the second and more in-depth route. In all honesty, if this is your first time riding, the one-hour package will probably be more suitable. However, the diverse settings of the second combination offer are simply the best.

We climbed on board and then led through a quiet side-street in Chalong towards the immense jungle terrain on a purpose-built track. My horse glided through the undergrowth like a prime Shergar before his untimely disappearance. Some of the views and surrounding jungle vegetation made for a great experience.

Then we were led back down the tracks towards the main road and entered the beach area that leads towards Chalong Bay, looking out towards the sea and the majestic views of the outlaying island in the distance.

As we passed the famous Friendship Beach Resort & Restaurant, we were nearing the end of our two-hour trek and I was getting weary. Pulling up back at the stables, I suddenly realized what a great journey I had just partaken in. I went from absolute beginner to novice in such a short time period due to the excellent training and advice of the Phuket Horse Riding staff.

If you are thinking about riding through luscious jungle vegetation on horseback, Phuket Horse Riding Club is as good as it gets.

Phuket Riding Club Address: 95 Viset Road, Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130

A year Fee of 3,000 Baht entitles you to the following discounts:

Fee for 1 lesson: 600 Baht (1 hour)

Fee for Trekking: 300 Baht (1 hour)