Phuket

Derived from the Malay word bukit, or hill, Phuket was long known to European traders as Junk Ceylon, and a rich source of valuable tin. After an attack by the rival Burmese navy in 1785, which was repulsed by forces commanded by a local widow and her sister, Phuket rose to prominence as a regional administrative center, charged with running the southern provinces of Thailand.

Today, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, and sports fine beaches, constant sunshine, and an enviable proximity to a multitude of attractions and dive sites - among them the Similan Islands, Koh Phi Phi, and the limestone peaks of Phang Nga Bay. While Phuket was devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, it has since repaired the damage, and, thanks to its tourism revenue, become the wealthiest province in the country.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Koh Kai Nok

Have a lovely picnic lunch on a secluded white sand beach on Koh Kai Nok, and relax as you watch the waves roll in.

Old Town Tour

Stroll through the Old Town of Phuket along Thalang Road, where you’ll discover beautiful buildings built in a Sino-Portuguese style, including the Standard Chartered Bank, Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion and Thai Hua Museum. As the style suggests, these buildings were influenced by Chinese architecture when they were built over 100 years ago and were later infused with Portuguese elements.

Phang Nga Bay

Spend a day cruising through Phang Nga Bay, where hundreds of limestone karst peaks thrust up out of the sea in a variety of formations, towering over the turquoise water.

Phi Phi Islands

Cruise to the Phi Phi Islands, where "The Beach", starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed, or to James Bond Island, which was a location for the action epic, "The Man With the Golden Gun." Stop at snorkel and dive sites and observe local marine life in crystal-clear waters.

Similan Islands

Take a speed boat to the Similan Islands, considered the top scuba-diving and snorkeling spot in Thailand and world renowned for their coral reefs and diversity of tropical fish. The eleven islands, which comprise a national park, are home to rare species of flora and fauna, such as the Nicobar pigeon, flying lemur and bottlenose dolphin.

Sunset Visit to the Big Buddha

At sunset, visit the big Buddha on a hill. At 135 feet high, this large white landmark sits on top of Nakkerd Hills, one of the highest points in Phuket where one can see an almost 360-degree view of the island. Made of white Burmese marble, the statue is known as Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri, and it is one of Phuket’s most notable sites.

Temple Tour

Visit local Buddhist temples, such as Wat Chalong, Wat Khao Rang and Wat Phra Thong. Wat Chalong is famous among Thais for its reputed healing powers. Khao Rang houses a large golden seated Buddha statue, while Phra Thong is known for its half-buried golden Buddha, Poh Phra Thong.

Thailand Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Phuket Itineraries

Classic Thailand

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,200
See Itinerary

A Sense of Well-being: Sanctuaries & Cuisine in Southern Thailand

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,250
See Itinerary

Classic Southeast Asia

Duration
20 days / 19 nights
Price Per Person
From $19,200
See Itinerary

Discover Southeast Asia | Aman Jet Expeditions | November 10–20, 2024

Date
November 10–20, 2024
Price Per Person
$74,888
See Itinerary

Beautiful, Bountiful Beaches

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,500
See Itinerary

The Grandest Tour | Aman Jet Expeditions | April 13–May 4, 2024

Date
April 13–May 4, 2024
Price Per Person
$178,888
See Itinerary

Discover Southeast Asia 2025 | Aman Jet Expeditions | November 2–15, 2025

Date
November 2–15, 2025
Price Per Person
$98,888
See Itinerary

The Grandest Tour 2025 | Aman Jet Expeditions | April 19–May 9, 2025

Date
April 19–May 9, 2025
Price Per Person
$188,888
See Itinerary
Preferred Hotel

Amanpuri

Phuket, Thailand

Amanpuri, which means “peaceful place,” is a magnificent resort created by the architect who designed the Winter Palace of the former Shah of Iran. The resort has 40 secluded pavilions, each with a private outdoor terrace overlooking the Andaman Sea, and come with a personal cook and butler. Dining options include The Restaurant, which serves Italian cuisine, and The Terrace, which offers Thai and European specialties. Amanpuri has a Beach Club, with windsurfing and hobie-cats available, a 20-meter lap pool and a starting point for diving, snorkeling or fishing. Other facilities include a business center, floodlit tennis courts, and a fitness center with state-of-the-art weight training and cardiovascular machines and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea. Wifi is available in all rooms and public areas. The resort is 25 minutes from the airport in Phuket (HKT).

Preferred Hotel

ANA Beach House

Phuket, Thailand

Just 20 minute’s drive from Phuket airport, guests find themselves whisked into the secluded paradise of ANA Beach House. Set amidst the dramatic limestone rock formations of Phang Nga bay, the beachfront villas stand on the sands of Natai Beach, looking out to the Andaman Ocean. Guests can absolutely unwind from the moment of landing; after being swept through the airport, the personal chauffeur service hands over to the private butler, ready with a glass of champagne at the beautiful ocean-view accommodation. Accommodation options include three multi-bedroom villas, The Penthouse, as well as two One-Bedroom Pool Suites, which can be connected - all featuring individual eclectic design by international creatives. Meals can be served in-room or on the beach, while PARLA is the resort's fine dining restaurant, serving unique Nordic-Hebridean cuisine through an interactive tasting experience. Wellbeing is central to the ANA Beach House experience, with spa and fitness facilities in-villa, not to mention exciting excursions on hand.

Preferred Hotel

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

Phuket, Thailand

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas sits on a lush island in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, where limestone islets dot the horizon in every direction. Unfolding over a kilometer of golden beach, this Phuket luxury resort is the height of tranquility, spaciousness and luxury just a 45-minute boat ride from Phuket and 20 minutes from Krabi. Offering 148 spacious suites, pool villas, and penthouses, Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas offers a range of spacious rooms and villas that include family accommodations as well as dedicated wellness villas with a hydropool and spa. Its tranquil setting provides an excellent retreat for relaxation, but there are also many opportunities for adventure. Venture off the beaten track to tranquil Hong Island to discover a small white sandy beach with a crystal-clear lagoon. Trek up 400 steps to a phenomenal 360-degree viewpoint. Drift along mangrove canals in a kayak or cruise on a long tail boat to a natural sand bank for a twilight candlelit dinner. Enjoy a vintage sidecar experience dashing through a rubber plantation and learn batik painting and tie dye. Whatever you choose, your stay at Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas is sure to be a memorable one.
Preferred Hotel

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort

Phuket, Thailand

Looking out over the sparkling Andaman Sea, this superb five-star resort is one of the most spectacular luxury retreats Phuket has to offer. Set within a peaceful bay on the island’s Western coast, an idyllic shoreline is greeted by crystal-clear waters directly in front of the resort, creating a secluded island sanctuary. It lies conveniently close to Phuket International Airport but far enough to transport guests to their own exotic haven. Anantara’s first-class hospitality is coupled with a collection of 30 opulent rooms and luxury suites as well as 47 indulgent pool villas. Guests can enjoy a balance of the serenity from the private stretch of beach and shoreline pool with the diversity of facilities within the resort, including exciting water activities, fitness center and spa. Days in Thai paradise are accompanied by some of the finest dining options in Phuket, with seductive settings and awe-inspiring island views to match. Professional and talented chefs create fresh and beautifully-presented dishes for exclusive dining experiences, where guests can sample the iconic flavors of Thailand.

Preferred Hotel

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is an island associated with sun, sea and sand, and there’s no better way to experience it by staying right on the beach in your own private villa. Every single one at Anantara Phuket comes with its own private pool, and total floor space starts at giant 1,900 square feet (that’s about four times more than your stand hotel room). When you’re not soaking in the terrazzo bathtub, sipping a cocktail on the private decking, doing laps in your own private pool, or making use of the long list of entertainment and gadgets in the room, Anantara Phuket has plenty to do elsewhere – that’s if you can drag yourself away from the villa. There are five dining options (including a rather beautiful ‘tree house’ venue), a poolside bar, cooking school and a luxurious spa to wind back after a long day of being busy… or doing nothing at all. Mai Khao beach, the longest in Phuket, is just steps from the villa and provides soft sand and warm tropical waters perfect for swimming.

Preferred Hotel

Andara Resort

Phuket, Thailand

The beachside Andara resort rests atop a lush hillside on the west coast of Phuket, offering sweeping sea views from its rooms, restaurants and an infinity pool. Andara’s accommodations include a variety of Pool Villas and a mix of Pool Suites, Terrace Suites and Pool Suite Penthouses. The Silk Restaurant & Bar serves contemporary Thai cuisine focusing on locally sourced ingredients, as well as Western comfort foods and a children’s menu. Andara’s Spa has five individual treatment rooms, two couples’ rooms with jacuzzi baths, and a private steam room, with a diverse menu of therapies including Thai, Ayurvedic, Swiss, Javanese and Swedish massage, as well as a variety of scrubs, detox and body treatments. The resort’s state-of-the-art fitness center has the latest free weights and Precor machines and cardio equipment, and both group and individual yoga and aerobic classes are available as well. Andara is a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport.

Preferred Hotel

ÀNI Thailand

Phuket, Thailand

Located along the beach of Ko Yao Noi Island and looking out across the stunning Phang Nga Bay with its dramatic sea-cliffs, beautiful lagoons, and pristine beaches, the Ani Thailand estate is a haven for group excursions. The resort’s ten connected suites can house up to 20, and while there is no shortage of spaces for gathering, there is an abundance of privacy available as well. Designed by Naga Concept, the spectacular estate is inspired by the temples of Northern Thailand. It is serene yet invigorating and soothing yet aspirational. Spacious bedrooms merge Thai and contemporary aesthetics while warm wood paneling creates a homey feeling. Ceilings are tall and bathrooms are indulgent. Some rooms are fitted with oversized bathtubs and others are home to private pools. The resort also has its own massive infinity pool, and guests can enjoy gourmet meals in the dining hall. A private chef oversees all meals, carefully curating dishes to make sure every bite is to the guests’ liking. Scuba diving and kayaking trips through the bay are imminent possibilities, and watching the sun set after a spa session is a part of life at the estate. For those looking for a place to hold a family reunion, business retreat, or just to spend time with their friends abroad, the Ani Villas Phuket is an ideal choice.

Preferred Hotel

Banyan Tree Phuket

Phuket, Thailand

The island of Phuket is the largest in Thailand, and its Andaman Sea coastline is filled with stunning beaches that afford a west-facing view of some of the world’s most breathtaking sunsets. For luxury travelers wishing to experience this island paradise off the southern tip of Phang Nga Province, the Banyan Tree Phuket is an ideal sanctuary of elegantly appointed villas tucked into a saltwater lagoon. The resort’s accommodations all feature private pools and look out upon either lush garden spaces or the natural greenery of the lagoon. Classic Thai architecture aesthetics dominate the overall interior design, with ample touches of natural wood and beautiful depictions of tropical scenes adorning the walls. The Banyan Tree Phuket also offers a number of top-tier facilities within the resort, in addition to easy access to numerous other restaurants and facilities within the greater Laguna Destination area. Perhaps most notable is the on-site golf course, Laguna Golf Phuket, which has been named “Thailand’s Best Golf Course” for two consecutive years and “Asia’s Best Golf Course” by World Golf Awards. Among other facilities and activities within the resort are a fully equipped fitness center, a series of larger lap and swimming pools, three tennis courts, a full-service library, and more.
Preferred Hotel

COMO Point Yamu Phuket

Phuket, Thailand

This ultra-luxury resort, perched at the tip of Phuket’s Cape Yamu on the island’s east coast, looks out over the crystal blue waters and picturesque limestone karsts of the Andaman sea. No detail has been left to chance here, with interiors by Paola Navone of Italian design fame, a five-star wellness retreat featuring a slew of treatment rooms, yoga studio, jacuzzi, sauna - the works, and two fine dining restaurants that offers guests a choice between a gourmet taste of Thailand at Nahmyaa, or authentic Italian at La Sirena. The hotel’s Aqua bar concocts everything liquid, from healthy smoothies to tantalizing cocktails that can be enjoyed poolside. And oh what a pool it is - with infinity edges, its waters blend seamlessly into the nearby ocean - a view guests can enjoy from one of the many plush sun loungers surrounding it. If that’s not enough, a fully air-conditioned, state-of-the-art fitness center, kids’ club, and meeting facilities are also made available to guests.

Preferred Hotel

Rosewood Phuket

Phuket, Thailand

The Rosewood Phuket, a secluded beach hideaway, sits on Emerald Bay’s sandy shores set amongst lush tropical landscape. The first Southeast Asia property in the brand’s portfolio, Rosewood’s luxe style blends signature polished contemporary fittings with rustic notes of Thai tradition. Each of the 71 pavilions and villas feature soft neutral tones, retractable floor-to-ceiling windows allowing for maximum natural light, and its own infinity-edge pool overlooking the Andaman Sea. Asaya, the wellness center, provides nutritional coaching, fitness activities, alternative therapies and specialized healing treatments, while the state-of-the-art Fitness Center allows guests to workout with a view of the beach. Families can take advantage of the Explorers Club which provides fun-filled activities and facilities for young guests. Guests can choose between Thai seafood, Italian, and a seafood grill for meals, and throughout the day and into the night, lounge at the poolside Bar enjoying music, drinks and snacks with sweeping views of the sea. The property is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport.

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