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

The Grandest Tour 2025 | Aman Jet Expeditions

Date
Apr 19–May 9, 2025
Price Per Person
$188,888
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 $21,000
See Itinerary

Discover Southeast Asia | Aman Jet Expeditions

Date
Nov 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
Amanpuri
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...
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas
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...
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort
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...
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
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...
Andara Resort
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’...
ÀNI Thailand
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...
Banyan Tree Phuket
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...
COMO Point Yamu Phuket
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...
Iniala Beach House
Preferred Hotel

Iniala Beach House

Phuket, Thailand

Just 20 minute’s drive from Phuket airport, guests find themselves whisked into the secluded paradise of Iniala 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...
Rosewood Phuket
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...

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