Luxury Escapes Guide to Phuket
Rolling waves lapping on white-sand shores, ancient temples, the dulcet tones at a laid-back beach club and moreish morsels of Thai cuisine are just some of the reasons you’ll fall in love with Phuket.
Phuket is a feast for the senses. It’s a place where once you have been, the mention of its name will flood you with memories of the rust coloured, finger-shaped limestone karsts jutting from an emerald green bay; the feel of soft white sand falling between your toes; the taste of a spicy southern Thailand dish lingering on your palate; the sound of the soft shuffle of an elephant as you walk in its shadow; and the sweet smell of incense at an ancient temple.
It’s a place that doesn’t discriminate in its diverse holiday offerings, from the pumping beats at a beach club to romantic luxe retreats and jungle escapes for the entire family. This multi-gen magnet has played a starring role in many Hollywood blockbusters for good reason. It serves up nature at its best with palm-fringed tropical beaches, multiple national parks with cascading waterfalls and lush jungle-clad mountains. Its reputation as a leisure playground continues underwater too, with a myriad of marine life to explore, including manta rays, leopard sharks and hawksbill and green sea turtles, to name but a few.
For those seeking a cultural experience, ancient temples provide the perfect pilgrimage; while for gourmands, the unique cuisine comes from a cultural fusion of Thai, Chinese and Malay. Whether you want to gather the extended family, travel with friends or need a romantic fly and flop, Phuket is the perfect place to reconnect — and not just with your loved ones. This southern Thai province will reach you in a way you never expected, and its pull to return runs deep.
Please note that due to current restrictions some operators may be temporarily closed. Check their websites for the most up-to-date information.
Featured escapes
Things to see and do
Explore Phuket’s most picturesque bay and islands
If there is one thing that’s a must-do in Phuket, it’s to explore the jaw-dropping islands and bays. Start with Phang Nga Bay, one of Southeast Asia’s most striking marine landscapes, which first drew the attention of tourists after featuring in James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. Divers would never overlook the Similan Islands Marine National Park – an archipelago of 11 islands, ranked as Thailand’s best dive site, and one of the world’s top 10. For those more interested in a place to party, you’ll find dozens of beach bars and restaurants at Tonsai Beach in the Phi Phi Islands, the film location of Hollywood blockbuster The Beach.
Take in the culture with a visit to Phuket’s largest temple
There are temples and then there’s Wat Chalong. The largest and most visited temple in Phuket, it features the gilt-covered statue of Luang Phor Chaem, a monk who helped the locals during the Chinese Rebellion in 1876. The walls and ceilings are covered in exquisite paintings showcasing the story of Buddha, while the first floor houses golden Buddha statues where you can pray for blessings. Top tip: Be mindful of the dress code. Women are required to cover their shoulders and wear pants or skirts that extend to the knees.
Make a difference at Phuket’s first ethical elephant sanctuary
The video you’ll watch on arrival at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary will have you in tears before you even meet these gentle giants. A tour here starts with visitors learning the story of how co-founder Montri Todtane rescued elephants who were abused to perform for tourists. Most are named after beautiful local flowers to reflect how they are now allowed to flourish and blossom in these lush grounds. After learning his exceptional journey, walk alongside these gentle giants through the 30-acre tropical jungle they now call home. New to the sanctuary is a 600-metre-long canopy walkway to give you a great perspective of these incredible creatures from above.
Get your dose of local cuisine and crafts at a night market
For your fix of authentic crafts, cuisine and culture, you can’t miss The Sunday Walking Street Market in the Old Phuket Town — known as Lard Yai by the locals. The market is Phuket’s largest night-time street event. Normally open to traffic, the street is blocked off for almost a kilometre and lined with every kind of stall you can imagine, from street food to souvenirs. On either side, Sino-Portuguese houses provide a bright multicoloured backdrop. Our tip: pick up some hand-painted coconut shell bowls and look out for the salapao (steamed buns filled with custard). There’s no sweeter treat. The market is usually open from 4pm until 10pm.
Bask at these exceptional local beaches
Say Phuket and often the first thing that springs to mind is a white sand beach with crystal clear waters lapping at the shore. As well as great spots for swimming, there are also sheltered bays all over Phuket that are perfect for snorkelling. Our top picks? Ao Sane, a serene stretch of sand broken up by large boulders that seemingly cascade into the sea. Ao Yon is another beach favourited by locals with relaxed vibes on the bay of Cape Panwa peninsula. Or, for somewhere even more off the beaten track, head to the secluded Banana Beach (also called Banana Rock Beach) on the northeast coast, often described as one of Phuket’s best natural attractions.
Test your limits soaring through the jungle on a zipline
It can be hard when holidaying to find an activity to suit the whole family, but Hanuman World ticks all the boxes. There’s nature, adventure, and plenty of fun. Anyone from four to 70 years old can partake in this eco-adventure, designed with minimal impact on the environment. Those wanting to test their limits can try the extreme experience, which includes 32 platforms, 16 ziplines, three abseiling points, five sky bridges, two spiral staircases and a skywalk.
Immerse yourself in nature on a sea canoe experience
Water-based experiences are high on the agenda for most people visiting Phuket for good reason – and this one lets you meet a local character who plays a key part in preserving this pristine part of the world. John Gray leads awe-inspiring kayaking trips to the islands of Phang Nga Bay. Ever since arriving in Phuket in the late 1980s, John has been exploring the incredible outcrops and caves that make up Phang Nga Bay, and he loves nothing more than showing off this piece of paradise. During a trip with John, you’ll explore remote sea caves before floating a traditional lantern in waters magically lit by bioluminescent plankton.
Whip up a Thai feast at a cooking class
For gourmands, this has to be your go-to. Chef Nooror Somany Steppe is the inspiration behind the success of Blue Elephant Cooking School, housed in a century-old mansion in Phuket Town, and is a respected advocate for Thai cuisine and Thai culture. Take the popular market tour, where chefs help you choose the best produce to enhance the dishes you will learn to make. Open seven days a week, the program changes every day. You won’t go home empty-handed either; after devouring your dish, you’ll be presented with a certificate to showcase your newfound Thai cooking skills.
Challenge yourself with Thai boxing classes
If you’ve ever been tempted to learn a martial art, this is the place to do it. Headed by the experienced trainer of champions, Ajarn Dang, Tiger Muay Thai Training Camp focuses on teaching the fundamentals of Muay Thai. Launched with a vision to bring authentic Muay Thai to people of all levels, it’s now a home away from home for everyone, from enthusiasts to professional athletes, with a burgeoning interest from travellers.
Top places to eat and drink
PRU
Dining at PRU (meaning ‘plant, raise and understand’) is more an experience than a meal. The Michelin-starred restaurant has a strong sustainable ethos and derives ingredients from its nearby organic farm, and local farmers and producers who share the same principles. So committed to the cause, it has launched a research and development team to travel to Thailand’s regions to forage for the most sustainable ingredients. Expect aged duck and snake radish from Pak Chong, black crab and lemongrass from Tha Nun and oolong tea and kaffir lime from Doi Ang Khang.
Blue Elephant
Blue Elephant is one of the foremost names in Thai cuisine. The high-end concept merges founder Nooror Somany Steppe’s knowledge of centuries-old Thai recipes with decor inspired by her Belgian antique dealer husband. Much of the menu makes use of the island’s fiercely fresh seafood from nearby waters. You’ll savour decadent dishes like grilled prawn, purple eggplant salad, and lime juice and chilli dressing with truffle oil flavour. There is also no shortage of Thai classics like green curry of chicken with aubergine and spices in fresh coconut milk. Hungry, anyone?
Acqua Restaurant
If you’re looking for Thai food with a twist, this is the place to go. Italian-born Chef Alessandro Frau uses only the finest imported ingredients and produce from his homeland for his multi-award-winning restaurant. Think: Acqua Signature Tortelli ‘Il Mare’ stuffed with burrata cheese in a sauce of vongole juice, squid ink, Sardinian sea urchin and marine plankton; and malloreddus pasta in Sardinian-style piglet ragout with vernaccia wine, fresh tomatoes and aged pecorino sardo. Wash it down with a fine wine from the extensive list and finish with some artisan gelato. Buon appetito!
Bon Island
This tiny island is home to Bon Island Restaurant run by expat Englishwoman Dawn Farrell. Like many long-time residents, she came for a holiday in the 80s and never left. Make the short trip from Rawai Beach by long tail (a traditional boat) to relax on the small beach, explore rock pools and snorkel around the headland. Afterwards, pull up a chair in a thatched hut with a plate of Dawn’s famous pepper prawns and a cold beer.
Bookhemian
This former printing house has been transformed into a hipster-friendly hangout with exposed rafters, concrete flooring and metal furniture. Sitting among Sino-Portuguese shop houses on Thalang Road, it staves off hunger pangs with indulgent sweet dishes like grilled bananas on French toast with homemade chocolate sauce, or mixed berry pancakes topped with vanilla ice cream. Or simply sit with a seriously good coffee, thumbing through stylish images from the many Thai design, art and architecture books lining the walls, and take in the atmosphere.
Monkeypod Coffeehouse
With a substantial menu of Western and Thai comfort food, complemented by a range of homemade muffins, cookies, scrumptious cakes and pastries, plus fresh fruit smoothies and excellent espresso, Monkeypod covers all the culinary bases. While the staff make a mean macchiato, there are also inventive coffees like the butterfly pea latte, a cute drink adorned with flowers, and the strong iced Thai coffee known as oliang.
Taste @ Cape Yamu
Martin Ostlind and Jade Lama have nailed creative, tasty food in a modern, relaxed environment with jaw-dropping views. The pair have been running restaurants in Phuket for more than 15 years and focus on a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian ingredients designed to ‘thrill your tastebuds’. Sit in an open-sided venue with a large garden, deck area and pool, and take in the breathtaking view between blissful bites.
Kan Eang@Pier
Since a local family opened it as a simple seafood hut in 1973, Kan Eang@Pier has become a fixture on Chalong Bay, and a go-to for Thai fare and friendly vibes. Take a seat at tables set under thick tree cover, and watch yachts and long-tail boats glide across the calm bay while feasting on fresh seafood. Choose from a big menu of Thai, Western and Japanese dishes. Live tanks next to the kitchen give diners an enticing view of fresh lobster, tiger prawns and Andaman blue crabs.
Catch Beach Club
A trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without calling into a beach club. Whether you’re here to kick up your heels and dance the night away or simply chill and dine to the expertly crafted tunes from the DJs, Catch Beach Club is the place to do it. An all-day menu includes tapas, oysters, fresh seafood dishes and plant-based options. Try the signature Catch crab meat salad or go all out and order the tajima wagyu beef tomahawk with roasted potatoes and béarnaise sauce. Wash it all down with a signature cocktail like a ‘Sly Thai’ of vodka, limoncello, lime, kaffir lime and egg white passionfruit.
XANA
Great food, state-of-the-art sound system and an enviable beachfront position: XANA Beach Club on Bang Tao Beach is often touted as one of the best in Thailand. The pièce de résistance has to be the new floating bar perched over the lagoon. There’s also a pool with a 35-metre swim-up bar. Soak up the stunning scenery to a great vibe, authentic local Thai cuisine and a signature cocktail. We reckon you can’t go past the Banana Colada or Xana Passion Fizz.
Lux moments
Sail on a private charter yacht
Could there be anything more luxurious than gliding along the turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay on a 30-metre yacht with a glass of champagne in hand? How about sitting in the onboard jacuzzi on the teak deck? Limestone Adventures will take you island hopping or simply for a cruise in the bay. Choose from sightseeing, making the most of the onboard watersports equipment, or have an offshore private picnic. Romantic moments never looked so good.
Fly high over Phuket in a helicopter
Nothing gives you the true perspective of a place like height. Be the envy of everyone you know and jump onboard a helicopter flight with Skydance. Choose from multiple trips over Thailand’s largest island: encircle the ‘Millionaires’ Mile’, home to the well-heeled of Phuket, take in the monumental temples like Big Buddha or Wat Chalong, fly over tropical rainforest and get a bird’s-eye view of locals over the plantations of the Thalang district.
Savour seaside fine dining at Mom Tri’s Kitchen
You’ll be just as enamoured with the location as you will the food at Mom Tri’s Kitchen. Tables are perched on multi-level terraces surrounded by lush tropical garden over the Andaman Sea. With two executive chefs – one Thai and one Western – and an almost obsessive dedication to wine from the talented sommelier, Mom Tri’s delivers a superb dining experience even before nightly sunsets put on a vivid show over the Andaman Sea. While this is fine dining at its best, it’s anything but pretentious, and you’ll find fuss-free local favourites such as pork belly, crab soufflé and jumbo Thai prawns in curry.
Live it up at one of Phuket’s best beach clubs
Since opening its first beach club more than four decades ago in Ibiza, Café del Mar has been on a mission to spread the spirit of the White Isle to every corner of the world — and now it’s Phuket’s turn. The ethos here is chill-out experiences with culinary indulgence and A-list guest DJs. Located at the northern end of Kamala Beach, the club boasts a large swimming pool with loungers, cabanas, and a swim-up bar. Expect tasty Thai dishes and European-style cheese boards, and everything from sangria to sake.