Phuket
elephants, beaches & luxury, oh my!
Whilst Thailand has an abundance to offer when it comes to making travel plans – from the bustling city of Bangkok to the jungles of Chiang Mai and the beautiful beaches to the islands – Phuket has become well loved for being a diverse destination itself. Whether you visit one region, several or even some of the neighbouring islands, a visit to this piece of Thai paradise never disappoints.
Phuket isn’t a particularly small island – in fact it’s barely separated from the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge to the north of Mai Khao – which means there’s plenty of choice for the discerning traveller, but with over 30 beaches, how do you choose where to stay? Our travel experts are here to share our first-hand knowledge about the most suitable regions for you – from the bays of the southwest to the remote islands such as Coconut, Naka & beyond – so that we can create your perfect itinerary, including a stay at Elephant Hills located on the Sok River for a truly unforgettable experience.
Facts about phuket
Currency – Thai Baht (THB)
Time Zone – GMT +7 hours
Largest of the Thai islands
Dry Season – December to April
Why should you travel to phuket with us?
Whether you’re in search of a beach-side paradise to unwind, mouthwatering street food to get your juices flowing, culture to immerse yourself in or remote islands to explore, Phuket has something for everyone and our travel experts are here to make sure your holiday is perfectly tailored to suit you & your travel style. From single-centre escapes to multi-centre adventures across the country, we’ll make sure your visit to Phuket is one you’ll be talking about for years to come.
some of our favourite luxury resorts in phuket
anantara layan phuket
Tucked away on Phuket’s tranquil northwest coast, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort combines tropical seclusion with refined luxury. Nestled between lush hills and a quiet stretch of Layan Beach, its rooms, suites, and pool villas offer elegant spaces with sweeping sea or garden views. Guests can unwind at the serene spa, enjoy world-class dining, or explore the Andaman Sea by boat. Blending warm Thai hospitality with a relaxed, sophisticated vibe, it’s the perfect retreat for both romantic escapes and peaceful family getaways.
The Slate
Inspired by Phuket’s tin-mining heritage, The Slate is a bold and imaginative resort where industrial-chic design meets lush tropical beauty. Set beside Nai Yang Beach, its spacious suites and pool villas are styled with artistic flair, blending luxury with local character. Guests can relax at the award-winning Coqoon Spa, enjoy creative dining experiences, or explore the island’s natural treasures. With its unique personality, warm hospitality, and tranquil coastal setting, The Slate offers an unforgettable stay that’s as stylish as it is serene.
Como point yamu
Perched on a dramatic headland overlooking the Phang Nga Bay, COMO Point Yamu blends sleek contemporary design with the serene spirit of Thailand’s coast. Its stylish rooms, suites, and villas feature clean lines, bright accents, and breathtaking water views. Guests can savour fresh, wholesome cuisine, rejuvenate at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, or venture out to explore nearby islands. With its peaceful setting, refined service, and focus on wellness, COMO Point Yamu offers a chic, restorative escape on Phuket’s quieter east coast.
Some of our favourite unique hotels in phuket
Amanpuri
Set on a private peninsula overlooking the Andaman Sea, Amanpuri is Aman’s flagship resort and a timeless icon of understated luxury. Its elegant pavilions and villas, many with private pools, are nestled among coconut palms, offering sweeping sea or garden views. Guests can relax on the resort’s pristine beach, enjoy world-class dining, or rejuvenate at the expansive holistic wellness centre. With impeccable service, serene surroundings, and a sense of refined seclusion, Amanpuri provides an intimate sanctuary that captures the very essence of Phuket’s natural beauty and tranquil charm.
Keemala
Nestled in the lush hills above Kamala Beach, Keemala is a whimsical retreat where nature, wellness, and imaginative design meet. Its unique pool villas – inspired by local folklore – range from clay cottages to tented villas and tree houses, each blending luxury with a touch of fantasy. Guests can indulge in holistic spa treatments, enjoy organic, locally sourced cuisine, or simply soak in the jungle and sea views. With its serene setting and distinctive character, Keemala offers a magical escape from Phuket’s busier coastal scene.
different regions of phuket to explore
With so much to see here, you’ll want a reasonable amount of time in which to do so – we recommend 4-5 nights in each area, allowing you to settle in and explore each region comfortably. If you have 10-14 nights available, a triple-centre is a fantastic first itinerary, taking in the beaches, the rainforests and even the islands. Below you can find a little more information on what you can expect to find as you explore Phuket with our travel experts.
beaches
There’s definitely no shortage of beaches on Phuket; the real questions to ask is ‘what type of beach do I want?’ – action-packed & close to the local towns & markets or more secluded and tucked away? Kata & Karon are popular on the southwest coast, with Patong Beach slightly further away with lots of bars & restaurants. Continuing north you’ll reach Bang Tao Beach, famous for its expansive shoreline, whereas further north still – at the other side of the airport – Mai Khao Beach offers sandy shorelines, great for a bit of plane spotting.
rainforests
Phuket is a very green island with jungles & rainforests spread throughout, but to truly immerse yourself in nature, we recommend including a stay at Elephant Hills in your itinerary, Thailand’s first Luxury Tented Jungle Camps. Both the Elephant Camp & Rainforest Camp are located within Khao Sok National Park, so opt for the 3-day Jungle Lake Safari for the best of both experiences. The focus here is conservation, so you’ll get to feed & interact with Asia’s largest land animal during your stay at this luxury camp, and much more.
islands
Sure, Phuket itself is an island, but what if you want to go smaller and a little more remote? Off the east coast of Phuket lies Coconut Island, with Island Escape by Burasari being a great value modern resort. Further into the Phang Nga Bay you’ll find Ko Yao Noi & Ko Yao Yai – some of the larger islands – where luxury resorts await including the famous Treehouse Villas. If privacy & seclusion are for you then The Naka Island, off the northeast coast of Phuket should be on your bucket list – a private island resort with elegant suites & villas.
(All Elephant Hills tour packages are fully inclusive of accommodation, full board, activities as per chosen itinerary, a fully trained, TAT-licensed English speaking Thai tour guide as well as joint transfers to / from Elephant Hills as per viable options)
elevate your phuket itinerary
with a stay at elephant hills
By now we’re sure you’ve seen that there are some spectacular places to visit & stay in and around the island of Phuket, but we couldn’t not give Elephant Hills the showcase that it truly deserves. They were Thailand’s first Luxury Tented Jungle Camp, offering an immersive experience throughout your stay in the Khao Sok National Park.
There are 2 locations – the Elephant Camp features tents around the grounds, whilst the newer Rainforest Camp, is one of the world’s only floating tented camps, situated on the emerald waters of the Cheow Lan Lake. Whilst a number of 2-4 day tours are available, our travel experts recommend building the below into your tailor-made Thailand itinerary, combining perfectly with Phuket & Khao Lak;
- Jungle Lake Safari – 2 nights, 3 days includes;
- 1 night at Elephant Camp + 1 night at Rainforest Camp
- Elephant feeding experience
- Canoe safari down the Sok River
- Evening activities – folkloric show & cooking demo
- Traditional longtail boat trip on Cheow Larn Lake
- Jungle trekking on foot through the rainforest
Things to do in phuket
Explore Phi Phi Islands
Just a short boat ride from Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands are famed for their turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs, and incredible snorkelling. Spend the day swimming, exploring hidden coves, and relaxing on powdery beaches, with plenty of photo-worthy scenery along the way.
Phuket Old Town
Step back in time as you stroll through colourful streets lined with beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese shophouses. Browse boutique stores, stop for coffee in a quirky café, and sample street food at one of the vibrant local markets.
Visit the Big Buddah
Standing 45 metres tall atop Nakkerd Hill, the Big Buddha is one of Phuket’s most iconic landmarks. The site offers panoramic island views and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for quiet reflection or simply soaking in the scenery.
Freedom Beach
Accessible mainly by boat, Freedom Beach is a serene escape from Phuket’s busier shores. Its soft white sand, clear waters, and surrounding jungle make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a peaceful afternoon away from the crowds.
Thai Cooking Class
Immerse yourself in Thailand’s culinary traditions with a hands-on cooking class. Visit a local market to pick out fresh ingredients, then learn to prepare fragrant curries, spicy salads, and classic stir-fries that you can recreate at home.
Book with us today
Now is always the best time to book your next holiday and we’re here to take all of your stress away. Simply get in touch with our travel experts for an initial consultation and whether you need a little inspiration or know exactly what you want – with a little help from us – you’ll soon be jetting off to your next destination.