Phuket

A province in southern Thailand, Phuket is also the largest island in the country, situated in the Andaman Sea. Due to its Chinese influence, travelers will find many shrines and Chinese restaurants across the island, where 70 percent of the area is covered in mountains. Sixty percent of the land is dedicated to forest, rubber and palm oil plantations. For a magnificent sunset view, journey to Laem Phromthep viewpoint.

GETTING THERE & AROUND

Travelers will need to transit in Bangkok, where more than 50 daily flights typically connect the capital city and Phuket International Airport. From the airport, public taxis, limousines, minibuses and airport buses are available from Phuket’s Airport Arrivals level. Book transfers directly on the airport website. Adjust your thinking when it comes to transportation in Phuket as, on the island, tuk tuks refer to communal pick-ups and do not look like tuk tuks in other areas of Thailand. Songtaews, giant colorful buses, travel between the beach and Phuket Town. Or ask hotels for car and driver rates.

LODGING

Amanpuri

Aman’s first resort, Amanpuri sits on its own peninsula, offering guests space and serenity, especially in private villa accommodations. Exceptional restaurants and a Holistic Wellness Centre also await.

118 Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang District, Pansea Beach, Phuket 83110, Thailand, tel 66 76 324 333 aman.com

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort

Situated on a lush hillside overlooking the beach, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort offers 300 guestrooms and suites, 47 pool villas and 15 pool residences. There’s also a cliffside chapel, a Muy Thai stadium and cooking classes.

168 Moo 6, Layan Beach Soi 4, Cherngtalay, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand, tel 66 76 317 200 anantara.com

The Racha

Located 12 nautical miles from Phuket on Racha Yai, The Racha is a “sanctuary for mind, body and spirit” with an environmentally friendly bent. On the white-sand crescent bay, guests can escape to nature without leaving the resort.

42/12 – 13 Moo 5, Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130, Thailand, tel 66 76 355 018 theracha.com

DINING

Acqua

Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine overlooking the Andaman Sea. The black-and-white theme includes futuristic décor, and the cuisine of Alessandro Frau at this award-winning venue is really out of this world.

324/15 Prabaramee Road, Kalim Bay, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand, tel 66 76 618 127 acqua restaurantphuket.com

Mom Tri’s Kitchen

Mom Tri’s Kitchen, one of Phuket’s most well-known restaurants, is located in Mom Tri’s Villa Royale hotel. The setting — multilevel terraces surrounded by gardens overlooking the water — is as eye-pleasing as the authentic cuisine, served alongside an awardwinning wine selection.

Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, 12 Kata Noi Road, Kata Noi Beach, Phuket 83100, Thailand, tel 66 76 333 568 villaroyalephuket.com

Suay Restaurant

The flagship Suay opened in 2010 with dishes infusing European techniques with traditional Thai ingredients and flavors. While the original location is now closed, three eateries are available: Suay Cherngtalay, Suay @ Central Porto de Phuket and SUAY x Chalong Bay Restaurant & Cocktail Bar.

Three locations, suayrestaurant.com

Serenity:

Maya Bay at Phi Phi Islands

PHOTO: © ROLF52 | DREAMSTIME.COM

ATTRACTIONS

Beaches

With more than 30 beaches around the island, beach time should be a priority during your visit to Phuket. Some of the best include Kata Beach, Freedom Beach, Ya Nui Beach, Surin Beach, Bangtao Beach and Patong Beach.

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

At Chalong Bay Rum Distillery the rums are produced exclusively from the first press of Thai endemic sugarcane from small partner farms, followed by a rare, innovative distillation process. Flavored options include lemongrass, kaffir lime and Thai sweet basil.

14/2 Moo 2, Palai, Soi 2, Chalong, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83130, Thailand, tel 66 93 575 1119 chalongbay.fr

Phuket Big Buddha

One of the island’s most iconic landmarks at nearly 150 feet tall, the body of Phuket Big Buddha is layered with Burmese white jade. From this viewpoint enjoy 360-degree views of the island and surrounding sea.