Phuket Hotels

Banyan Tree Phuket

Bordered by the golden sands and gentle waves of the Andaman Sea, Thailand, Banyan Tree Phuket is an oasis of peace and tranquility. A tropical paradise of extraordinary natural beauty, it has earned many a accolade from leading magazines the world over. Exuding seclusion, luxury and romance, this exotic hideaway boasts only the finest facilities and ambience. A 'Land of Smiles' indeed under the sheltering canopy of the Banyan Tree.

Banyan Tree Phuket has triumphed at the Condé Nast Traveler 20th Annual Readers' Choice Awards, ranking number two in the Top 10 Asia Resorts category. The resort was also ranked number eight in the Top 100 Resorts of the world, proving that the signature DoublePool Villas and other new innovations have propelled the property to new heights amongst international readers of the esteemed Condé Nast Traveler magazine.


Bundarika Resort Spa & Villa

Bundarika is ancient Thai, meaning 'White Lotus'. The Lotus flower is highly symbolic in Thai culture and is regarded with divinity & grace, symbolizing purity, fertility, wisdom & serenity.

Buddhists believe that White Lotus has a meditative value, representing peace & tranquility. One of the yoga poses for meditation is named 'Padmassana' - the famous Lotus Position.

We use this symbolism as a guide to provide a divine haven for you, in a naturally tranquil environment.




Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket Resort

Nestled amidst acres of tropical gardens and caressed by the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket is an idyllic retreat tucked away on the stunning island of Phuket.

The resort is a jewel in the crown of the Laguna resort development at Bang Tao Bay, Phuket, Asia's first integrated resort development.

Arriving at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, guests enter a sanctuary of tranquillity shaded by native casuarinas and coconut palms. Gentle sea breezes waft through the vaulted ceilings of the open-air lobby. The resort's neo-colonial style incorporates variations on traditional Thai motifs with the bright airy rooms defined by native wood and tiles and decorated with ceramics, antique carvings and textiles.

Guests at any of the hotels in the Laguna Phuket complex enjoy access to many facilities, including health and fitness centres, spas, childcare centres and a championship 18-hole Laguna Phuket golf course.

Nature at its best, combined with the Dusit Thani's exulted Thai service and hospitality, add up to a unique holiday expericnce.


Grande Villas by Sheraton

Imagine a setting of white sands and turquoise sea. Of delicate orchids and tranquil lagoons. A paradise of the mind come to life right before your eyes, here in the captivating surroundings of Laguna Phuket.

Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket is set on its own island within an island. An experience of rare enchantment, this is a place where you can do as much or as little as you please. Yet, this picture of peace and harmony lies at the heart of Laguna Phuket, Asia's finest destination resort and only 20 minutes from Phuket's International Airport.

Beside the Andaman Sea, close to pristine rainforest, Sheraton Grande Laguna enjoys an intimate relationship with sun, sand, sea and sky. Here, you can enjoy the good life in one of 423 beautifully appointed guestrooms and exclusive villas.

Retreat to The Grande Villas, part of Sheraton Grande Laguna resort which offers the style and individuality of a private home and all the benefits of a world-class resort.



Laguna Beach Resort

Laguna Beach Resort is situated in Phuket, Thailand and is nestled between a tropical lagoon and the Andaman Sea. The resort features various facilities including; Angsana Spa, meeting and conference rooms, wedding chapel, tennis courts, fitness centre, and a water park.

The hotel accommodation features a choice of views of the private lagoon and of the wide-open sea including sunrise and sunset. Enjoy dining at our four restaurants, offering International and Thai cuisine.

Laguna Beach Resort offers an unforgettable family experience that will leave you and your children feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Laguna Beach Resort Promotions

Check out our fantastic 'Be @ Laguna Beach' Getaways. We have something for everyone including; golf getaways, spa getaways and family getaways to entertain both adults and children.

Phuket Travel

Laem Phromthep

Laem Phromthep is the one of most important and popular place of Phuket. There is a saying that you have not been to Phuket unless you visit Laem Phromthep. There is the favorite for Thais and foreign tourists. Many tourists come here particularly in the evening to see the sun setting below the horizon and sea. There is a great spot to see the most beautiful sunset and to take a photo for souvenir that they have been to Phuket Island.







Patong Beach Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Patong

Patong is the most famous beach resort on Phuket. With its wide variety of activities and nightlife, Patong is an ideal place to party and play. By night the town has a bustling nightlife which includes literally hundreds of restaurants, beer bars, GoGo Bars and of course discos. The nightlife is centred around Soi Bangla (Bangla Road) however there are quiet parts of town.

Visitors hoping for a glimpse into the exotic East might not find it here, though the steaming hot streets, neon lights and chaotic atmosphere of Patong can be overwhelming for the new arrival. The key to full enjoyment of the place is to pace yourself, drink lots of water and learn the meaning of 'mai pen rai' - which translates roughly to 'It doesn't matter' or 'Don't worry, be happy'.


Karon Beach Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Karon

Karon is concentrated around three main areas: The Karon Plaza area on the south end features a number of budget guesthouses, restaurants and bars. The side sois are worth exploring, particularly the one that leads to a small art community, where some budding Thai painters have built a complex of huts, pubs and art galleries in which they live and work.

The sprawling grounds of Thavorn Palm Beach Resort and the Hilton Phuket Arcadia dominate much of the central part of Karon. Just north of these is Aroona Plaza which houses a range of handicraft shops, good restaurants and cafes, a few bars and a hotel modeled on the Sino-Portuguese architecture of Old Phuket. The wide beachside avenue is ideal for taking an evening stroll and doing some shopping.




Kata Beach Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Kata Beach

The pleasant bay of Kata, just a few minutes south of Karon Beach, entices and charms many visitors with its white sands and clear waters. Very popular with families, Kata is an all round favourite due to its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants, lively but not raucous nightlife and varied accommodation options - all close to the beach. From May to October surfers flock to catch Kata's waves and from November to April the beach is alive with sunseekers.

Kata is split into two focal areas: Kata Centre, which is at the northern end close to Karon and Kata South, home to several resorts. Visitors will find an abundance of shops to browse in, from souvenir and ready-to-wear outlets, to 7-Elevens and local mini-marts, to name-brand fashion stores.


Kata Noi Beach Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Kata Noi

This cosy little bay is found at the end of a dead-end road, just a few minutes' drive over the hill from Kata beach. There's not much to do in Kata Noi apart from admiring the wonderful scenery, which is precisely the point of coming here.

Relax, take a walk along the soft sands, snorkel or swim. It's long been a popular spot for surfers in the monsoon season of May to October, though swimming can be dangerous during this period.

The popular Kata Viewpoint, offering a stunning vista across the three bays of Karon, Kata and Kata Noi, is only a 5-minute drive along a winding road towards Nai Harn.



Kamala Beach Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Kamala

Just north of the lights and noise of Patong lies Kamala Beach, a quieter stretch of sand with more relaxed feel. This well-enclosed bay and fishing village surrounded by forested hills is one of the most beautiful places in Phuket.

With its quieter pace, over the last few years, Kamala has become a favoured spot for retirees and other longer-term visitors staying in small hotels, villas and apartment rentals nestled around the village. On the headland to the south, are a number of luxury villa developments, with great views of Kamala Bay and beyond along its winding road.

Whilst Kamala doesn't attract tourists in the same numbers as other places it has a certain niche, those who do come say 'we like it just the way it is, don't tell anyone as they'll all come and spoil it'.


Laem Singh Beach
Everything You Need to Know About Laem Singh Beach

Laem Singh Beach is one of Phuket's most beautiful beaches and hides on the west coast between Kamala and Surin beaches. 'Laem' is Thai for 'cape' and this 150 meters beach is indeed situated under a steep promontory, nestled in a hidden bay surrounded by palm trees and dotted with giant boulders, it has a feeling of secret beach.

Because of its limited size, Laem Singh gets crowded during the high season but is pleasantly busy during low season sunny days.






Surin Beach Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Surin Beach

Naturally beautiful Surin is known as 'Millionaires Row' due the the top-end celebrity haunts Amanpuri, Twinpalms and The Chedi amongst the luxury resorts there, as well as the many US$ 1 million+ houses that sit proudly on top of the hills overlooking the Andaman Sea.

Although popular with tourists it's not a busy resort town, more like a coastal village. Fine white sand and turquoise water has ensured that the picturesque beach is very popular with tourists and Thais alike. The whole area is awash with high end hotels and housing which in turn has created opportunities for high end restaurants and wine bars.





Bangtao Beach Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Bang Tao

Bangtao is a study in contrasts, with the luxurious resorts and villas along its 6km (4 mile) stretch of beach just a few minutes' away from the town of Cherng Talay, where many villagers still make their living as their ancestors did - by fishing, farming and rubber tapping. The northern tip of the beach, so far untouched by development, is still an area where visitors might find that they have the beach to themselves. Apart from going to the beach and a few bars and restaurants there's not much that you need to leave your resort for.

Taking up a huge area in the middle of Bangtao beach, Laguna Phuket, one of Asia's largest resort complexes, comprises Sheraton Grande, Dusit Laguna, Laguna Beach, Allamanda, Laguna Holiday Club and Banyan Tree Phuket resorts, and some are open to outside visitors as well.


Nai Thon Beach Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Nai Thon

Nai Thon is a beautiful stretch of sand that for reasons unknown has still been overlooked by large resort developers. Thus it's an ideal spot to get away from the crowds and enjoy a quiet swim.

It's a village of two seasons, during the high season the hotels fill up, the sea is flat, calm and crystal clear, beach restaurants appear where you can dine with your bare feet in the sand, very much a stereotypical tropical paradise. In low season the boot's on the other foot, it's almost a ghost town with an occasionally raging sea.

The journey to the beach is almost more enjoyable than the beach itself. On the southern approach to Nai Thon, the narrow road leads through some of the island's last remaining virgin jungle, and winds along a coastline that rivals Cote d'Azur in its brilliant beauty. If driving to Nai Thon from the north, the road takes you through a village then into a lush green valley before reaching the beach.

Activities to be enjoyed whilst staying here include exploring rocky coves only accessible by longtail boat and scuba diving which can be arranged by the dive shop on the Beach Road.

Phuket Restaurants

Krachang Floating Restaurant
Must Try - Thai Oysters

Phuket’s floating seafood restaurants (known in Thai as ‘krachang’) can be found along the east coast of Phuket. The restaurants keep fish, crabs, prawns and other seafood in floating wood-and-net enclosures. Some of the fishes found there might surprise you: Leopard sharks, Blowfishes and Moray Eels or even Mantis Shrimps. Try those huge Thai Oysters, served wit chili, garlic, lime and herbs. Some seafood items can be expensive (Mantis Shrimps!); best to check prices before ordering.

Tel: Bang Ied Restaurant: +66 [0] 89-7265435 and Kru Wit’s : + 66 [0] 81-0880533.
Open: For lunch and dinner
Location: To get to either of these, take a three-minute longtail boat ride from Laem Hin Pier, which is just north of Phuket City. The ride is free. Parking your car will cost 20 Baht.



Mor Mudong Restaurant
Must Try - Whole Fish Steamed in Salt Crust

Mor Mudong is right in among the mangroves. Many of the dishes are typical fiery-hot Phuket food, with no holds barred, but there are milder dishes on the menu. What’s fascinating about this place is its location and atmosphere. Here, you can sit and enjoy your meal with the mangroves alongside, within your reach. The restaurant has several open-sided huts for group dining as well as smaller huts for more intimate groups.

Open: Every day except the 15th of the month
Location: To get there, turn into Soi Palai off Chaofah Nai Road (route 4021) – there are large signs for the Phuket Zoo – go past the zoo then turn left about a hundred metres before the sea. Go right to the end of this road and you’ll find the restaurant.
Tel: + 66 (0) 76-282302


Bangpae Seafood
Must Try - Tom Yum Seafood, Steamed Blue Crab

Bangpae Seafood is one of the island’s all-time favourites and is located not far from Bangpae Waterfall near Thalang. (A little bit out of the way for most tourists). Try their Tom Yam Talay (hot-and-sour Thai seafood soup), steamed blue crab, deep-fried tempura shrimp, stir-fried vegetables with cashew nuts, fresh oysters with local herbs and deep-fried squid with garlic and pepper. This seaside restaurant has a lovely backdrop of mangroves.

Open: Daily from 10:00 – 20:00
Location: About nine kilometers from the Heroines’ Monument towards Ao Por Pier and only a few hundred metres further down the road from Bangpae Waterfall and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. The restaurant is on the right-hand side of the road. Look for the big red sign.
Tel: +66 (0) 87-8875785


Khun Jeed’s Rad-Na Yod Pak
Must Try - Rad-Na noodle and Satay

Rad-na or kwit-teow rad-na is a Thai-style wide rice-noodle dish with meat and vegetables in a gravy-like sauce: Thai fast food, if you want. At Khun Jeed’s Rad-Na Yod Pak, you can enjoy the popular rad-na dish with pork or seafood. Other popular items are pork and chicken satays.

Open: Daily from 09:00 – 20:30, closed on the 25th of the month. If the 25th falls on a weekend the closing day is moved to the following Monday
Location: Phang Nga Road, under the Mung Pheng Hotel, not far from On On Hotel





Lock Tien (aka Old Siam Theatre Local Food Court)
Must Try - Po Pia (a fresh non-fried spring roll) and oh eaw (an iced dessert made of flour, banana, and red beans.)

Discovering the authentic tastes of Phuket Old Town at ‘Siam’ on Yaowarat Road. (renamed Lock Tien in 2010). This simple food court is made up of a few different food stands catering to a variety of local tastes with dishes such as Mee Hoon Pah Chang (fried noodles with pork bone soup), Lo Bah (deep-fried tripe with fried tofu and spicy sweet-and-sour sauce), Oh Tao (oysters fried with flour, eggs, and taro roots), Po Pia (a fresh non-fried spring roll) and Oh Eaw (an iced dessert made of flour, banana, and red beans.) They serve some of the best satay in town too.

Open: For lunch until early afternoon when supplies run out.
Location: At the traffic lights between Dibuk and Yaowarat Road, right next to the old building that used to be Siam Theatre. Look for the sign ‘Lock Tien’ written in Thai, English and Chinese.


Mee Ton Poh
Must Try - Hokkien Noodles and Satays

Mee Ton Poh serves some of Phuket's best fried noodles in Hokkien style. Yellow egg noodles are stir fried with vegetables in soy sauce, usually with different choices of meat like pork, chicken or seafood. Located near the clock tower traffic circle on Phuket Road, this shop has been run by the same Phuket family for several generations. The place might not look inviting, it might be hot and crowded, but this is definitely the 'Real Phuket'. Check out their great satays.

Open: Monday to Saturday for lunch
Location: On Phuket Road, facing both the Metropole Hotel and the clock tower at the traffic circle.



Ko Ta Khao Man Gai (Chicken Rice)
Must Try - Chicken Rice

Ko Ta serves mainly khao man gai (Thai chicken rice); one of Thailand's most popular fast-food dishes. Khao man gai is rice steamed with garlic, with boiled chicken and chicken stock. It's eaten with fresh vegetables, chicken soup and a dipping sauce. Prices start from about 35 baht, which is unbelievable for such an outstanding dish. Best avoided if your cholesterol count is high.

Open: 08:00 until stocks run out around late afternoon
Location: Near the Metropole Hotel, towards Robinson store, on Tilok Utis 1 Road





Keawjai Bakery and Restaurant
Must Try - Khao Pad Gai (fried rice with chicken) and Tom Yum Seafood

A family run restaurant opened in 1961, Keawjai is a popular spot for real Thai food. The restaurant is rather small with an air-con space inside and a few more tables just outside the door. Among their popular dishes are including khao pad gai (fried rice with chicken), tom yum seafood (hot-and-sour Thai seafood soup), Rad-Na Goong (big rice noodles and vegetables with shrimp in a gravy-like sauce) and stir-fried mixed vegetables. They also have a good variety of homemade baked goods.

Open: For breakfast and lunch, between Monday – Saturday
Location: Near the Royal Phuket City Hotel on Phang Nga Road and about a seven to 10-minute walk from Phuket Town Bus Station.




Wilai
Must Try - Hokkien Noodles

Popular with locals and visitors, this small restaurant has long list of ready-made curries/dishes. The must-try menu includes fried basil leaves and chili with pork/shrimp, tom yum goong (spicy Thai soup with shrimp), tom kha kai ((hot sweet soup with chicken and coconut milk) and pa nang moo (coconut curry with pork). Part of their small English menu includes toast, eggs, ham and sausage. Stop by for breakfast or lunch when in the area. Dishes are cheap, starting from just 30 baht.

Open: Monday – Saturday from 07:00 – 14:00
Location: Next to Nguan Choon Tong Herb Shop, a few doors away from China Inn on Thalang Road




Tamachart

Tamachart Restaurant in Phuket City has got to be the most unusual, out-of-the-ordinary eatery this side of Bangkok. It’s been going for more than 15 years now and is a tremendously popular spot. The word ‘Tamachart’ translates into English as ‘Natural’ and many people in Phuket use the English word when discussing this oddly fitted out Thai-Chinese eating place.

Open: Daily from 11:00 -23:30
Location: On Soi Phutorn in Phuket City. This is the soi that branches off Ranong Road where Phuket’s fresh day market is located.




China Inn Café & Restaurant

China Inn Café & Restaurant is a beautifully restored example of what people can do with a rundown old building if they possess dedication, patience and a strong vision. The restaurant stands in the heart of Phuket’s Old Town; a place brimming with history and tradition. This is where Phuket’s commercial heart beat over 100 years ago when tin was in great demand and Chinese labourers flooded in from both north and south to fill the island's labour shortage.


Opening Hours: During the high season China Inn is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights but for the most part it is a daytime dining eatery closing at 19:00 unless you book beforehand for an evening group.
Location: 20 Thalang Road, Phuket Old Town. Thalang Road is a one-way west-heading thoroughfare and it is never easy finding a parking space there so it’s perhaps best to park wherever you can in the area and walk the rest of the way.
Tel: +66 (0) 76 356 239
Cuisine: Thai-European
Price Range: Thai-European


Lemongrass Restaurant

This open-air Thai restaurant is especially popular among office staff who use it as their meeting point after work. Lemongrass is famous for spicy soup and salad as well as seafood. Try their fried vegetables with fish in sweet-and-sour sauce and Chinese-style steamed fish with ginger and plum. If you feel like having some Japanese, you can order from their sister restaurant, the Shintaro across the road. Prices are very reasonable with pretty good service. Staff members speak just enough English to get by.


Opening Hours: Daily from 18:00 – 01:00
Location: Opposite Shintaro and Raya Restaurant and not far from Seng Ho Bookstore on New Dibuk Road
Tel: +66 (0) 76 233 455
Cuisine: Thai
Price Range: Affordable


Siam Bakery

A small French-run bakery located a few steps north of the traffic circle on Yaowarat Road offers authentic homemade French pastries and fresh croissants, cookies and cakes. A nice place to sit and relax after a walk around Phuket Town. They also serve yummy sandwiches.


Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 08:00 – 18:00
Location: Yaowarat Road, by the downtown traffic circle next to Kid Dee ('Think Positive') souvenir shop.
Tel: +66 (0) 76 355 947
Price Range: Affordable

Phuket History

Phuket was known as Bukit, Junk Ceylon, or Muang Talang, in the variety of reason. Bukit is the name that derives in meaning from the Tamil manikram, or Crystal Mountain. Junk Ceylon is the name that found on the old maps (Ptolemy's Geographical, written by the Alexandrian geographer in the Third Century A.D.) and Muang Talang is called since the part of the Srivichai and Siri Tahmarach empires. It was first called Monton Phuket in Rama V’s reign.

Phuket is a town with a long history. In centuries past, Phuket was an important trading post on the eastern shore of the bay of Bengal, handing shipping and dealing with sailors from the Arab and Malay worlds, India, Burmar, China and, of course, Siam. By the 16th century, the island was also well-know to Europeans, as first Portuguese and Dutch, then English and French sailed to its fabled shore. The island enjoyed an unprecedented surge in wealth when tin was found to be available in large quantities in the nearby shadows. Ambitious, hardworking miner and business flocked to the island from the province of south China (the 19th century), adding a considerable Chinese element to the island’s already mixed population.

The most important historic event is the story of two heroines: Thao Thep Kasatri (Kunying Jan) and Thao Sri Sunthon(Kunying Mook) that people in Phuket were assembled led by the two heroines to fight with the Burmese that come to attack them. After a month’s siege the Burmese were forced to depart on 13 March, 1785. Kunying Jan and her sister were credited with the successful defense. In recognition King Rama I bestowed upon Kunying Jan the honorific Thao Thep Kasatri, a title of nobility usually reserved for royalty, by which she is known today. Her sister (Kunying Mook) became Thao Sri Sunthon.

Phuket Basic

A Guide to Phuket
Phuket is Thailand's largest island, approximately the size of Singapore. Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline 862 kilometers south of Bangkok. Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, powdery, palm-fringed white beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas, sincerely hospitable people, superb accommodations and seafood, delightful turn-of-the-century Sino-Portuguese architecture; numerous sporting and leisure opportunities; a lush tropical landscape - all of which combine to create a delightful ambience for truly memorable holidays. The most famous beaches are Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala and Nai Harn Beach. Phuket and its islands are ideal for sailing, diving & snorkeling, golfing and all kinds of sports & entertainment you can wish for; you even can take a trip with a submarine to discover the colorful marine live. There is plenty of accommodation available ranging from standard bungalow resorts to 5 star hotels.


Patong Beach
Patong Beach is Phuket's central tourist and night time entertainment district. Over the past ten years, Patong has turned from a quiet fishing village into one of the island's two cities. Mainly due to the development of tourism, the beach has seen a massive number of restaurants catering to any taste and cuisine, pubs and bars, tour and travel agencies. As well a lifestyle shopping complex, Jungceylon, opened recently offers more international goods and brands in air-conditioned space in addition to the usual endless night market popping up at sunset all along the side walk of beach road, turning the whole of Patong into one extensive market.
The famous bay and about 4 km long beach is more often referred to when tourists are aiming for Phuket to be their holiday destination. Accommodations range from budget to five-star. Live music can be found in most pubs and bars. Motorbike rentals as well as paragliding and jet ski rental are widely available on the beach. Nightlife is centered around Soi Bangla (Bangla Road), but is virtually found all over, in either shape or form. Nevertheless both North and South end of the bay are however there are quieter and family friendly. Patong Beach is ideal for swimming as well as water-sports.