6 Hotels and Resorts in Phuket

Phuket, where the beaches are unending. Where the slow pace of island life is the only way. Thailand’s largest island is a favourite destination for sunseekers, party goers and wellness enthusiasts. Think long stretches of white sand beaches where you can find some of Thailand’s best surfing. Cruise the Andaman Sea, island hop, or luxuriate in one of the island’s many spas.

Incredibly popular, there are a seemingly unending number of hotels and resorts in Phuket. At Minor Hotels, our Phuket properties are steps from the warm seas and sun-drenched beaches. Whether a family-forward vacation, solo voyage of discovery or a revitalising break from it all, we have just the thing. Fine dining experiences and local activities. Signature spa and wellness treatments. There is a little something for everyone.

Phuket is connected to the rest of the world with an international airport, located in the northern end of the island. One can also drive to Phuket, via a bridge to the Thai mainland. Cash is predominantly used in rural areas and small businesses, while credit, debit cards, and mobile payment options are accepted in most built-up areas. Getting around the island there are taxis and mini van taxis, the Grab app works in the more central areas. Many visitors rent scooters, motorbikes or open-top cars.

Some of the best times to plan a Phuket trip is during the driest part of the year, December to March. A comfortable 24 - 32°C and lower humidity is coupled with clear blue skies. The hottest time of the year coincides with Thailand’s annual Songkran Festival in April. The nation-wide water fight offers a different way to beat the heat. The monsoon season lasts from June through to October. Expect long monsoon showers and high levels of humidity – when Phuket is at its most lush and verdant.

The flavours and aromas of Phuket’s cuisine hint at its rich cultural heritage. As a southern province, the food here packs a punch in heat, spice, and sourness. The ancient trade routes brought the cooking methods and flavours from China, Portugal, and Malaysia. Dry curries or ‘khua kling’ are a signature of southern Thai cuisine. Gaang Som, or sour curry, is a local favourite.

Known for its stunning coastline, Phuket's beaches can be found on its west coast. The longest of them all is Mai Khao Beach, at 11 kilometres, where you can spot planes arriving and departing Phuket’s airport. Go on sunset horseback rides along Bang Tao Beach, catch Thailand’s best surf along Kamala and Kata Beach. When visitors to Phuket aren’t basking in the sun there are elephant sanctuaries, adventure parks where ATVs and quad bikes criss-cross the hilly terrain. Learn the Art of Eight Limbs at a Muay Thai camp. Book an all-day snorkelling or dive trip to the nearby islands of Koh Phi Phi or the Similan Islands where black-tipped reef sharks and sea turtles swim. You might even glimpse an elusive whale shark, or a pod of dolphins.

Secure yourself a shaded cabana at one of Phuket’s many beach clubs and beachside bars. Patong’s Bangla Road is where nightlife entertainment, bars, and clubs are concentrated. The island’s main party season lasts from December through to March, featuring some of the biggest names in electronic dance music. For retail therapy, there is a mix of upmarket malls around Phuket Town and Patong. Street markets and beachside markets are dotted around the islands throughout the year.

While Thailand appears to be very laid back, much of its more conservative sensibilities remain. Please be respectful when visiting places of worship, dress modestly and cover up appropriately.