AO SURIN (AO PANSEA)

The bay south of Ao Bang Tao, beyond Laem Son cape, favorite haunt of royalty and Hollywood stars is AO SURIN (sometime known as AO PANSEA). Nearly always a peaceful spot, it boasts Phuket’s most indulgent resort, the Amanpuri, part of the super exclusive, Hong Kong-based Aman chain, where luxuries include a personal attendant, a private Thai-style pavilion and unlimited use of the black marble swimming pool. Also here are the delightful traditional-style thatched villas at The Chedi, whose published prices start at a slightly more reasonable.