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.
