Diverse metal assemblies with localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) have drawn increasing research interests due to their potential applications in molecular sensing, bioimaging, drug delivery and photothermal therapy. Herein, we present a facile strategy to remotely, noninvasively control intracellular gene expression by using gold nanovesicles as a photothermal transducer . In this work, we developed a photothermal responsive nanoplatform based on amphiphilic gold nanovesicles (Au NVs) modified with well-defined polymer brushes of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and polylactic acid (PLA) via supramolecular host-guest interaction for controlled intracellular released of payload. Particularly, cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) was coated on gold nanorods (Au NRs) by covalent bond, which allowed noncovalent surface modification with amantadine (Ada)-conjugated polymers, such as Ada-PEG and Ada-PLA, via strong host-guest interactions between CB[7] and Ada. The amphiphilic Au NRs with polymer brushes could self-assemble into nanovesicles and DNA plasmid may get encapsulated into the aqueous core during the formation of nanovesicles. As a proof of concept, we have further demonstrated that a plasmid with heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) promoter and classic anti-cancer gene p53 as the model gene could be carried and transfected into cells by Au NVs, in response to enzymes, overexpressed-spermine, and NIR laser. Moreover, NIR induced heat generation from Au NRs may activate HSP-70 promoter and start transcription of downstream p53 gene, producing p53 protein to cause cell death. In addition, the remaining Au NRs may get irradiated by NIR laser again at a a later time with a higher power density to induce hyperthermia in cells, leading to synergistic therapeutic effects between gene therapy and photothermia. Furthermore, The inherent imageability of Au NRs also allowed image-guided cancer therapy. The remotely controlled gene expression and photothermal therapy, as well as imageability offered by Au NVs may provide new insight for designing intelligent theranostic platforms.