Phuket has everything travellers need for a great holiday, stunning beaches, delicious spicy food, warm weather and the best views imaginable. One thing it is lacking however is a reliable and efficient transport system.
If you want to travel further than the area around your resort, then here are some tips on how to get around.
Bus Service in Phuket
There is a kind of public bus system in Phuket, distinguishable by their blue colour these open-air local buses are called ‘songthaew’. They keep to a set route which is quite limited and can be very slow. However, they are very cheap, sometimes as little as 30 baht to travel from Kata or Rawai to Phuket Town, and can be fun to experience.
For those staying in one of the main tourist resorts, such as Kata, Karon or Patong, it’s easy enough to walk everywhere as the streets are packed with restaurants, bars, shops and markets and everything is built around the beach area.
Taxi &Tuk Tuk
There are no meter taxis cruising the streets of Phuket. If you want to visit another area of the island then taxis can be booked, just ask your hotel to arrange it. They are not cheap in comparison to other areas in Thailand but are fully licensed. Drivers should be able to speak English and know where all the major tourist attractions are.
Tuk Tuks are common here, red, compact open-air taxis they are less comfortable than air-conditioned taxis and can be expensive. However, tourists like them as they are enjoyable to travel in and offer a special Thai experience.
Rent a Car or Motorbike
There are numerous places offering cars for rent if you prefer to drive yourself and have an international driving license. Petrol is cheap but the roads can be quite hazardous and busy. Many holidaymakers choose to rent a motorbike for a few days, this is very easy to arrange.
Be aware that there are many accidents with motorbikes in Phuket and Thai’s have a unique way of driving. Don’t be surprised to see motorbikes riding towards you on the wrong side of the road and overtaking on the left. Ensure your insurance covers you for any accident and always wear a helmet.
At most of the beaches you’ll see long-tail boats for hire, they can be booked out for fishing trips or outings to the nearby islands for swimming and snorkeling. It’s a great way to discover some spectacular hidden beaches and offshore islands.
A particularly special way to see the island of Phuket from another viewpoint is to take a boat trip for the day. MV Champagne is a traditional fishing boat that has been lovingly transformed into a cruise boat. We offer trips around the coastline of Phuket and as far as Phang Nga and Phi Phi Islands.
