Getting Around Phuket
Getting around Phuket with all the abundant air transport, land transport and sea transport for both public and private use couldn't be easier.
Although getting around Phuket is relatively easy, it is always good to know what mode of transport should be used when and how. If you should be holidaying at
Patong Beach
for instance, you rarely need much transport to get around as most of what you need is within easy walking distance. If you should want to explore the island, you can rent a motor bike or even better, rent a car as you will feel safer on the roads. Car rentals start at around 900 baht a day and for around 150 baht a day, you can rent a bike. I will leave it up to you to decide.
Getting around PhuketBusesPublic transport in the form of picturesque wooden buses, make regular routes from Phuket Town to the various beaches on the island. They depart every 30 minutes from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm to most of the beaches, but you will also see them prowling the beaches in search of passengers. Simply flag one down and hop on. I, myself have not used this form of public transport because I tend to spend most of my time at Patong beach when I go to Phuket.More modern green and yellow micro-buses run along the same route and are air-conditioned. Bus stops are located along the main roads as well as just outside the Tesco-Lotus and Big C superstores. Prices range between 10 and 20 baht for a short ride. Buses run from 6:00 am until 8:00 pm. If needed, you can always pick up a time-table for the various routes from the local tourism authority office on Phuket Road. Again, I have not used this form of transport either. You are more than welcome to try.
Getting around PhuketTuk TukYou will also find a similar type of Tuk Tuk in Phuket as those found in Bangkok. Instead of three wheels, these ones have four wheels, and most of them look quite new. They can be a lot of fun travelling from beach to beach or short stops around the town. Remember that Tuk Tuks don't have air-conditioning, so long trips can get uncomfortable if the heat does affect you. I find that for longer trips, normal taxis are the best alternative, far safer and more comfortable.Although very cheap, I try to avoid the motorcycle taxis as they just seem to be quite dangerous and I have heard some stories. I have also seen a few local passengers with all sorts of scars from previous accidents. To be avoided if not sure. Remember that Phuket has one of the highest motorcycle accident rates in Thailand, often claiming many lives. If using one, always insist on wearing a helmet. Good luck on your travels.
Long-tail Boats
One other form of transport to getting around Phuket, are the many sea going vessels that will take you from one island to another for short day trips or stay overs. This is also a tremendous fun way to travel the oceans. Return from Getting Around Phuket to the Getting around Thailand Page
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