Getting Around, Phuket Thailand

Survival Guide (Introduction)
Essential Information Getting Around Keeping in Touch Weather

Getting Around

Though Phuket is not a big city, the transportation is quite frustrating and is not well organized. However, there are many ways for travellers to choose and organize their journey.

On Foot

It’s really nice to try walking around attractions yourselves, get the benefits of seeing something new in the new perspective rather than just sit in the car. It’s possible with bilingual sign showing around island and a descriptive map in your hands.

Local bus

Phuket own style local bus called ‘Song Thaew’, center at Ranong Road; in front of the municipal fresh market in Phuket town, travel on a loop route to the various beaches around the island. It’s another choice for budget tourists and those who would like to feel a little bit closer to locals’ way of life. It’s very cheap as less than 30 B (price are subject to change up to oil’s price), so it is very popular among locals and usually packed around rush hour.

They start service at 6 am from their own destination to Phuket town and the last bus will leave Phuket town around 4-6 pm daily. The buses schedule to depart from the bus stop every 30 minutes which may vary from this 5-10 minutes.

There are several Song Thaew routes;

Airport Bus

Arrive at Phuket International Airport, you may think of how to save your budget, let try airport bus, they service you a bus travel from Phuket Bus Terminal and back, fares starting from only 15-85B. Stop at many terminals during the destination as the following; Phanthep Condotown, Surakun Stadium, Central - Big C – Lotus, Bypass Road, Boat Lagoon, the Two Sisters Monument, Thalang Hall, Pearl Village Hotel and Pearl Village Hotel.

Tuk Tuk

Tuk Tuk is another kind of transportation that is quite popular in Thailand but here’s different from those in Bangkok, mostly coming in red and can carry up to 6 people. The fares is about 40-100 traveling for a short distance but if you want to go further the prices will probably be at 300-600B rates, it’s up to your negotiation skills also.

Motorbike Taxi
Motorbike taxi is easy to fine around Phuket town and tourist places, just notice that the drivers are usually dressed in a green or orange vest. They are able to drive you for a short distant and the price is usually starting from 20B. Negotiation is sometimes applicable.

Car Rental
Car rental are available throughout the island, it requires only a valid international driver’s license or a state license. The rental fee is normally starting at 700-800B, by this means you have to pay for the gasoline. To rent a car is a good selection for those traveling in group or those who plan to hang around by themselves. Be aware that in Thailand, we drive on the left.

Motorbike Rental
Motorbike rental is the perfect choice for those budget travelers since it is very cheap and easy to access around the island, pricing maybe at 150B per day only (subject to change seasonally). However, driving motorbike in Phuket is not that easy, you have to make sure that you are familiar with driving on the left and be able the handle such frustrating traffic as well. Ensure of driving license and insurance before making a decision.