Transportation

How to get there

Phuket International Airport is Thailand’s second busiest airport, after Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. With regular flights to Bangkok, the airport is well-connected. There are also direct flights to India, Australia, Singapore, and the United States, among other destinations.

Buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to Phuket, on the other hand, are the most dependable and convenient mode of transportation between the two cities, taking up to 13 hours to reach Phuket. Buses, both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned, are available at various costs.

Ways to get around the city

- Songthaew: Songthaews are very common across Thailand. They are tiny vehicles or pickup trucks that have been adapted to transport passengers, with two benches in the bed and a roof to provide shade.  There are no predetermined stops; simply plan your route, stand by the side of the road, and wave when a vehicle approaches. As with buses, there are no songtheaws that go around the island’s perimeter and connect the beach resorts; visitors must connect through Phuket Town.

- Tuk Tuks: Phuket’s tuk tuks are unlike those found elsewhere in Thailand. They feature four wheels rather than three and resemble a mini songthaew rather than a tuk tuk. Nonetheless, because tourists in Thailand want and expect tuk tuks, locals give them what they want and call them tuk tuks! Since tuk tuks don’t have meters, you must negotiate a price before boarding or you may up up spending far more than you should.

- Motorbike Taxis: Phuket, like the rest of Thailand, has a plethora of motorbike taxis. They can be economical for short distances, especially for people who travel on their own. A motorbike taxi can be identified by the driver wearing a colored vest. Motorbike taxis usually wait in groups at major intersections, near beaches, and near popular tourist destinations. If they don’t have a passenger on the back, you can also wave one down. Always wear a helmet and agree on a price before embarking on your ride. As with taxis, it’s a good idea to collect a driver’s contact information so you may utilize them again throughout your stay.

- Scooter rental: Scooters may be rented easily in Phuket’s Patong district. These rentals are relatively affordable, with prices varying based on the type of car. A 100cc Honda scooter, for example, can be rented for 150 to 200 THB per day. Remember to bargain for reductions and to wear a helmet to avoid being fined 500 THB. It’s also a good idea to thoroughly inspect the bike before renting it to avoid being penalized for pre-existing damage.

- Boat: You can go island hopping by taking a longtail boat from one island to another. While you can haggle for a lower fee, the hourly rate should be around 500 THB or 1,800 THB for the day. They aren’t normally supplied with lifejackets, so be cautious if you’re with children or those who can’t swim.

Best times to visit

With a tropical environment, the weather in Phuket can be warm, chilly, or wet. It never gets very cold. The peak tourist season runs from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and dry, after which it remains hot until May. The monsoon season begins in mid-May and lasts until October.