How to Get Around Phuket, Thailand
Transport Options for the Savvy Visitor
The Thai island of Phuket is undoubtedly a foremost holiday destination, drawing countless tourists from across the globe. Once you are at this destination, you will have several good transport options to get around the island. Naturally, the choice that you make will depend on your preferences and how much you are willing to pay. The main options for getting about in Phuket are described below.
By local bus and songthaew
You will find that small buses with open sides link Phuket Old Town with the major beach resorts on the island such as Surin, Patong, Karon and Kamala. These buses are reliable and cheap, although they may be slow due to the winding routes taken and the numerous stops on the way. Services will generally be frequent, running from early in the morning till late afternoon.
Meanwhile, songthaews will be a common sight in Phuket, just as they are throughout Thailand. These happen to be pickup trucks or other small trucks which have been modified to transport passengers, featuring a couple of benches at the back as well as a roof to provide shade. The songthaews of Phuket will usually display the last destination they will travel to and will collect and drop off passengers along the route.
By tuk-tuk and taxi
You will find that the tuk-tuks of Phuket are rather different from those to be found in other parts of Thailand as they feature four wheels rather than three! Although they are convenient, they happen to be amongst the costliest ways of getting around Phuket. Since they will often be the only available transport to and from localities like the beach areas, tuk-tuk drivers will often charge high prices.
Visitors to Phuket will find that metered taxis will generally be less costly than tuk-tuks, although they cannot be considered cheap. Taxis will be a vivid yellow and red and if a red light is visible through the front window, can be flagged down for hire. Non-metered taxis will be less common and will charge higher rates. An accommodation choice to consider that you could reach by taxi would be the SHA Extra+ certified Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas which is amongst the pleasingly located Phuket business hotels.
By motorbike taxi and car / scooter rental
Another convenient way to navigate Phuket would be by motorbike taxi. Solo travellers will often find that these would be a quick and cost-effective way to travel short distances. It will be easy to identify motorbike taxis as the drivers will wear a brightly coloured vest. Always remember to don a helmet and arrive at a price before commencing the journey.
You will also find numerous companies that rent vehicles in Phuket, including motorbikes, scooters and cars. Travelling in a vehicle of your own will naturally save time and perhaps money. If you desire to rent a motorbike or scooter, it would be very advisable to make sure that you have the needed insurance, license, confidence and experience. On the other hand, cars would be a great choice for families or friends desiring to explore the island on their own.
By ferry, boat services and intercity buses / minivans
You will find that ferries, long-tail boats and speedboats commonly travel through the waters surrounding Phuket. The main pier for boarding seagoing vessels would be the Rassada Pier. From here, you will have the opportunity to board the speedboats and ferries which depart for the Andaman Sea islands as well as destinations on the coast of the mainland.
Visitors will find that Phuket happens to be linked via bridges to the mainland. This means that it will be easy to reach the island by road; you will be able to use various minivan and bus services that travel from the island to Bangkok, the nearby provinces and so on. Intercity bus services will often be comfortable and rapid as well.
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