How to travel around Phuket

Blessed with a wide range of private and public transportation, the enchanting islet of Phuket, Thailand is where ‘incredible’ happens. While you can also rely on walking about en route to reaching your favourite beach restaurant or shopping precinct, there will be those who would want to explore the breadth and scope of the island and for this, it would be prudent to factor in the following facilities.

Hail the public bus

Easily identifiable by its bright colours and ladders that run up one side of the vehicle, the local public bus which is referred to as ‘songtaew’ will come across as the most affordable means of getting about this section of Thailand. Though bus stops aren’t found in Phuket, the songtaew can be hailed by being on the roadside and awaiting one as it rumbles along in its own merry manner. Known to operate daily from 7 am to 6 pm, the songtaew can be utilised to visit Surin, Patong and Kamala for a fee in the range of 15 - 20 Baht per person. Touristy areas such as Phuket Town can be a good start to catching one and thus, it is recommended that you make your way to Ranong Road’s market where you are bound to find one.

Opt for the tuk-tuk

More suited for short-distance travel as opposed to those trips that would last for more than half an hour, availing the services of a tuk-tuk will be one of the finest things you end up doing in Phuket. In terms of advice, it is a given that you agree on a price before getting in as the average fare for a 5-minute ride will be 100 Baht. Although quite common across the island, this form of commuting will not be the cheapest as the farther away from the main beach area your destination is, the greater the cost. On the other hand, you will have the ride of your life with the cool breeze accompanying you regardless of where your three-wheeled motorised machine takes you to.

Pay as you go with a metered taxi

Travelling in a metered taxi will give you the much-needed reassurance that you will always be in control of the fare and thus, alleviate the need to waste time haggling or worse, argue which is a practice that one can ill-afford to pursue. Getting your hands on a metered taxi can be done so no sooner you arrive in Phuket with the main airport terminal featuring a taxi stand that can be visited. Furthermore, sought-after tourist areas such as Phuket Town and Patong are magnets for metered taxis with fares known to begin at the 50 Baht figure for the initial 2 km. Thereafter, for every km that you complete, an additional 8 Baht will be incurred. Also, should you be departing from Phuket International Airport, then a surcharge of 100 Baht will be levied. In the event you seek a vehicle to cover a longer distance, then your driver may charge you a flat rate but in such a scenario, one may toy with the thought of bargaining in a way that would be beneficial to you and your driver.

Rent a bike

Convenience underpins this method of travel which would complement those who cannot be bothered to stick to schedules and timetables. Pick and choose from nifty scooters to 50-cc Hondas whose rental prices start off with a daily price tag of 150 Baht. Specifically, the areas including Kamala, Kata and Patong are where you will likely find a bike that will suit your fancies but in the event, you are unsure of how to go about renting one, it would be better to make queries from your hotel or resort. For example, if you are scheduled to arrive at a luxury resort like Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, then do consult with the property’s staff on which rental company to reach out to. After you have selected your bike, you can buckle up, start your engine and head for some of the best Phuket attractions.