Getting around Phuket

If you are like us and want to get out and explore the Island, the easiest option is to hire a rental car. Read our experience on hiring a rental car.

Or if you are an experienced rider, the cheapest way of getting around Phuket is to hire a motorcycle.

Finding your way around the Island is relatively easy as long as you have a good map. Free maps can be picked up at the airport upon arrival or from your hotel or resort.

Driving in Phuket is an experience in itself, however if your game it is the best way to see the sights and all the attractions.

If you are staying around the major beachfront areas, such as Patong or Karon beaches, getting around is quiet easy.

As most resorts and hotels are within walking distance to the beach, restaurants, nightlife and shopping areas.

It is not until you decide that you want to go exploring other parts of the Island that you realize that the public transport in Phuket can be at times very frustrating and not to mention expensive.

Songthaews

Songthaews are the local buses and are the cheapest way to get from the west coast beaches into Phuket Town for some bargain shopping.

These buses only run through the day, making it a cheap transport option to see other parts of the Island on your way into Town.

When shopping in Phuket Town, you may want to go from one shopping centre to another shopping centre. Micro buses are a cheap and handy way to get there.  

Tuk Tuks in Phuket

Tuk Tuks are not the cheapest form of transportation in Phuket or the most comfortable, but they are loads of fun and can be found everywhere.

A more comfortable transport option of getting from place to place is in an air-conditioned taxi.

Longtail Boats

Longtail Boats are the most enjoyable way of getting around Phuket.

In Phuket, Krabi and the surrounding Islands a longtail boat is mainly used for fishing and tourism.

These small wooden boats can take you to hidden coves, beaches and offshore islands that are only accessible by boat.

Phuket Smart Bus

The Phuket Smart Bus is an ideal way to get from beach to beach and a much cheaper option compared to catching a tuk tuk.

The Smart bus runs from Phuket International Airport through to Rawai, with stops along the way.
For more information, prices and bus timetables take a look at the Phuket Smart Bus website.  

 

Getting around Phuket on a Motor Bike Taxi

Another way of getting around in Phuket is on a motorbike taxi.

Motorbike taxis are convenient for really short trips, below is a clip of one of our motorbike taxi rides around Patong Beach.

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