Our next stop was at Phi Phi Don Island, the main highlight of this day trip. Nearish to Phuket town (a short walk to a bus station, then a 5-10 minute ride, or a 40min walk). Taxis with private firms may charge a fixed rate rather than using a meter, which typically ends up costing more than a metered taxi. Most of the resort areas are small enough to walk around, with popular resorts and hotels located close to the beach, restaurants and shopping areas. CABB Taxis is a choice of VIP Taxis now ready to take you around in Phuket, offering one-way service and a charter trip. There are plenty of night markets and shopping malls near the Patong area. All rights reserved. Lots of independence to explore. Getting around Phuket is relatively easy, as the island is served by many private and public transport options. (There is no more UBER in Thailand). Phuket can be traveled in 2 days if you are running out of time, it can be explored in 4 days if you are flexible with your time and budget. Most of these islands are uninhabited. Phuket's airport buses run on a set route, stopping at several bus stops between the main Phuket City Bus Terminal 1 and Phuket International Airport. Millions of travel buff around the world come to Phuket to enjoy sugar-white sand, tree-fringed pristine beaches, fresh air, various water sports and adventure activities in Phuket. Text and Photos are Copyright Phuket 101 and Willy Thuan 2011 - 2023 - Copy or use of images or texts without written authorization is strictly prohibited (Credit to or mention of the blog does not constitute authorization). A short journey in Phuket should cost 30 50 baht. How to Get to and Around Phuket on a Budget Travel Guide 2018 - YouTube If you want a crowd-free serene ambiance, Kata beach would be ideal for you to stay in Phuket. Many of these are being converted into metered taxis in an island-wide drive to improve the transportation system. All material herein 2005-2023 Agoda Company Pte. Travelling around the island is not as convenient or cheap as you might expect. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Most of the resort areas are small enough to walk around, with popular resorts and hotels located close to the beach, restaurants and shopping areas. Phuket is a relatively small island, with visitors able to drive all around it in just a couple days without rushing. Take note of the. If you are looking for a family beach resort in Phuketstay at South Kata. Getting around Phuket. 2023 travel app Guide, The 5 best beaches in Phuket for family 2023 Thailand guide, Reopening Thailand 2022 FULL guide (latest update May 2022), Fun, cheap, great way to get further afield on a budget. This white marble statue is located on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and can be seen from as far away as Phuket Town and Karon Beach. But the distance of these tourist attractions are quite large, so there was no option for Big Boat if you want to visit all these attractions. There are a variety of transportation options, ranging from buses, tuk tuks, taxis, cars, motorbikes and boats, for getting around Phuket. They provide the best in class service with some crazy deals. If you are lucky you can see the group of dolphins swimming around the islands. Right now (2 pm on a Monday) from Patong to Chalong Rum Distillery costs 588 on Grab, 292 on Bolt, and InDrive has a recommended (but negotiable) fare of 301. Does it make sense to take rental car for phuket beach and city sight seeing or can rely on . However, you may need to shop around and barter with some local dealers for the lowest prices. Family travelers can also find several family resorts in Phuket. Its more time-consuming than taxis or Tuk Tuks as it goes from a defined bus stop to bus stop, but it is incredibly cheap and comes with air-con. It is an easy and convenient addition to Phuket transportation options. Ltd. All Rights Reserved Metered taxis are available outside the domestic and international terminals, and the airport limousine counter can be found just outside the baggage claim area. If youre looking to keep your trip expenses low this might be your best option. Songthaews are small passenger trucks and a popular and cost-effective means of transportation in Phuket. There are also some very steep roads on the hills. First Time in Phuket 7:10 am; Don't use Grab. Most drivers wont take you anywhere for less than 150 baht. Just remember to bring the essential rental requirements, such as your Klook voucher, valid driver's license from the origin country, and an International Driving Permit (IDP), which you can obtain online in your home country. Here, you can also grab some tasty satay chicken at a nearby stall for only five baht per skewer to complement your noodles. Renting a car is another way to explore Phuket and beyond. Each person needs a card, but children under seven years old can ride for free. This popularity of Phuket among Indian travelers results in growing up a good number of Indian restaurants in Phuket. By using our website, you agree to our. So if youre looking to explore the island on your own, below are the many transportation options available: Photo credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/vehicles-on-road-beside-buildings-3072630/. Read More Top 10 Best Beaches in Phuket, ThailandContinue, When deciding what to wear in Thailand, it is good to know that the people in the Land of Smiles are fairly conservative, modest, and tend to dress accordingly. Tourists generally avoid these months to visit Phuket. Get notified by e-mail when a reply is posted. Car rental deals can be found for as little as 700 baht per day (around 14 or $18). It is a convenient way to get around the island and is ideal for avoiding traffic. If you are a budget travel buff, this is the best time to visit Phuket on a budget. Buses and large animals are bigger than you, so they have the right of way. Coconut Island in Phuket, Thailand | Fishing, Snorkeling & Pearl Farm Tours, Guide to Koh Yao Yai | Plan a Perfect Island Getaway near Phuket, Koh Yao Noi Info | Island Yoga Retreats, Nature Walks & Muay Thai Camps, Coral Island Activities | Snorkeling, Water Sports & Day Tours from Phuket, Things to Do in Phuket | Best Activities & Attractions in Southern Thailand, Phuket Nightlife | Go-Go Bars on Bangla Road & Family-Friendly Activites, Guide to Bangla Road in Phuket, Thailand | Nightlife, Bars & Entertainment, Plan a Phuket Shopping Spree! This is a kids friendly activity in Phuket. Book well in advance if you choose the overnight bus. Phuket has several pedestrian-friendly areas, including Old Town Phuket, Patong Beach, and Kata Beach, where you can stroll along the waterfront or browse the local shops and markets. You will have to use one of the many other ways to get from Phuket airport to your hotel. 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They can customize the day following your requests and suggest the best possible itineraries. The checkout form is not a true multi-step form in the Drupal sense, but it does use a series of connected menu items and the same form builder function to present the contents of each checkout page. The shallow waters next to the beach have colorful and vivid underwater habitats, which will give you the feeling of swimming in an aquarium. There are still many public transportation options for you to choose from, including tuk-tuks, songthaews, and taxis, as well as vehicle rentals. Having both means that you can compare prices and find a driver faster. I put together a Phuket 3 days itinerarybelow. Do negotiate the price before you get on a motorbike taxi in Phuket. Racha Islands | From Family Fun to Romance - Top Daytrips from Phuket! Phuket, an island province in Southern Thailand, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture. Your email address will not be published. The largest island of Thailand, Phuket is blessed with gorgeous temples, busy streets, lively bars and obviously some of the most beautiful beaches of Thailand. It was our first sightseeing stop on our way where we explored by canoeingthrough the nature of the Mangrove Cave, Bat Cave, Oyster Cave, and Diamond Cave. Reply to: Getting around in Phuket. Answer 1 of 9: What's the best way to get around? However, driving a motorbike in Phuket can be challenging due to the heavy traffic and often chaotic driving conditions. Flight: The Phuket International Airport is well connected to Bangkok with daily flights. Check. There are designated Tuk-tuks can be found all over Phuket, although they tend to be clustered in large numbers around Patong. Inspect the vehicle with the owner and note all existing damage before you rent it. Dec What is the best way of getting around in Phuket in 2023? The driver should turn on the meter and go. So we do recommend that you plan how you will travel around Phuket. You will get to see the bees and how they make the honey. More information about our Privacy Policy, Find a great car rental deal on Skyscanner, Mabul island diving cheapest and best options 2023, 10 Cheapest hotels in Sheffield in depth guide 2023, How do you book a taxi using Grab in Thailand? Tuk tuks are definitely not the cheapest way to get around in Phuket but they are a lot of fun. Visitors are allowed to feed bananas to baby elephants with 100 Baht. The ride costs 100 baht only and lasts 1h30 as the bus stops at eight stations along the way. There are no buses linking the beach towns, though. Are you bored in your daily life? Be sure to show a passport to the driver to prove your childs age. Phuket is a relaxed holiday destination and is ideal for a beach holiday yet there is also plenty on offer for partygoers who may feel more drawn to the red light district and nightlife in Patong, a seedy district in Phuket. The metered rate will include a surcharge for pickup. From the viewpoint, you can see the sparkling blue sea, white-sand beaches, and the deep-green hues of Phukets hillsides. While it may not be the most convenient option, walking is an excellent way to discover the islands hidden gems while getting some exercise. 12. You can flag them anywhere you dont need to be at a bus stop and the route may be flexible so check with the driver. Low Season:May to October is the monsoon seasonin Phuket. A deposit is required and will be returned to you when you return the bike in good condition and with the same amount of petrol or more than when you got the bike. This mode of transportation is fast and relatively inexpensive. Skip internal flights and tourist minivans for local buses and trains. Drivers are generally good at reading the body language of lost tourists and may approach you even before you can signal them. Just make sure to plan your journeys in advance, negotiate fares with drivers, and stay safe while enjoying the islands natural beauty and cultural delights. We bought 2 packets of butter and honey cashews. You can likely get a better rate if you rent by the week or even by the month. Fares are 30 to 40 Baht one way. Re: Getting Around Phuket. And when you have a lower price ask if they can give a further discount for a longer bike rental. Tuk-tuks are basically small red vans, which have open backs and sides, an We use cookies to provide necessary website functionality, improve your experience and analyze our traffic. They may run along a set route picking up lots of passengers along the way. From Ao Por Pier our big boat started the journey towards Phang Nga Bay. Tuk-tuk and local taxisare also available in Phuket but make sure to negotiate your price before hop on any of these. Tuk tuks are the most classical and iconic way of getting around in Thailand. If youre traveling within the downtown area, the fare would be around THB50. Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour is Coming to Singapore and Were the Official Experience Partner, Klook's Guide to Booking Universal Studios Japan Tickets, How to Ball on a Budget in London: Tips, Attractions, and Accommodations, Your Guide to Tokashiki: Okinawa's Underrated Gem in Kerama Islands, 20 Must-Experience Attractions: A Guide to Unforgettable Adventures in Japan, Get discounts worth up to 60% sent straight to your inbox. For transfers from Phuket International Airport, there's only 1 authorized 'limousine' service with fixed fares. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs. We want to help save you money and give you a smooth trip. While booking the James Bond Island day tour, choose the Big Boat option. First of all, you're driving on the left side of the road which takes some getting used to. Phuket Airport Bus Bus from Airport to Phuket Town, 51 Best Things to Do in Phuket and Around in 2023, 15 Best Phuket Tours Day Trips and Excursions, 38 Best Local Thai Restaurants in Phuket 2023, 34 Best Hotels in Phuket We Tried and Loved, Phuket Town A Walking Guide to Old Phuket Town, 15 Islands Near Phuket Phuket Island Hopping. Cheap eats in Phuket - Travelfish Getting around Phuket is relatively easy, as the island is served by many private and public transportation options. Shoulder Season: April and November. They are not more expensive than local companies and come with proper primary insurance and a name you already know. There are also the historic old town which has plenty of temples to visit, shopping malls and restaurants. Tips: Dont forget to carry your sunscreen, hat, sunglass, and camera. The Phuket Smart Bus runs from the Phuket International Airport and stops at these beaches along the west coast: A short trip will cost 50 baht and can be paid using a refillable card called a Rabbit card; cash is not accepted. This kind of day trip includes hotels to hotel pick up and drop facility with buffet lunch, snacks and other tourist attractions including canoeing. I have split the Phuket itinerary in 3 days so that you can plan your Phuket trip in the most cost-efficient way. It can just get costly! Another persistent question is about going from Phuket to the famous Phi Phi island and even to Krabi and Koh Lanta. A trip between Phuket Town and locations such as Patong, Surin and Kamala costs around 1520 baht. The 150 meters long white powdery sand beach is an amazing place to visit. Luckily, rental cars and motorbikes are plentiful and can be hired relatively cheaply, depending on the model, size and length. In this blog post, well explore some of the best ways to get around Phuket without breaking the bank. Inside the cave, using a mobile flashlight we saw some incredible rock formationsof Stalagmites and Stalactites. Domestic flights may only cost a little bit more than taking public transportation across Thailand and will save you a great deal of time. Never hand over your passport; renters may want a photocopy, but do not allow them to keep your passport. The Tuk Tuk of Phuket is very different from Bangkoks iconic blue Tuk Tuks. It is also popular as a top-notch snorkeling spot of Phuket. Be sure to wear a helmet while driving, as police enforce a 500 baht fine if they catch you without a helmet. You should consider full coverage insurance; driving in Phuket is slightly different from most countries, and even a scratch can be a headache and a waste of precious holiday time. Many thanks for your help. You can book your private charter through Klook and choose from either a 4 or 8-hour charter to a 2-day or 3-day charter. They often cost a lot more than private taxis. Driving around Phuket on a motorbike is convenient, but also extremely risky as insurance is usually not included. PIN IT FOR LATER This post may, Read More Top 10 Indian Restaurants in Phuket, ThailandContinue, Youre visiting Thailand and are wondering what to buy from Thailand to have a bit of the city with you? You can also hail cabs and motorbike taxis on the streets of Phuket, particularly in tourist areas such as Phuket town, Patong, and other major resorts. There are many ways to get from Phuket airport to your hotel, from the cheap (but slow) Phuket Smart Bus to the more luxurious airport limousine. 50-cc Hondas and big bikes are the most common types of motorcycles for rental in Phuket. One of the cheapest ways of getting around in Phuket is to take a private taxi. This is another stunning limestone island where we canoeing through massive grottos and lagoons. While getting around Phuket can be a bit challenging for first-time visitors, it offers a range of transportation options that cater to all types of travelers. There are two parts of Kata- Center Kata and South Kata. You may be able to negotiate a slightly lower rate with the driver. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and there is no shortage of budget accommodations in Phuket. If you dont have a driving license you still have the chance to experience that hair-raising form of transportation. Not great for families or groups. The Phuket Terminal 2 on Thepkasatri Road handles buses coming to and from the island. Remember to book your car as soon as you know your travelling dates, especially during the high season. Dont miss our FULL GUIDE on the Grab Taxi App in Thailand. Meter taxis are relatively cheap and hassle free, unfortunately, these are only normally available from the airport. The beach is ideal for swimming. There was some interesting natural rock formation and among them, a Piranha and Buddha were the most eye-catching. Unless you are staying in a busy resort area such as Patong or Karon, it wont always be possible to just flag down a tuk tuk and buses only run during the day and mostly do not connect up the main beaches. Taxi meters and Grab taxis are also available. Getting from Phuket Airport to Your Hotel, We describe all the options in detail on this page. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. Prices start at about 200 Baht per day for a 100cc Honda or Suzuki motorbike. This excursion is a full-day tour from Phuket as there is so much to see. Wear a flipflopor sandal. Instead we just want to offer some tips and advice to help you get around this beautiful island. Phuket has an extensive public transportation network that includes buses, songthaews (shared taxis), and tuk-tuks. Expect to pay a minimum 150 Baht/dayto rent the basic model. We tried all the international car rental companies and found them relatively similar prices and services. We recommend getting a local sim card in Thailand (very cheap and good) and download Bolt and Grab. Fares depend on the distance and your bargaining skills. Grab Taxi is an excellent alternative to Tuk Tuks if you prefer a more conventional way to get around the island. We are three and planning 4 days stay in patong area. There is another gold-colored small Buddha Statue next to the Big Buddha Phuket.