Transportation is Phuket's major weakness. Through coercion and corruption, a small group of people have been able to monopolize transportation on the island and block all attempts to offer travelers the kinds of services you would expect in a major tourist destination. Since the 2004 tsunami, it's also gotten rather expensive to get around as well.
Airport Transfers
The airport is far away from most of the beaches. Many, if not all, hotels offer a pick up service, but check the charges before you order hotel transportation. We've seen hotels charge $50 or more for an airport pickup. Check out our information about airport transfers for options.
Getting Around the Island
- Songtaew
- These are small pickups fitted with benches along the side of the bed. They operate like buses, picking up and dropping off passengers as they go along, except that they have no fixed route. You need to flag one down and find out if where you want to go is on his way before boarding in the back. These have almost disappeared from Phuket since the tsunami, to be replaced by small four-wheeled tuk-tuks. Where you will find them, and even some regular buses, is on routes connecting the beach resorts to Phuket Town. The fare for such buses is usually around 30 to 50 Baht.
- Tuk Tuk
- A whole new fleet of bright red four-wheeled micro-vans has appeared on the streets of Phuket since the tsunami. Unfortunately, these are the most expensive tuk-tuks in Thailand. A 10 minute trip from Patong to Karon will set you back at least $5. As with tuk-tuks elsewhere in Thailand, you must negotiate the price before getting in.
- Taxi
- Metered taxis were recently introduced to Phuket. However, they are mostly only available at the airport. There are no other locations around Phuket where you can readily find cabs, although you can call them. Note that many hotels will often deny that there are taxis on Phuket. The meter starts at 200 Baht (5.19 USD) and goes up according to time and distance.
In addition to the metered taxis, you'll also readily find unlicensed cabs waiting around the main tourist areas. They will often charge about the same rate you can negotiate with the tuk-tuks, but have air conditioning. However, keep in mind that these are unlicensed, and therefore uncontrolled, so there is some risk to using them. - Motorcycle
- You can rent motorcycles from several places around town, and they make a great way to get around town, if you're able to ride. Note that helmets are required.
- Car
- There are a number of car rental agencies around town, including some of the international chains such as Budget, Avis and National. Driving in Phuket is not as difficult as Bangkok, but you'd still be well advised to rent a car with driver.