I should also preface this by saying I'm on a somewhat tight budget (ie im not gonna rent a car). Undoubtedly, it is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. Motorbike rentals are widely available, and rates start at just 200 baht per day for a small bike, going up to around 1,000 baht for a larger bike. There are plenty of budget hotels near Patong beach. One of the cheapest and most eco-friendly ways to get around Phuket is by walking. Phuket is not all about its pristine beaches. Then for the past 29 years, my passion for photography has taken me to every corner of Thailand. Taxis, Tuk-Tuks, Buses or Boats? Just flag them down along the main roads at beaches, or catch them from the local bus station on Ranong Road in Phuket Town. Make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in a tuk-tuk or any other vehicle. Phuket Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2023) - Nomadic Matt's Travel Site Go for a short walk along the beach and enjoy the tranquil ambiance or you can just relax on the sun-bed. It is a perfect beach destination for those who are looking for a soulful beach experience. Check. If your hotel isn't on one of the main beaches, taxis or tuk-tuks are some of the best ways to get around. Dont miss our EPIC one week Phuket Holiday Itinerary. 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. 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. The Phuket Blue Bus (known as Song Taew) is the oldest and best-known local bus to get from Phuket Town to destinations 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. If youd rather not worry about bus schedules and taxi fares, consider renting a car or a motorbike. Big Bee Honey Farmis a place where they sell honey and all honey related products. Getting around Phuket is easy although may be expensive if you are in a weak bargaining position. 50-cc Hondas and big bikes are the most common types of motorcycles for rental in Phuket. Songthaew buses are a lot of fun. Your message. Tuk tuks are iconic and fun but expensive. Phi Phi Island Day Tour Cost: $50-60/person. Another persistent question is about going from Phuket to the famous Phi Phi island and even to Krabi and Koh Lanta. The airport buses in Phuket run from 5am to 7pm and follow a set route with several stops between Phuket City Bus Terminal 1 and Phuket International Airport. Reserve the second half of your third day in Phuket for beach hopping and relaxing. This is a kids friendly activity in Phuket. Dont wear sleeveless, shorts or skirts while visiting any religious sites in Thailand. Domestic flights may only cost a little bit more than taking public transportation across Thailand and will save you a great deal of time. From Ao Por Pier our big boat started the journey towards Phang Nga Bay. Check. When you want to get off, press the buzzer on the roof. Phuket Taxis, Tuk Tuks and Buses - Getting Around Phuket Taxi prices are very fair on both apps. There are a few modern air-conditioned buses that operate along routes in Phuket City but do not go to other parts of the island. Expect a short tuk tuk ride to cost around THB 100 to 200 ($4 to $8 AUD) and longer distances from 500 to 600 baht ($21 to $25 AUD). All material herein 2005-2023 Agoda Company Pte. If you wish to use an image from our website with a link back to us, 18 Best Romantic Restaurants in Phuket , 10. How to Navigate Transport in Phuket, Thailand - Culture Trip Shoulder Season:April and November. You will get to see the bees and how they make the honey. Most drivers wont take you anywhere for less than 150 baht. Getting Around Phuket | Public Transportation Blue buses can be a bit slow, as the songthaew stops everywhere where people want to get on or off. Lots of independence to explore. Nothing could be better than a romantic walk by the seashore while enjoying the blue turquoise water holding your spouses hand. Street foods of Phuket are very popular not only among tourists but also among locals. If you are at one of the beaches, you can connect to other locations by first traveling back to Phuket Town. In the evenings, when there are fewer options for getting around Phuket, expect higher rates for tuk tuk rides. A one-way service, pay the fare as shown on the meter. Young travellers seem to love these as you often can see them singing and laughing on the way to their destinations. A typical trip from Phuket Town to Patong is 50-60 minutes. Tickets are purchased from the driver. Reserve your trip or buy a package with CABB Call Centre Phuket at Tel. This is a good option when planning extensive exploring. Trips typically cost between 1,000 to 2,000 baht, including having the driver wait at your destination until you are ready to leave again. Rates are discussed with the driver before you can get in the tuk tuk. Expect to pay 100200 baht for a shared minibus or up to 500 baht for a private taxi, depending on your destination. Nope, itsNOT. We booked James Bond, Phang Nga Bay and Hong Island day tour by Big Boat from Klook app. Shoulder Season: April and November. On the way, we saw Maiton Islands. It should be comprehensive enough to make you feel better about your upcoming holidays in Phuket! We got a great deal in Klook app and booked Phi Phi, Maya Area, Khai and Coco Beach Snorkeling Day Trip from Phuket. Wear a flipflopor sandal. You will find them at Phuket Bus Terminal 2 in Phuket Town. But what I liked most about this beach is its calmness and the serene atmosphere. Bike rental companies may ask you to leave a passport as a deposit. Alternately, you can rent a car at Phuket International Airport from the Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, or Sixt counters, or inquire at your hotel for the best way to rent a car or driver for the day. If you are planning lots of travel around Phuket, car rental may be the cheapest option. Chicken noodles range from 80-100 Baht and coconut ice cream costs 60 Baht and its worth paying. In Phuket, tuk tuks look more like mini trucks with four wheels, rather than three-wheeled tuk tuks seen elsewhere in Thailand. You can likely get a better rate if you rent by the week or even by the month. 19 Apr 2021 Getting Around Phuket Getting around Phuket is fairly easy because of the fact that there is lots of ways to move through the island. It is a convenient way to get around the island and is ideal for avoiding traffic. Markets, Malls & Where to Buy Souvenirs, Phuket Massage Parlors | From Cheap Thai Massages to Luxury Spas, Best Time to Visit Phuket | Weather Tips + High & Low Seasons in Thailand, Getting Around Phuket | Local Transport - Buses, Tuk Tuks, Taxis & Boats. 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. Visitors can swim here if they wish. There are three magical islands- Khai Nok, Khai Nai, Khai Nui. A 100-baht surcharge will be levied if departing from the airport. You will need to use your Thai number to register. Luxury Travel Guide to Phuket - Travelling King However, driving a motorbike in Phuket can be challenging due to the heavy traffic and often chaotic driving conditions. I'm looking for some advice. and Is Parasailing safe on Patong Beach? It is less crowdedthan Patong and offers a picturesque view of the Andaman sea. Always wear a helmet on a motorbike. Youll have the freedom to explore wherever youd like on the island in the comfort of air conditioning, without having to pay the variable rates of tuk tuks and taxis. Taxi meters and Grab taxis are also available. Travelers also can catch rides in Phuket on a microbus, smart bus, songtaew, or tuk tuk. Book well in advance if you choose the overnight bus. Due to busy and winding roads, travelers should be experienced drivers rather than beginners when getting around Phuket by motorbike. TOP TIP: Keep petrol receipts in Phuket. The Island of Phuket is only 48 kilometres in length and 21 kilometres across, which makes it relatively easy to see the whole Island in one day. There are a few options available, and choosing one depends on a personal preference. Make sure you tap your card as you exit, as you are charged for distance traveled. 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! It is a private island and visitors are not allowed to land there without permission. However, this floating water park is chargeable. Whether you choose to walk, take public transportation, rent a motorbike, or bike, there are ways to explore this beautiful island without breaking the bank. Cards can be reloaded at designated restaurants and shops around Phuket. Most drivers have extreme disregard for traffic regulations, which often leads to unexpected and dangerous behavior on the roads. In this things to know before you go to Phuket travel guide, we also answer is Phuket expensive for tourists and ways to save money in Phuket as well as. Checkout info hooks | Drupal Commerce documentation Songthaews are small passenger trucks and a popular and cost-effective means of transportation in Phuket. Domestic routes include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Koh Samui, Udon Thani, and U-Tapao Airport near Pattaya. Born in France a long long time ago, I started to travel the world early and never stopped until I settled in Thailand in 1994. If you are lucky you can see the group of dolphins swimming around the islands. Getting Around Phuket - All You Need to Know and Things You Should Getting around Phuket is relatively easy as Phuket has different modes of public transport systems these include songthaew, tuk-tuk, taxi, motorcycle taxi, and rental motorcycle. How to get around Phuket, Thailand | DreamTravelOnPoints It is not that easy to negotiate the public transport price each time while you are with your family. There are plenty of things to do in Phuket. I put together a Phuket 3 days itinerarybelow. The Tuk Tuk of Phuket is very different from Bangkoks iconic blue Tuk Tuks. When you rent the car you may be asked to leave a deposit. Suggestion: opt in random "hot" queue : r/apexlegends - Reddit I particularly like the vibe of Phuket. A shared minibus offers the best value for leaving the airport, but you will have to wait for the bus to fill up before you can leave, and it may take a long time to get to your hotel if you are one of the last stops. The Ultimate 2 Days in Bangkok Itinerary on a Budget, Top 10 Indian Restaurants in Phuket, Thailand, First Timers Guide for Thailand Solo Travel on a Budget, 10 Best Souvenirs from Thailand to Take Home with You, Best Honeymoon Destinations in Thailand in 2023, What to Wear in Thailand Ultimate Thailand Packing List. How To Get From Pattaya To Bangkok | Pattaya Unlimited 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. When it is about the honeymoon, Thailand always remains the top choice among couples who are looking for a cheap romantic getaway. If you are staying within Phuket Town, opt for a ride on a microbus. It's also worth noting that you should check to see if the car you're renting is. Painted in bright blue for easy recognition, these buses have destinations written in English on the outside for your convenience. $155 or INR 11000 for 3 Days, Are you frustrated doing your 9-5 job? Ferries run from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. All these options are available for you. There were some local shops selling souvenirs and local jewelry. It is such a beautiful place with so many different types of things to do in Phuket. Reply to: Getting around in Phuket. 2023 Hotels.com is an Expedia Group company. 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. Sadly they are also a diminishing breed. We bought 2 packets of butter and honey cashews. By Potong bus. Fares are 30 to 40 Baht one way. This time we chose Premium Speed Catamaran. We took some amazing pictures of the tall islet that towers over 20 meters are one of the main highlights here. Costing between 150 - 350 Baht/day, motor bikes are available for hire all over the island. The service runs every day from 6:30 am until 6:30 pm. Getting from Phuket Airport to Your Hotel. Tourists generally visit two main islands of Koh Phi Phi which arePhi Phi Donand Phi Phi Leh. The driver should turn on the meter and go. Unless you are staying in a busy resort area such as Patong or Karon, it won't 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. Your Trip to Phuket: the Complete Guide - TripSavvy Our cruise stopped at a distance from the Maya Bay. Getting around Phuket is relatively easy, as the island is served by many private and public transport options. undoubtedly, it is one of the best places to visit in Phuket. If you are heading to a remote destination, you may want to set up a return time with your driver, or pay for them to wait for you. Phuket Weather What is the best month to visit Phuket? Total Suggested Phuket Travel Cost: Approx. We took some splendid pictures of this deadly combination of white sand beach, turquoise water, and high cliffs. So even though food is cheap, it happens to be my biggest cost of living in Bangkok. Enjoy a Thai Spaon the beach with a mesmerizing view of the sea. Temperature is also hot this time. Accidents are frequent, and most rented bikes have inadequate insurance coverage. Bus: You can get into a bus from Southern Bus Terminal or the Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal of Bangkokthat takes around 13-14 hours to reach Phuket. Grab Taxi Grab Taxi is an excellent alternative to Tuk Tuks if you prefer a more conventional way to get around the island. Before boarding, make sure you discuss (and haggle) the fare to your location with the driver, as well as whether the rate is priced by group or per person. Motorbike rentals are widely available across the island, with rates starting at around 150 baht ($4.90) per day for a basic model. You pay once you get on and can flag them down anywhere on the road. Pay the driver after you have reached your destination, but agree on a price before you jump into any songthaew. Motorbike taxis can take you just about anywhere youd like around Phuket, but they do tend to zip through traffic and zoom around blind corners, so this option for getting around Phuket is best suited to more adventurous travelers. There are still many public transportation options for you to choose from, including tuk-tuks, songthaews, and taxis, as well as vehicle rentals. It is typically cheaper to stop a tuk tuk as it is passing by rather than to take one that is waiting out in front of a hotel or other building. Tuk tuks are definitely not the cheapest way to get around in Phuket but they are a lot of fun. If you have an accident, you may be liable for damages and medical bills. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and there is no shortage of budget accommodations in Phuket. You'll have a better chance of catching a bus if you're in the main part of an area. If you dont want to shop around for a cheap rental from local dealers you can book a rental with extra security through Skyscanner yes! Booking a motorcycle taxiwould be great to experience the same. Keep in mind that travelling around Phuket by tuk tuks tends to be often more expensive than a taxi. Motorbike Taxis are fast, fun and relatively cheap but not available everywhere around the island. Your destination, budget, and the time of day will determine which choice is best for you. Cheap eats in Phuket - Travelfish Renting a car or a van with a driver for a day (or a half-day) is a surprisingly cheap and convenient way to discover the island without stress and take advantage of the local knowledge of an English-speaking local driver. Get notified by e-mail when a reply is posted. Here we describe the many ways to explore Phuket. So unless you are on a very tight budget or want to travel great distances, you will never have to worry about getting around in Phuket. Backpackers introduced Phuket to the tourism world. They may run along a set route picking up lots of passengers along the way. Travelling Around Phuket: How You Can Make Your Stay More Enjoyable Before booking a resort hotel or apartment in Phuket, you should consider what you want to get from your holiday. Preview. However, the service only runs . Many of these are being converted into metered taxis in an island-wide drive to improve the transportation system. There is another gold-colored small Buddha Statue next to the Big Buddha Phuket. Boats can be hired for trips to nearby islands or fishing sites. Old Phuket Town, Big Buddha and south Phuket Tours, (and get our downloadable Phuket Travel Guide PDF for free too!). Taxis are one of the most convenient ways of getting around Phuket. Trips further afield, beyond the immediate beach area can cost from 400 baht depending on the distance, weather, and your bargaining skills. Convenient, cheap and fun. How to Get to Bangkok, Krabi and Koh Samui? Instead we just want to offer some tips and advice to help you get around this beautiful island. Getting around in Phuket - travel guide - 2023 - The Backpacking Family If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Family travelers can also find several family resorts in Phuket. 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 explore the island at your leisure and on your own terms. You can book shared mini van service with 180 Baht ppfrom the airport to reach your hotel around Phuket city. amount of petrol at the start of the rental as you will need to return it with the same petrol level. Its much safer than a bike and can accommodate up to 4 people and some luggage. We had a car rental with a petrol gauge that did not go up when we filled the tank. How to Get Around Phuket - Thrifty Family Travels great article.. thanks for the information, Your email address will not be published. When hiring a tuk tuk, be specific about where you want to go, as some tuk tuk drivers like to act as tour guides, taking tourists to various scenic places in an effort to earn more fare. The beaches are crowded and the price of accommodation is highthis time. Also they may want to see your ID or drivers licence. There are a variety of transportation options, ranging from buses, tuk tuks, taxis, cars, motorbikes and boats, for getting around Phuket. A short journey in Phuket should cost 30 50 baht. Visitors are allowed to feed bananas to baby elephants with 100 Baht. From the viewpoint, you can see the sparkling blue sea, white-sand beaches, and the deep-green hues of Phukets hillsides. Nearish to Phuket town (a short walk to a bus station, then a 5-10 minute ride, or a 40min walk). PATONG BEACH: It is one of the most visited and lively beachesin Phuket. Last time I traveled to Thailand with my family, so I wanted a flawless travel plan during my Thailand family holidays. You can choose whichever vehicle fits your group. Public transportation is one of the cheaper methods of getting around Phuket. Using the taxi service supplied by your hotel is probably the easiest option followed by renting a car or motorbike. It was very comfortable, the guide was so knowledgeable and humble and most importantly we saved some precious time from our busy schedule. We are three and planning 4 days stay in patong area. Do you want to refresh your mind with fresh air and scenic beauty? * Some hotels require you to cancelmore than 24 hoursbefore check-in. Their special coconut ice cream is really yummy. Be sure to wear a helmet while driving, as police enforce a 500 baht fine if they catch you without a helmet. Just make sure to wear a helmet and stay hydrated, as it can get hot and humid on the island. In this article we will compare and review the best methods of transport for traveling around Phuket. If you plan to use a tuk tuk to get around Phuket make sure that you agree a price with your driver before you depart. Book your hotels, hostels or resorts 3-4 months before your journey to get a cheap hotel deal. Tuk-tuk and local taxisare also available in Phuket but make sure to negotiate your price before hop on any of these. For travels outside of Phuket town with lower fares and if you're not in a hurry, a Potong bus is a good option. Always rent from a reputable international company: you can easily book online before arrival and at reasonable prices. Edited: 5 years ago Be aware that some of the main roads in Phuket are quite wide and fast. 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. Phuket is a large island around 50 km from its north to south tip. Klook provides a variety of vehicle options with 1.2/1.5/1.8 engines ranging from a 4-seater sedan to a 7-seater SUV, as well as MT/AT cars. Phuket is a large island around 50 km from its north to south tip. You generally need to arrange this in your home country before you travel. If they are doing this the price will be lower. Book in advance with an international rental company to be sure they will have a vehicle available when you arrive. They also know the best places to try local food! There are also some very steep roads on the hills. BudgetTravelBuff.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Also, be aware that there are often police checkpoints. Look out for motorbike taxi stands groups of motorcyclists in red or green vests are often parked on street corners, outside convenience or department stores. On Bolt expect to pay 50 250 baht for most taxi rides around Phuket. If youre looking to keep your trip expenses low this might be your best option. The Phuket Terminal 2 on Thepkasatri Road handles buses coming to and from the island. So that after completing lunch you can utilize the rest of the time by hopping around the beautiful beaches of Phuket. Air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned both types of buses are available at different prices. On arrival at Phuket International Airport, make your way outside and look for the Metered Taxi Booth. If you prefer a more active mode of transportation, renting a bicycle is another affordable option for exploring Phuket. It is a private beachand it was included in our Phi Phi Island day trip package. Avoid leaving a passport try to negotiate a cash deposit. Those will only take you from Phuket town to a beach or a small set of beaches, but not between beaches. But to me.. on ranked with randoms it makes very little sense, especially when one is on losing streak and/or the rp cost to play increases with higher ranks. Fares depend on the distance and your bargaining skills. If you cannot rely on street foods, check out the below list for the best and cheap restaurants in Phuket that serves local dishes as well as various types of western dishes and Asian dishes in a perfect ambiance. Our cruise started at around 10 am. Re: Getting Around Phuket. Heres a list of the best souvenirs from Thailand that you can buy and bring for your closed ones. If you are looking for what to wear in Bangkok, at temples or at the beaches, continue to read this Thailand dress code guide. Its less colourful than a tuk-tuk, but the seats are a lot more comfortable, you get air-con, and you know how much the price is before you go, so you wont need to bargain. It normally costs 150 300 baht per day to rent a motorbike in Phuket. Travel time: 1.5 hour. All forums . The blue bus leaves roughly every 30 minutes from 6 am to 6 pm, and the ride costs 30 to 40 baht. More information about our Privacy Policy. With turquoise blue water, white sand beach and palm trees on the background, this island is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Thailandwhere couples can enjoy a long stroll along with the beach hand in hand. See the Ferry Time Tables and Prices here. Phuket is expensive compared to other parts of Thailand. The 45-meter-tall Big Buddhastatue is the most popular landmark in Phuket. Bolt is a bit cheaper than Grab. Getting around Phuket on a budget is possible, thanks to its range of affordable transportation options. The first backpacker-friendly accommodations sprung up in Patong in the 1970s, presaging a steady rise in visitors that peaked at 14 million in 2018. 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. Visit the old-styled colorful houses, small shops, and local Thai restaurants on both sides of the streets. Here, they are four wheels Daihatsu, with access from the back. Now that you know how to be an expert island traveler, make sure you check out all the exciting, 10000 VouchersHow to register $10,000 Consumption Voucher Scheme8.7 Phase IIAlipayHK | Octopus | Tap & Go | WeChat Pay HK | PayMe from HSBC | BoC Pay. This option gives you the opportunity to craft your own itinerary and explore each destination at your own pace. 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. Renting a motorbike is a popular and affordable way to get around Phuket, especially for those who want to explore the island at their own pace.