Modes of transport for getting around Phuket island
Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuks are the small red open taxis which you can find everywhere on the island. They are great to get around.
You have to negotiate the fare before you hop in. Rates depend on distance, time, weather and many other things
and starts at app. 20 Baht for a short distance and can go up to 500 Baht for a longer trip.
Rates are negotiable and will cost at least 200 baht to Patong Beach,
230 baht to Karon and Kata Beaches and 300 baht to Nai Han and Kamala Beaches.
It is normally cheaper to stop a Tuk Tuk when it passes by then to take one which is waiting
in front of a hotel or restaurant.
Songthaew
Songthaews are the open blue-yellow local buses. They follow fixed
routes and operate between 7.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.
The cost ranges from 20 baht to 25 baht person trip. There are no bus-stops so you just stop the songthaews when they pass by and give the driver a sign when you want
to leave the bus. Prices are fixed and much cheaper then Tuk Tuks but it takes a bit longer to reach your destination.
They operate mostly from Phuket Town to the different beaches but not between the beaches.
Taxi Meter
Visitors can call 0 7623 2157-8 to get a metered taxi that will take them anywhere on Phuket.
The metered fare will include a 20 baht surcharge.
There are metered taxis everywhere. Only use them when they go by the meter
- if they ask for a fixed price don't go for it and take another one.
Motorbike Taxi
They are just everywhere. You can recognize them by there green or red wests with numbers on them.
This transport is for the more adventures ones as it is not the safest but it is fast, cheap and
bring you wherever you want. As with the Tuk Tuks the price must be negotiated before the ride.
Motorcycle taxis
It costs approximately 20 baht/person/trip to travel via motorbike taxi around Phuket Town.
Rentals
If you want to drive by your own you can rent a motorbike or car everywhere on the island.
Keep in mind that in Thailand you drive on the left hand side and traffic rules are widely ignored.
Busses, trucks, water buffalos and elephants have always the right of way - because they are bigger than
you.
Motorbikes
Can be rented everywhere. Rates are app. 200 Baht/24h for a small bike and
up to 1000 Baht/24h for a big one. It is very dangerous riding a bike in Thailand so it is advisable
to pool together and rent a car instead.
- You should be an experienced driver - Phuket is NOT the place to learn it
- Drive carefully
- There are thousands of accidents every year on Phuket which mostly involve motorbikes and
the death toll is very high
- Remember that everybody just drives like he wants and they don't care about traffic rules
which results often in accidents.
- Wear a helmet - it is saver and you don't have to pay the 500 fine if the police stops you
- You should have a driving license - the rental companies won't ask you for that but the police
if you are involved in an accident
- There is no insurance coverage - you have to pay everything in case the motorbike is damaged or
stolen or if you have an accident you have to pay for all the damage and medical bills.
- Check the bike with the owner before you rent it and let him write down all existing damage
- or you will pay for that later
- Make sure the bike is save to drive
Cars of all types can be rented - from private rental shops or professional rental companies.
Rates per 24h start at 800 Baht. You need to provide a driving license when renting a car.
- If you rent from a private shop make sure the car has full insurance coverage (which is often not the case)
- Make sure any damage and injuries are covered by the insurance.
- Drive carefully
- Check for any damages before renting
text
