Property in Thailand is in demand among expats and tourists. Phuket is the largest island in the Kingdom and covers 540 km2. It is very popular with citizens of various countries. Travelling long distances on foot is not easy, so before you come here, it's best to work out what transport you need to get you where you want to go.
CONTENT:
TAXI
If you plan to take a complicated or long route during the day, it is better to use a taxi service. Eight car rental hours will cost about 800 baht ($23). Fares start at 100 baht (about $3), and each subsequent mile costs 35–40 baht (about $1).
There are cabs in Phuket that operate without a license. Many of these cars are in popular tourist areas, such as the resort town of Patong. The fare is best negotiated before you get in the car.
BUS
Several air-conditioned buses are running around Phuket town, but they are not available in other locations on the island. The fare on such transport ranges from 50 to 170 baht ($1.5 to $5). The buses follow the same routes, and there are standard stops, but you can press the bell at any time during the trip to get off.
One of the main routes starts from Big C Mall and Archeewa College and runs through Bangkok Road and Phuket Road.
The other route starts from Rajabhat Lamchan University and then goes through the bus station and Central Market.
SONGTHEU
The Songtheu is a shuttle bus made from a medium-sized truck. The car's body is equipped with two rows of seats for passengers. You can catch the bus by waving your hand upwards. If you need to get off, press the bell at the door.
This transport runs every half an hour, passing through large and small villages on the island. Songtheu is one of the cheapest means of transport in Phuket. The trip costs 35–50 baht ($1–1.5). These buses start at 7 a.m. and run until 6 p.m., seven days a week.
TUK-TUK BUSES
Tuk-tuks are small vans with open doors on the sides and back. These buses run everywhere on the island, but most are near Patong. Minibuses can carry up to 5 passengers at a time.
The fare has to be negotiated in advance and is better to be haggled over. The 10 km trip will cost about 100 baht ($3). If you need to travel around the island all day, renting a tuk-tuk for a few hours is better. An hour's rent costs 200 baht ($6).
MOTORCYCLE TAXI
Motorcycle cabs are available in almost all localities on the island. The drivers wear green and red vests with a number on the back. Motorcycle is a handy, but not-the-safest form of transportation, so they are used when you need to travel a short distance. The first 2 km of a moto-taxi ride cost about 25 baht (about $1). Each kilometre from the 2nd to the 5th km. will cost you 2–5 baht ($0.05–$0.15); from the 5th to 15th km — 10 baht ($0.3) per kilometer. If you need to ride more than 15 km, the cost should be agreed in advance.
MOTORCYCLES FOR RENT
There are motorcycle rentals on the beaches in different locations on the island. For Suzuki and Honda motorbikes, prices start at 200 baht (about $6) daily. In order to drive a motorcycle, you should obtain insurance, which is valid throughout the Kingdom. This type of transport in Phuket is the most insecure, AND if you get into an accident when riding a bike, you will be considered at fault a priori. When riding a motorcycle, the driver is obliged to wear a helmet. Otherwise, s/he will have to pay a fine.
CAR RENTAL
Anyone who is over 20 years old can rent a car, although some places will only let you rent a car from age 21. You must show your identity card (or international passport) and driver's license at the rental center.
The cost depends on the car rental period: a day, a week, or a month. The longer the period, the lower the prices. Here is an approximate daily rental price for different cars:
- Toyota Vios — 1,000 baht ($30);
- Honda Jazz — 1,300 baht ($38);
- Toyota Fortuner — 2,500 baht ($74);
- Suzuki Sporty — 1,000 baht ($30);
- Toyota Vigo — 1,900 baht ($56);
- Suzuki Vitara — 1,400 baht ($41);
- Chevrolet Zafira — 2,000 baht ($59);
- Honda New CR-V — 2,200 baht ($65).
The rental price includes a car with air conditioning and insurance, valid throughout Thailand. The car is issued fully fueled, and the spent gasoline is paid for after returning the car.
There are many checkpoints on the roads where the police can stop you, so it is better to fasten your seatbelt to avoid getting a fine.