Overview

Phuket, Thailand's largest island and premier beach destination, is located 840 kilometers (522 miles) south of Bangkok on the Andaman Sea. Flying is highly recommended due to the distance.

Transportation Options

1. Flight ✈️ Strongly Recommended

Airlines: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Thai VietJet Airports:

• Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK)
• Phuket: Phuket International Airport (HKT)

Cost: 1,200-5,000 THB (varies greatly by season and booking time) Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes Frequency: 40-50 flights daily

Pros:

• By far the fastest option
• Very frequent flights
• Comfortable and convenient
• Competitive pricing

Tips:

• Book 3-4 weeks in advance for best prices
• Low-cost carriers from Don Mueang are usually cheapest
• High season (Nov-Apr) is more expensive
• Early morning and late night flights are cheaper

Airport to Beach Transfer:

• Phuket Airport to Patong Beach: 30-45 minutes
• Airport Bus: 100-150 THB
• Taxi: 600-800 THB (metered)
• Grab: 400-600 THB
• Hotel transfer: 600-1,000 THB

2. Private Car / Van Service 🚗

Cost: 15,000-22,000 THB (one way) Duration: 12-14 hours Distance: 840 km

Booking: Contact Smile Taxi Service for long-distance arrangements

Pros:

• Door-to-door service
• Can stop at attractions along the way
• Good for families or groups

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Extremely long journey (12+ hours)
• Tiring for everyone
• Not cost-effective compared to flying

Not Recommended: Given the distance and flight availability, private car is rarely the best choice unless you have specific stops to make.

3. Public Bus 🚌

Route: Bangkok (Southern Bus Terminal - Sai Tai Mai) → Phuket Bus Terminal 2

Types:

• VIP 24 Seats: 900-1,200 THB
• VIP 32 Seats: 750-950 THB
• 1st Class: 650-800 THB

Duration: 13-15 hours Departures: Multiple daily including overnight buses

Pros:

• Much cheaper than flying
• Overnight buses save accommodation
• Comfortable VIP buses available

Cons:

• Very long journey
• Uncomfortable for sleeping
• Arrive tired

Popular Bus Companies:

• Phuket Central Tour
• Sombat Tour
• Transport Co (Government)

Booking: 12go.asia, busonlineticket.co.th, or at terminal

4. Train + Bus Combination 🚂+🚌

Route: Bangkok → Surat Thani (by train) → Phuket (by bus/minivan)

Not Recommended - More complicated and doesn't save much time or money compared to direct bus. Only consider if you want to break journey in Surat Thani or Khao Sok.

Recommended Routes

For 99% of Travelers:

✅ Flight - The only sensible option given distance and competitive pricing

For Extreme Budget:

✅ Overnight VIP Bus - If you absolutely cannot afford flight (but check carefully - sometimes flights are similar price!)

NOT Recommended:

❌ Private Car - Too expensive and too long ❌ Train+Bus - Too complicated

Phuket Areas Guide

Patong Beach:

• Most developed and crowded
• Best nightlife (Bangla Road)
• Many hotels, restaurants, shopping
• Good swimming beach
• Can be noisy

Kata Beach:

• More relaxed than Patong
• Good for families
• Excellent swimming
• Good restaurants and bars
• Beautiful beach

Karon Beach:

• Long quiet beach
• Good for couples
• Less crowded
• Good swimming

Kamala Beach:

• Peaceful and laid-back
• Good for families
• Less developed
• Phuket FantaSea show nearby

Rawai/Nai Harn:

• South coast
• More local feel
• Good seafood
• Beautiful Nai Harn beach
• Quieter

Bangtao/Laguna:

• Upscale area
• Long beach
• Luxury resorts
• Good for families

Phuket Town:

• Historical old town
• Sino-Portuguese architecture
• Good local food
• Sunday Walking Street
• Budget accommodation
• Not beachfront

Things to Do in Phuket

Beaches & Islands:

• Phi Phi Islands day trip
• Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
• Similan Islands (diving/snorkeling)
• Island hopping tours
• Coral Island (Koh Hae)
• Mai Khao Beach (longest beach)

Activities:

• Scuba diving and snorkeling
• Big Buddha (free, amazing views)
• Wat Chalong (main temple)
• Old Phuket Town exploration
• Phuket FantaSea show
• Simon Cabaret show
• Promthep Cape sunset
• Bangla Road nightlife (Patong)
• Thai cooking classes
• Muay Thai training camps
• ATV adventures
• Zip-lining

Markets:

• Phuket Weekend Market (Chillva Market)
• Phuket Walking Street (Old Town, Sunday)
• Malin Plaza (seafood market)
• Banzaan Fresh Market (Patong)

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit:

• High Season (Nov-Apr): Perfect weather, blue seas, but crowded and expensive
• Shoulder (May, Oct): Good balance of weather and prices
• Monsoon (Jun-Sep): Rainy, rough seas, but cheapest rates and fewer tourists

What to Pack:

• Swimwear (obviously!)
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Light rain jacket
• Sandals and water shoes
• Snorkel gear (if you have your own)
• Respectful temple clothing

Money Tips:

• Patong is most expensive area
• Eat at local restaurants away from beach for better prices
• Book island tours through agents (cheaper than hotel)
• Negotiate tuk-tuk prices (or use Grab)

Getting Around Phuket:

• Grab: Most convenient and fair pricing
• Tuk-tuk: Expensive, negotiate before riding (200-400 THB for short trips)
• Motorbike Rental: 200-300 THB/day (dangerous - many accidents)
• Car Rental: 800-1,500 THB/day
• Songthaew: 30-50 THB (fixed routes, limited)

Final Recommendations

Best Option: Fly from Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi

• Book 3-4 weeks in advance
• Compare prices on Skyscanner or directly with airlines
• Consider budget airlines for best prices
• Total journey time including airport time: 4-5 hours
• Arrive fresh and ready to enjoy Phuket

Only Consider Bus If:

• Extremely limited budget
• Not bothered by 13+ hour journey
• Traveling off-season when flights are expensive

Contact & Booking

Flights: Skyscanner.com, airline websites directly For Airport Transfer: Smile Taxi Service offers reliable airport pickup in Phuket

Enjoy beautiful Phuket! 🏝️🌊