Phuket Information

How do I get there?

By Air: International daily flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, plus direct flights from countries all over the world. Domestic flights also available from destinations within Thailand. Check with Thai Airways.

By Road: Overland from Malaysia, or Singapore; you can drive or take a bus direct to Phuket.

By Train: There is no railway station at Phuket, but you can take a train to Suratthani and travel the remainder of the journey by road (about 4 hours.)

When is the best time to come?

November until early April, is Phuket's "high season" and the busiest time, when beach and weather conditions are perfect (around 28C / 85F with a light breeze.) Peak season - Christmas/New Year - good weather but you must book both hotels and flights in advance as it gets very busy.

From May to October - the weather is still good with mostly sunny days interrupted by brief showers which don't last long and certainly don't stop tours and activities. Lower prices for accommodation and services and quieter beaches.

Should I book accommodation before I get there?

Essential during high season, especially over Christmas/New Year.
With direct on-line booking, you can search for a hotel, choose your location, price and preferred facilities, and receive confirmation immediately.

Excellent low season specials - May to October, great accommodation at super prices.

Do I need a visa?

Most nationalities do need to obtain a tourist or transit visa to visit Thailand. However, as regulations change rapidly it is advisable to check with a Thai Embassy or Consulate well before your planned date of travel.

What is the voltage and do I need an adapter?

Voltage is 220 volts, but you will need an adapter which can be bought in most convenience stores.

Is Phuket safe?

You are more likely to get mugged in some leading capital cities than be harmed by a terrorist attack in Phuket. The Thai government however has taken all precautions to ensure the general safety of visitors.

The usual advice regarding valuables, etc., applies as in any holiday destination, although Thailand, generally has less crime than many other nations and you are more likely to be parted from your money by soft talking than any other means. Lock away travel documents, money, credit cards and travellers checks wherever possible in the hotel safe or safety deposit box. Don’t carry large amounts of cash and keep your bag close to your person, so that pick pockets and drive-by motorcycle thieves won’t be tempted to try their luck.

Be wary of touts in tourist areas, selling services or offering assistance. Whilst unlikely to cause any physical harm, they may cause you needless expense and to waste valuable time. If you choose to follow-up on the advice of a tout, inspect what’s on offer carefully and don’t feel obligated.

Be aware that at certain times of the year, the tides and currents can be strong and unpredictable. During the Monsoon months of July through to October it is wise to exercise caution when swimming off open beaches particularly in the unpopulated areas. Beaches display red flags when the currents are strong, so check first.

Lone travellers should be careful of people who might wish to befriend them with offers of snacks, sweets or drinks. Druggings are not unheard of and will leave you minus your luggage and valuables.

Take the usual precautions regarding food and drink. Choose food that looks fresh. If eating in open-air markets, eat food that is prepared and cooked in front of you, avoiding raw vegetables which may not have been washed. In general hygiene is very good in Thailand but always wash fresh fruit and drink only bottled water.

Do people speak English in Phuket?

English is widely spoken by locals in the tourist industry, although at different levels! Most Thai people will try to help wherever possible and attempt some English. If you make the effort to learn just a few words of Thai it will be greatly appreciated.

What goods can/can’t I bring in

Import of illegal drugs, firearms and pornographic materials is prohibited. A litre of wine or spirits per person and up to 200 cigarettes is allowed, along with a reasonable amount of clothing, toiletries, and electronic items for personal use. Foreign cash may be brought into the country without restriction.

What clothes should I bring?

Loose and Lightweight cotton clothing is the most comfortable for this tropical climate. Phuket is very casual apart from the some of the more formal hotel restaurants. Being a beach resort, you can get away with wearing very casual clothing for almost any occasion at most venues. Shorts, T-shirts and sandals are the norm for daywear (men and women) and casual pants, short sleeve shirts (men and women), and simple dresses and skirts (women) ideal for night times.  Do be respectful of the Thais’ opinion towards nudity and dress codes in public places. Nude and topless sunbathing is really not approved of, and the wearing of skimpy beach attire or minus a shirt in restaurants is also frowned upon.

Do I need to bring my own sporting equipment?

Snorkellers may want to bring their own gear to save on the cost of hire. Dive gear is readily available and more convenient to hire. Serious golfers may like to bring their own clubs, particularly if you plan to play frequently during your stay. However if you want to play a social game or two, gear can be hired at most courses around the island.
Check out some of the Golf packages for details.

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How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

You can hire a taxi or airport limousine from one of the counters inside the arrivals area. English is spoken, so simply tell them your destination and they will issue a ticket. Charges are fixed but depend on the distance and mode of transport. If you have made prior arrangements with your hotel for an airport transfer, you can safely bypass these counters and head directly outside to the transit area where drivers with placards are waiting.

How much will I have to pay for a taxi to my hotel?

Dependent on your destination, and the mode of transport you choose, your trip can cost anywhere from 100 Baht to 600 Baht. If traveling by shared minivan to Patong for instance, the fee is Baht 100. If hiring a taxi, expect to pay up to 600 Baht.

Where can I get a map of Phuket?

For on-line maps go to Phuket-maps.com. Maps are readily available from all tourist information desks, the airport and book stores.

What kind of driving licence do I need ?

For short stays, an international driving licence or your own national licence is required. Although it is possible to rent without showing your licence from private agencies, you run the risk of not being insured and fined by the police if you are stopped for any reason. If you plan to stay more than 3 months and particularly if you drive a private car, then a Thai driver’s license is necessary. Many people don’t realize this fact until it’s too late and their insurance company refuses to pay on the basis of not having the correct licence (and yes, you can apply for and obtain insurance coverage without being informed of this minor detail).

Do I need a licence to drive a motorcycle?

Whilst you don’t need a licence to hire a motorbike, you can be arrested for driving without one, so be sure to have your home country license if not an international license. Also be aware that you will not be covered by insurance if involved in an accident on a rented motorcycle, despite what you are told. It is important to keep this in mind when choosing to hire and ride around in what are often dangerous conditions for inexperienced riders.

Are there car seats available for children in hire cars?

International hire car agencies can provide car seats for children if requested in advance. Some impose a small charge in addition to car rental. Small, local hire car companies are less likely to have them but there are exceptions.

How do I get around the island?

You can hire a car or motorcycle, take taxis or tuk tuks (local open-air taxis) or take local buses - an entertaining method of getting around the island. Most local buses travel to and from destinations right around the island from early morning until early evening, and go to the town centre.
As yet, there are no public buses running along Phuket's popular west coast, so if you want to travel from beach to beach, you'll have to travel to the town centre. If you're staying in the north of the island, its probably quicker to hire a car, as buses go around the villages and don't pass many of the hotels. Local tuk-tuk’s are always available in the street - remember to bargain for the fare before you set off. Another alternative is the motorbike taxi, not the safest mode of transport but an interesting experience and handy for short distances.

How much is the departure tax?

International departure tax is included in the ticket nowadays.

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What kind of food can I find on Phuket?

Everything! From local Thai to French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, Indian and more. Sophisticated restaurants, beach cafes, garden outlets, , bakeries, delis, hawker stands and local noodle shops.

Can I find vegetarian or Halal food?

There are vegetarian dishes on most menus both Thai and international. Restaurants selling Halal food can be found all around Phuket.

Is Phuket a good place to bring kids?

Judging by the numbers of families that visit Phuket each year Phuket is certainly suitable for a family holiday. Thais are very welcoming and tolerant towards children. For older children there are water sports, diving (PADI courses for those over 12 years) mini golf, beach activities and bowling. (Two brand new bowling centres have recently opened) Take the usual precautions about health drink bottled water only and wash hands frequently to ward off any bugs.

What activities are there for kids?

Most kids just enjoy being by the beach, but if they get bored there's elephant trekking, safaris, visits to the zoo and aquarium, animal centres, mini golf, visits to open air markets, bowling, go-kart racing, horse riding, and much much more.

Are there any special festivals or events in Phuket?

There are various festivals throughout the year. Some are held annually on the same date every year while others vary with the lunar calendar and change their dates from year to year. Check this link to Festivals and Events to see what is coming up this year.

Where should I stay?

The choice is yours. There is an entire range of accommodation possibilities from budget type bungalows to the full blown 5-star luxury resort. You may like a quiet location away from the crowds, or alternately, love to be in the action. Facilities and prices vary according to the season. You can read up on each location on our web pages and, if you need some extra help, check through our Special Offers page to see what bargains are on offer. book on-line for immediate confirmation.

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What tours do you recommend?

Choosing tours is sometimes like going in a lucky dip. There are so many options available and you’re not sure what each are going to be like. Our advice is to research a little before hand on your options and ask the advice of those who have been before. Generally the less expensive tours have more people, less choice on the lunches, and arrive at their destinations when everyone else does. Check out our tour pages on Water activities and Land Activities. Then visit our Travel Forum to post your questions or see what other people recommend.

Can I own a business in Phuket?

Yes, but it depends on the type of business you seek to own. Foreigners can own and do operate businesses in Phuket, subject to certain restrictions. Under Thai law, some categories of business cannot be majority owned by foreigners, whilst others can, subject to certain conditions being met. Still others have no restrictions placed at all. The authority on this issue is Thailand’s Alien Business Law.

Who do I contact to find out about business?

To find out general information about doing business in Thailand, there are a number of publications now available that will answer most of your initial queries. Useful books can be found at Asia Books, DK Books and Bookazine stores throughout the country. You may then want to go directly to a business adviser a locally based, reputable international law firm would be the best option who can give you specific information according to your targeted business. They will also be abreast of any changes in the laws to your advantage. Several Internet search directories list the names and contact details of such law firms in Bangkok and Phuket.

What credit cards can I use?

Visa and Mastercard are widely used at major hotels and some restaurants, AMEX is not accepted everywhere. Small hotels, restaurants and many shops do not accept credit cards so be prepared. Use your credit card to obtain cash from ATM’s. This is the cheapest way to obtain Thai Baht. ATM/s are located in the main beach areas and Phuket Town, as well as at Phuket Fantasea in Kamala Beach. You can also withdraw cash on your credit cards from local exchange tellers but need to show your passport.

Are travellers checks accepted in Phuket?

Yes. Foreign denomination checks are easily exchanged for cash. However it is not the cheapest way to buy Thai Baht. Foreign exchange counters are located in all major tourist areas. Remember to take your passport.