Best Time to Visit

Phuket is one of the major tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting tourists from all over the world. The various hotels and resorts get very busy during the high season, which coincides with the dry season, from December to April, and the weather is warm and dry, with long sunny days and a clear sky. During this period, in mid-April, the famous Songkran, the Thai New Year, takes place and the whole country celebrates on the streets. The monsoon arrives in May bringing heavy rainfall until November, making this the low season for tourism. This is by far the cheapest period to visit Phuket, and also the most peaceful, as the island is not as crowded as during the high season.

Passport / Visa

Visitors to Thailand need a valid passport and in some cases a visa to enter the country. Nationals of 57 countries are allowed a permanence from 14 to 90 days without a visa. Nationals of other 21 countries including China, India and Saudi Arabia are granted a visa on arrival, while the remaining need a visa in advance. Check the website below for further information: www.thaiembassy.com/visa/thailand-visa.php

Phuket International Airport (HKT)

Phuket International Airport is situated north of the island, away from the luxury hotels and resorts. By taxi the trip to Surin will take about 30 minutes, to Patong about 40 min, Karon and Kata beaches around 50 minutes. The bus to Phuket Town takes one hour. Metered taxis are available, but there are not too many of them around. They are to the right as you come out of the arrivals building, at the far end. To the left as you come out of arrivals, there are 8 seated mini vans which will take you to your hotel, but of course you have to stop at everyone else’s hotel as well. There is also an Airport Bus but it only goes to Phuket Town Bus Terminal. It does stop on the way but not at any of the coastal resorts. Journey time is one hour from the airport to Phuket Town.

• Web:

  www.phuketairportonline.com

• Address:

  Phuket International Airport

• Phone:

  +66 76 351 166

Public Transport

There are several public buses in Phuket, which are bright blue, with open sides. There aren’t any real schedules, but if you see one and want to get on, just wave – there are no official bus stops. The local bus station is located on Ranong Road in Phuket Town.

Taxi

The most widely used ‘taxis’ are bright red tuk tuks. These are not the 4 seated variety as in Bangkok but hold about 6-8 people. Unlike the metred taxi, arrange a price before getting in. You can also find traditional taxis outside the airport terminal and around town, which either have fixed fares or a meter.

• Web:

  www.phukettaxi.com

Car and Motorbike Rental

Traffic in Thailand is on the left side and all the major car rental companies have offices at the airport. An international driving license is required. There are enterprising companies immediately outside the arrivals hall with cards offering cars at cheaper rates. Jeeps are also available, make sure you see the car before paying, some have been around for a while. When driving in Thailand, beware of motorbikes overtaking on the inside and /or on bends. Drive a little slower and keep an eye on the wing mirrors.