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Asia Thailand Phuket Tourist Information Public Transport

Overview

Public Transport

The guide was updated: 2024-08-24

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.

Useful Information

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Best Time to Visit

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.

Phuket International Airport (HKT)

Phuket International Airport (HKT)

Phuket International Airport serves as the gateway to the island’s stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, and there are several convenient ways to reach your destination from the airport. For those looking for a hassle-free start to their holiday, airport taxis and metered taxis offer quick and direct routes to popular areas like Patong, Karon, and Kata. Alternatively, shared minivans are a cost-effective option, especially for solo travellers or small groups, though the journey may take a bit longer due to multiple drop-offs. For the more budget-conscious, public transportation options like the Phuket Smart Bus and the Airport Bus are excellent choices. The Phuket Smart Bus connects directly to major tourist spots, while the Airport Bus heads to Phuket Town. Ride-sharing services such as Grab are also available on the island. Additionally, many hotels and resorts provide their own transfer services, which can be pre-arranged for a smooth arrival experience.

Passport/Visa

Passport/Visa

Visitors to Thailand typically need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a visa (depending on their nationality), and a completed arrival/departure card, usually provided on the aeroplane or at the port of entry. Additionally, there may be specific entry requirements related to health, such as vaccinations or medical certificates, so be sure to check the latest visa requirements and entry regulations from the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country through official government channels before planning your trip to Thailand.

Public Transport

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

Taxi

Finding a taxi in Phuket is relatively easy, especially in popular tourist areas, but be aware that not all taxis are metered, so it's essential to agree on a fare before starting your journey. Ride-sharing apps like Grab are widely available and offer a more reliable and often cheaper alternative. Tourists in Phuket typically get around using a mix of taxis, ride-sharing services, and the popular local option of tuk-tuks, which are fun and offer a unique way to experience the island.

Pharmacy

Pharmacy

In Phuket, there are several pharmacy chains where you can purchase a wide range of medications and health-related products. Some of the most well-known are Boots and Watsons. These pharmacies are typically located in shopping malls, busy streets, and tourist areas, making them easily accessible for visitors.

Post

Post

Phuket's post offices usually operate from 8:30am to 4:30pm on weekdays and from 9am to noon on Saturdays, remaining closed on Sundays and public holidays. They are easily recognisable by their red and white colour scheme and the prominent Thai Post logo. These post offices offer a comprehensive range of services, including domestic and international mail, Express Mail Service (EMS), registered mail, bill payments, postal savings, and money transfers.

Telephone

Telephone

Country code: +66 Area code: 076

Electricity

Electricity

In Thailand, the most common types of power sockets are Type A and B, which feature flat parallel pins and are familiar to those from the US and Canada, and Type C, which has two round pins and is widely used across Europe. Unique to the country is the Type O socket, boasting two round pins and a grounding pin, distinguished by its slightly thicker and wider pins. The standard voltage in Thailand is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz.

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