Phuket Thailand

Bushdoctor · #1 26-04-2007, 19:45

I was planning on flying to Phuket from Bangkok, but now I'm considering a bus, a taxi, or even a train. Not so much for the price savings, but just to have a chance to see the Thai countryside. I would hate to get a crazy driver and ruin the trip. My questions are... how long does a trip like that take, which one would be the best way?

MrDK · #2 26-04-2007, 19:52

If the train went all the way, that's what I would prefer. See also this thread: Train. Perhaps a combination of train and auto.

Bushdoctor · #3 26-04-2007, 19:57

Thanks for the link. I had a hard time finding anything with the search function. Looks like it would take too much time and hassel by train. Anyone have experience with the bus?

t0rn · #4 27-04-2007, 00:41

No experience with the bus but to see the countryside you could get the train to Hat Yai, spend a day or two and fly to Phuket from there (Nok have/are starting flights to Phuket).

Crustasian · #5 27-04-2007, 03:02

Travel by air and save yourself a day's worth of hassle.

If you want to see the sticks rent a car and go driving around.That way you dictate the itinery.

Bushdoctor · #6 27-04-2007, 03:24

That sounds like excellent advice.

Nicke · #7 27-04-2007, 04:59

When I first moved down here I rented a car and drived around in south thailand including sadao border to stamp my passport. I am glad I did. I stopped at Krabi, Trang, Hat Yai and Songkhla.

Sadao border was my biggest surprise, disco in full swing at 16.00 afternoon and we had some beers there.

From Bangkok, a bus isnt that bad. Take maybe 12 hours. But to be honest, you dont see much from the road. Maybe rent a car in BKK that have offices in Phuket so you can rent just one way.

LivinLOS · #8 27-04-2007, 10:15

As others say rent a car.. The bus is not a pleasant way to travel and the train (which I would like to do one day) stops in Surat..

I would be kinda into doing the train first class private cabin from BKK down to KL or sing.. Just for the journey..

A car to Krabi.. Trang .. Lanta.. A great way to have a couple of days exploring.. That fits me as I like to guide my own way and enjoy being lost and finding new places and things.. I dont like tours or being put into groups of other people much.

SirDougless · #9 27-04-2007, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

As others say rent a car...

But make sure you've got insurance for the car, 3rd party property and 3rd party. And be prepared to spend time in jail if some Thai puts their bike under your car and kills themselves.

Renting a car is a good way to check out most countries but Thailand worries me.