Phuket Thailand

Micky G · #1 03-03-2005, 05:01

Guys, I'm arriving in Phuket on 11th March, for my first trip to Phuket, and need to know the best way of getting around the island. There are a few of us travelling and was wondering if there are buses or taxis and how much we are likely to pay for say a journey from Bang Tao, where we are staying, to the livelier Patong.
Also what about the tuk tuks, I've heard they can be a bit of a rip off?

ThatGuy2 · #2 03-03-2005, 15:29

Diz, 2 separate friends of mine do exactly that, they have phone numbers of regular taxi's they use.

I travel solo or with 1 or 2 buds, so we always just get scooters (easier to park and move than a sport bike or car)

Dubs

rufreelately · #3 03-03-2005, 18:29

If you can ride a motorcycle, rent one. It costs no more that 300 baht for a normal bike. Of course, the bigger bikes are more expensive. The roads there are easy to get by. So you would hardly get lost.

steve@thaib · #4 04-03-2005, 02:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by rufreelately

If you can ride a motorcycle, rent one. It costs no more that 300 baht for a normal bike. Of course, the bigger bikes are more expensive. The roads there are easy to get by. So you would hardly get lost.

Watch out if you rent motorbikes, be aware that there is no insurance in place. If you bin it, hurt a local in a collision or get the thing nicked it will cost you.

That said, all the advice here I would go along with, though peronally I won't use tuk-tuks. Motorbike taxis are pretty good and cheap locally, and if you need to get to patong your hotel should be able to help.

dawsey · #5 04-03-2005, 03:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micky G

Guys, I'm arriving in Phuket on 11th March, for my first trip to Phuket, and need to know the best way of getting around the island. There are a few of us travelling and was wondering if there are buses or taxis and how much we are likely to pay for say a journey from Bang Tao, where we are staying, to the livelier Patong.
Also what about the tuk tuks, I've heard they can be a bit of a rip off?

Dizbustas advise is very good Micky. I used a taxi on a few occasions last trip and it was the same price as a tuk tuk.Get a business card and you can call them anytime

Micky G · #6 05-03-2005, 05:24

thanks guys all good stuff, I will try and get a name of a good taxi driver as soon as I get there.

aussie dollar · #7 05-03-2005, 06:34

never got a taxi in phuket do they run the meter or do you still barter the fare?

stevem · #8 05-03-2005, 18:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussie dollar

never got a taxi in phuket do they run the meter or do you still barter the fare?

The taxi meters are not alllowed to pickup in Patong

littlenose · #9 05-03-2005, 19:04

Just wondering if any of you residents or regular visitors have the telephone number of any taxi drivers you could recommend?

Nicke · #10 05-03-2005, 19:16

I used to use Supachai, both for airport transfers or other destinations, e.g. Phuket Zoo. The cost is about same as for a tuk tuk but more comfortable. They also have minibuses if you want to go somewhere as a group.

Many travel agents/hotels use them when people order airport transfer.

Nicke · #11 05-03-2005, 19:19

Supachai 076-340046, 076-341294 (Good idea to add to your mobile phone)

Their office is on Rat-u-thit, close to (opposite) Mermaid Resort.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicke

I used to use Supachai, both for airport transfers or other destinations, e.g. Phuket Zoo. The cost is about same as for a tuk tuk but more comfortable. They also have minibuses if you want to go somewhere as a group.

Many travel agents/hotels use them when people order airport transfer.