Koh Phuket

By Car

You can take Highway 4 from Thonburi in Bangkok all the way to the Causeway at the north end of Phuket Island, where it turns into Highway 402. It's a long drive, but once you're out of the capital all you have to do is follow the compass due south. Follow Highway 4 to Chumphon, where it jogs west and south and follows the Andaman Sea coast to Phuket island. Phuket Town is 862 km (517 mi) from Bangkok; bus companies make the trip in 13-15 hours.

Though roads on Phuket are badly congested and poorly marked, it can be handy to have a car on the island. All hotels can arrange for car rentals. Look for Avis, Budget, and Hertz at the airport. In town you can find rental cars at various private shops near the Pearl and Metropole hotels, as well as shops along all the major beaches. Prices will be a little lower than those at the airport, but not by a lot. If you are driving, make sure you pick up at least two or three tourist maps (available at the airport, travel agencies, and most any tourism-related office), as they differ in details.

Koh Phuket Transportation

• By Air
• By Bus
• By Car

• By Taxi, Tuk-Tuk & Songthaew
• By Train

Koh Phuket Essentials

• Emergencies

• Tour & Visitor Information