Phuket

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 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.

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.

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.

220V, 50 Hz. The general socket is a flat two pin, but there are some Thai appliances that have a third round pin. Many hotels, especially the older ones, have only the two pin socket so bringing an adapter is recommended.