Though Phuket is an island,
it is linked to the mainland by a causeway making it as accessible
for travel as other provinces on the mainland. Getting to
Phuket can be done in various ways. Transportation in Phuket
itself is also convenient. Regular buses, taxis, Tuk Tuks
or cars can be hired on the island.
International Airport ranks second in the country in terms
of passenger and cargo volume. Thanks to the fascinating tourist
attractions including the world famous beaches in Phuket and
the nearby provinces coupled with a complete range of tourist
services, Phuket International Airport welcomes millions of
passengers each year. Most of them are tourists coming from
countries all over the world.
Thai Airways International
operates flights to Phuket daily. The travel time is 1 hour
20 minutes. Contact TG office in Bangkok Tel +66 2 280 0060,
628 2000 for flight schedule and reservation. Phuket international
airport itself also has direct air links with Japan, Hong
Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Europe.
You can fly to Phuket on Bangkok
Airways as well, but it is not a direct flight. Passengers
need to transfer at Samui before going to Phuket. Flights
take off for Bangkok-Samui-Phuket every morning and afternoon.
Angel Air operates Bangkok-Phuket
and Phuket-Bangkok one flight daily.
air-conditioned and regular buses leave the Southern Bus Terminal
in Bangkok daily. For the 24 seat VIP bus (the blue luxury
one), it takes 14 hours to cover the 891 km to Phuket.
On the return trip, buses leave Phuket bus terminal at 4.00
p.m. and 8.00 p.m. and arrive in Bangkok at dawn.
40 seat air-conditioned buses
Standard 1(blue) depart Bangkok at 6.50 p.m. (using the old
route) and 6.30 p.m. (using the new route). The return buses
leave Phuket Bus Terminal at 3.00 and 5.30 p.m. The buses
leave Southern Bus Terminal at 5.30 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. and
arrive at the destination in the early morning.
Air-conditioned buses Standard
2 (orange) leaves Southern Bus Terminal four times a day.
The bus takes 14 hours for the 891 km distance.
Regular buses (non air-conditioned
orange one) depart Bangkok everyday at 7.30 a.m., 2.00 p.m.
and 7.00 p.m. and return from Phuket at 6.00 a.m., 3.20 p.m.
and 6.30 p.m. taking around 15 hours.
The Southern Bus Terminal
Tel +66 2 434 7192, 434 5557 to 8. Phuket Central Company Tel
+66 2 435 5019, Phuket Travel Tel +66 2 435 018. Phuket Bus
Tel +66 76 211480.
direct railroad links between Bangkok and Phuket. Those who
love train trips can get off at Surat Thaniís Punpin station
and catch the local bus to Phuket. For more information please
contact the State Railway of Thailand Tel +66 2 223 7010,
Take Route 4 from Bangkok to
the south. Along the way pass the provinces of Nakhon Pathom,
Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap-Khirikan, and at Chumphon
turn right to Ranong. From Ranong, go south through Kraburi
and Kapoe districts to Phang-Nga Province. In Phang-nga the
road passes through Kuraburi, Takuapa, and Thai Muang districts
before reaching the town of Kok Kloy. Then, cross the Thao Thep
Kasattri or Sarasin Bridge to Phuket Island. The distance is
Deep Sea Port (Port of Phuket) at Phuket is visited by both
cargo and cruise ship from Thailand and from abroad. Contact
your travel agent for information about the many different
ships that stop at Phuket.
All pleasure boats and yachts
arriving at Phuket must stop first and register with the Immigration
Office and Customs and with the Harbour Office within 24 hours