Driving in Phuket
Discussion
I'm off to Phuket before too long and have read various things about driving standards over there from various books and articles online.
Some say that driving over there is a doddle and there are no pitfalls.
Others say that the standards are poor, drink driving is rife and finding people overtaking on blind bends is commonplace. To top all of that off, if you are involved in an accident then it is automatically your fault since you are the foreigner.
Has anyone had any experience driving in Phuket? I'd be interested to hear your opinions on it.
Some say that driving over there is a doddle and there are no pitfalls.
Others say that the standards are poor, drink driving is rife and finding people overtaking on blind bends is commonplace. To top all of that off, if you are involved in an accident then it is automatically your fault since you are the foreigner.
Has anyone had any experience driving in Phuket? I'd be interested to hear your opinions on it.
I drove in KohSamui about 10 years ago which should be much the same. It was no big deal.
The cities on the other hand are another story. I've been to Mumbai and Bangkok and they are much much different. Chaotic is an understatement and it makes the M25 and central london a doddle.
Bompey
The cities on the other hand are another story. I've been to Mumbai and Bangkok and they are much much different. Chaotic is an understatement and it makes the M25 and central london a doddle.
Bompey
Driven plenty on Phuket (and Samui).
I can't comment on the liability following an accident, as I've never had one.
Generally, the roads are in good order. Overtaking is sometimes a little "ill judged". This is often due to there being a lot of slow moving traffic in the form of old trucks, over loaded pick ups, multi drop delivery vehicles and clapped out mopeds, that need to be passed.
Just use your common sense and employ those "observation and anticipation" skills.
Drink driving during public holidays is a very serious problem. It's worst in the north of the country and the peak seems to be around the Songkran holiday in April. However, any public holiday will result in more DD than at other times.
If driving at night, take particular care to look out for unlit vehicles - they don't seem to worry too much about lights, particularly on mopeds.
Just make sure that you use a reputable hire company and inspect the vehicle well for damage before you accept it. Carry your license in the car and don't fill up with cheap fuel from the 50 gallon drums.
They drive on the left. The naviagtion of roundabouts is less structured than here, but also less commonplace.
Street lighting can be woeful/non existant outside the built up areas.
Where are you planning on driving? Phuket is small and unless you need a car for specific reasons, you may find it more convenient to hire a driver and car. These guys will always do a deal with you and will work out good value for money if you build a little bit of raport with them, by using the same guy a few times. Also depends how many people you need to move about.
PM me if you need any more.
I can't comment on the liability following an accident, as I've never had one.
Generally, the roads are in good order. Overtaking is sometimes a little "ill judged". This is often due to there being a lot of slow moving traffic in the form of old trucks, over loaded pick ups, multi drop delivery vehicles and clapped out mopeds, that need to be passed.
Just use your common sense and employ those "observation and anticipation" skills.
Drink driving during public holidays is a very serious problem. It's worst in the north of the country and the peak seems to be around the Songkran holiday in April. However, any public holiday will result in more DD than at other times.
If driving at night, take particular care to look out for unlit vehicles - they don't seem to worry too much about lights, particularly on mopeds.
Just make sure that you use a reputable hire company and inspect the vehicle well for damage before you accept it. Carry your license in the car and don't fill up with cheap fuel from the 50 gallon drums.
They drive on the left. The naviagtion of roundabouts is less structured than here, but also less commonplace.
Street lighting can be woeful/non existant outside the built up areas.
Where are you planning on driving? Phuket is small and unless you need a car for specific reasons, you may find it more convenient to hire a driver and car. These guys will always do a deal with you and will work out good value for money if you build a little bit of raport with them, by using the same guy a few times. Also depends how many people you need to move about.
PM me if you need any more.
Drove in Samui back in September.
Observation and really expecting the unexpected helped me get through it. Pretty mental when you have mopeds either side of you. Found car hire to be pretty cheap - a crap Toyota with a s
t auto box only cost me £20 for the day.
Would do it again, no way would I drive in BKK though.
Observation and really expecting the unexpected helped me get through it. Pretty mental when you have mopeds either side of you. Found car hire to be pretty cheap - a crap Toyota with a s
t auto box only cost me £20 for the day.Would do it again, no way would I drive in BKK though.
I drove in Phuket a couple of years ago and have to say it was all pretty easy. We were in Karon and found a little Suzuki jeep thing for a good price. We drove right round the island and didn't have any problems, perhaps we were lucky! Didn't drive at night, got a tuk tuk for that and let them take the strain!
I drive to and In Pucket and all of Southern thailand on a reguler basis, both in my car and on my bike. It is OK, just don't drive fast, and any accident will be small, riding a bike is diffrent, the rooads ar potholed and there is always desiel on the Hill from Patong to Phuket town, I've seen up to 10 bikes
at a time go down there, more than once. watch who you hire off, and don't give up your passport, I.e hire at the airport, not on the beach. If you do hire on the beach take photo's of any damage before you start, don't hire a bike that is bigger than you use in the UK, I once meet a gut who had never been on a bke and hired a R1, it was funny to watch but could have been a real problem. The best place to hire a bike is Patong BIke Bike, (Alan ex Beristol guy) and he has his own repair shop, he will only charge you for damage done, not made up, and will fix himself so cost acan be small.If you want to do a trip, then go on an organized bike ride with NIki, from Nki's handle bar.
But my question is why drive on Phuket, it is cheaper to get a cab for the day, and not worry about having a drink and parking,remember if you hire on Phuket you can not take it out of Phuket state (legal), so you will get stopped at the bridge to the mainland, if you dont and get through then when on the mainland you will be illegal.
The rule of the road in Thailand is that overtaking car has right of way, but reality is biggest is right.
at a time go down there, more than once. watch who you hire off, and don't give up your passport, I.e hire at the airport, not on the beach. If you do hire on the beach take photo's of any damage before you start, don't hire a bike that is bigger than you use in the UK, I once meet a gut who had never been on a bke and hired a R1, it was funny to watch but could have been a real problem. The best place to hire a bike is Patong BIke Bike, (Alan ex Beristol guy) and he has his own repair shop, he will only charge you for damage done, not made up, and will fix himself so cost acan be small.If you want to do a trip, then go on an organized bike ride with NIki, from Nki's handle bar.
But my question is why drive on Phuket, it is cheaper to get a cab for the day, and not worry about having a drink and parking,remember if you hire on Phuket you can not take it out of Phuket state (legal), so you will get stopped at the bridge to the mainland, if you dont and get through then when on the mainland you will be illegal.
The rule of the road in Thailand is that overtaking car has right of way, but reality is biggest is right.
Thank you for all your responses. I think based on the final words of some of your posts it sounds like it's far less stressful to just get a cab. This trip is supposed to be about relaxing, so if it's cheap enough to get someone to drive you across the island then I'm very happy with that.
Does anyone know roughly how much a cab costs to get from, say Bang Tao beach to Phuket Town? I have a notion in my head that it will be impossible to find a cab in the smaller towns after about 9:30pm, but I've no basis for this. Can anyone tell me any different?
Thanks again.
Does anyone know roughly how much a cab costs to get from, say Bang Tao beach to Phuket Town? I have a notion in my head that it will be impossible to find a cab in the smaller towns after about 9:30pm, but I've no basis for this. Can anyone tell me any different?
Thanks again.
what are you travelling to Phuket Town for? There isn't too much for the tourist there. It's interesting in parts, but not a real "holiday" place to visit.
However, a cab would be somewhere in the region of £15-18 I would think. Your best bet is to make a return journey out of it, if you are concerned. Talk to your driver on the way down there and make an arrangement for the return journey. Take his mobile number and call him. I would agree that cabs may be less commonplace in Phuket Town than in the tourist areas.
If you are travelling back from Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong or any other resort, you'll have no trouble in finding a cab.
There is always someone who is willing to make the journey.
I was unfortunate enough to end up in hospital after cutting my head, whilst in Phuket. After being fixed up, the nurses boyfriend took me back to my hotel for a small fee. Enterprising people.
However, a cab would be somewhere in the region of £15-18 I would think. Your best bet is to make a return journey out of it, if you are concerned. Talk to your driver on the way down there and make an arrangement for the return journey. Take his mobile number and call him. I would agree that cabs may be less commonplace in Phuket Town than in the tourist areas.
If you are travelling back from Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong or any other resort, you'll have no trouble in finding a cab.
There is always someone who is willing to make the journey.
I was unfortunate enough to end up in hospital after cutting my head, whilst in Phuket. After being fixed up, the nurses boyfriend took me back to my hotel for a small fee. Enterprising people.
I live in the north east of Thailand and ride a motorbike every day. I have driven cars plenty here too, and in the south, though not Phuket. It's really not that bad. As has been said, just expect the unexpected.
I find it's quite useful to think of motorbike etiquette as a bit like walking elsewhere. ie it's rude to go across the front of someone who is waiting at a junction when you want to turn right, and much better just to go down the wrong side of the road for a short way.
I find it's quite useful to think of motorbike etiquette as a bit like walking elsewhere. ie it's rude to go across the front of someone who is waiting at a junction when you want to turn right, and much better just to go down the wrong side of the road for a short way.
Nobby Diesel said:
what are you travelling to Phuket Town for? There isn't too much for the tourist there. It's interesting in parts, but not a real "holiday" place to visit.
However, a cab would be somewhere in the region of £15-18 I would think. Your best bet is to make a return journey out of it, if you are concerned. Talk to your driver on the way down there and make an arrangement for the return journey. Take his mobile number and call him. I would agree that cabs may be less commonplace in Phuket Town than in the tourist areas.
If you are travelling back from Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong or any other resort, you'll have no trouble in finding a cab.
There is always someone who is willing to make the journey.
I was unfortunate enough to end up in hospital after cutting my head, whilst in Phuket. After being fixed up, the nurses boyfriend took me back to my hotel for a small fee. Enterprising people.
Perhaps Phuket Town is a bad example. I think I'd be looking for more touristy places as you say, but it certainly gives me an idea of the sort of prices I can expect, so thanks for your help. However, a cab would be somewhere in the region of £15-18 I would think. Your best bet is to make a return journey out of it, if you are concerned. Talk to your driver on the way down there and make an arrangement for the return journey. Take his mobile number and call him. I would agree that cabs may be less commonplace in Phuket Town than in the tourist areas.
If you are travelling back from Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong or any other resort, you'll have no trouble in finding a cab.
There is always someone who is willing to make the journey.
I was unfortunate enough to end up in hospital after cutting my head, whilst in Phuket. After being fixed up, the nurses boyfriend took me back to my hotel for a small fee. Enterprising people.
15 pound about 750 Baht, you should be able to go anywhere on Phucket Island for that, if you are worried about a return get the cab to wait, don't pick up one of the cabs that stand around, In SE Asia you will always get abetter deal if you flag down a moving cab or pre book. And don't forget you can get a TukTuk you don;'t need a limo.
I take my ZXR to Phuket maybe three times a year, and when I get thee it goes in the hotel car park, I'm not to worried about safety, as I've done it a lot (famous last words) but it is just easier to get a cab,
I take my ZXR to Phuket maybe three times a year, and when I get thee it goes in the hotel car park, I'm not to worried about safety, as I've done it a lot (famous last words) but it is just easier to get a cab,
legendary road! may look a bit pervy if you're over 30 though Only hire from the major car rental companies and make sure all your insurance is in order. I can particularly recommend Master Car Rental - fantastic service.
Your life can turn to st in a very short time over there in the case of an accident. Believe me I have been there. The less you have dodgy people involved the better because if you end up dealing with the police, hospitals and angry mobs then you need the professional services that the big companies offer.
Apart from the fact that they do consider it a foreigners fault automatically, they will also be out to milk the 'rich' foreigner as much as they can.
You can also drive their cars all over Thailand, you certainly aren't limited to Phuket Island. There isn't a border point, just a bridge.
As for Soi Bangla -Age has nothing to do with it - you're considered a pervert at any age.
Your life can turn to s
t in a very short time over there in the case of an accident. Believe me I have been there. The less you have dodgy people involved the better because if you end up dealing with the police, hospitals and angry mobs then you need the professional services that the big companies offer.Apart from the fact that they do consider it a foreigners fault automatically, they will also be out to milk the 'rich' foreigner as much as they can.
You can also drive their cars all over Thailand, you certainly aren't limited to Phuket Island. There isn't a border point, just a bridge.
As for Soi Bangla -Age has nothing to do with it - you're considered a pervert at any age.
Berw said:
Hawk there certainly is a state police control point, In fact it has been extended this year into a big new covered control point and the road off the island has be rerouted to go through it, as I said you could miss it and if you missed it then you can be in real trouble,
I thought it was just one of many checkpoints they have on the major highways for various reasons, probably under the guise of security but also useful for extracting money for Red Bull off vehicles being driven by Westerners. There is certainly no reason at all why the Thai police would be restricting vehicles being driven off the island, I've done it myself on several trips to Phang Nga.Would also suspect a big reason for that particular one would be the fact that Phuket is a prime terrorism target.
You are right their main concern is genaral security and there are far more check points now than even a few years ago, the one at the Phucket bridge has been rebuilt and the road rerouted, but they do stop hire bikes/vehicles as there is some sort of insurance problem if you take out out of the state, thye will do it more now as the have anice shelter from the rain, I drive up and down three or four times ayear, and have never had a problem with a car, but they nearly always stop me on my bike, then they see the Malaysian plate and let us go no real problem for us, there is another one at Phang Nah were you turn fro Krabbie but that is just security.
As you say if you get in trouble you will be in the wrong, and at the price involved why bother get a daily taxi. I hardly use either the bike or the car when I go up, enjoy the journey up on the bike, the roads south of Phang Na are fantastic, and use the car to carry the dive and climbing gear up and then leave at the Hotel.
Currently planing two trip one throught Thailand too Ankor Wat for early march, and then a trip to Phucket Bike week in April.
As you say if you get in trouble you will be in the wrong, and at the price involved why bother get a daily taxi. I hardly use either the bike or the car when I go up, enjoy the journey up on the bike, the roads south of Phang Na are fantastic, and use the car to carry the dive and climbing gear up and then leave at the Hotel.
Currently planing two trip one throught Thailand too Ankor Wat for early march, and then a trip to Phucket Bike week in April.
Taken the porker up there once from Singapore and TBH would say that in general its not too bad, although the traffic jams can get a bit hectic, once on Phuket Islapnd i would not bother driving around much and tend to do as Berw said and leave the car parked up safe and take TucTuc's or taxi's.
If hiring a motorbike or scooter, bring a lid or try and find someone who gives you something with a bit more crash protection than a cashew nut shell!!
FWIW a mate of mine used to work for the US embassy in BKK and he would do the once a week trip to Phuket for consular services. Each week this usually involved sending 3 or 4 Americans back home in body bags for drugs or bike accidents (about 50/50 between the two) and would usually have to attend to 1 or 2 people in klink for attempted drug trafficking. This, it would seem is about average for most western nation consular services there!
If hiring a motorbike or scooter, bring a lid or try and find someone who gives you something with a bit more crash protection than a cashew nut shell!!
FWIW a mate of mine used to work for the US embassy in BKK and he would do the once a week trip to Phuket for consular services. Each week this usually involved sending 3 or 4 Americans back home in body bags for drugs or bike accidents (about 50/50 between the two) and would usually have to attend to 1 or 2 people in klink for attempted drug trafficking. This, it would seem is about average for most western nation consular services there!
Hi John, agree all the figures I've seen are that bikes are the biggest killer of European males in Thailand, one problem is that Thai's tend to think bikes are slow and when they see one headlight they think its a Hoda 50, so even if your are going at a resonble speed (say 70 Mph, you are on them 3 tims quicker than they think,
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