Traveling around Phuket. A guide to Phuket and reviews from tourists about their holidays. Excursions or on your own

Download your free Thailand travel guide in pdf format. The guide may take a few minutes to download.

Thailand is an island in the center of the tropics with a huge number of beaches. As in many eastern countries There are many Buddhist temples here, radiating the wisdom of the ages. Buddha statues made of gold echo them in their splendor. Parks dating back many decades, nature reserves with rare animals and plants. Villages that have preserved their original way of life under the onslaught of civilization. All this awaits you in Thailand.

Download our guide and plunge into the atmosphere of antiquity anywhere, because it is available on your device at a convenient time.

He will help you plan your visit before you go on a trip, which will save you more than one hour of getting acquainted with a guidebook purchased on the spot. From it you will learn about the best restaurants and hotels. You will be able to get acquainted with the working hours of museums.

The guide in PDF format will provide you with excellent company on your journey to these wonderful places. Take a minute and you'll save a lot more time.



Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. About fifteen million people live here. Bangkok's pace of development can give odds to many European cities. Its skyscrapers are growing not by years, but by months, and the mileage and levels of roads are increasing weekly.

The guide is designed to give you an idea of ​​the city, which is striking in its scale even before visiting. He will help you easily cope with organizational issues.

The historical and cultural heritage of this city is enormous: more than four hundred Buddhist temples with Buddha statues made of pure gold, palaces of the ancient rulers of Thailand. Hundreds of pages are needed to describe all the historical treasures collected in Bangkok museums. But the most important things are indicated in our guide.

You can easily download our guide right now and map out your route as quickly as you like. The download takes no more than a minute.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a beautiful resort located on the coast of Thailand. The southeast of the Thai coast, covered with beaches with excellent sand, is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Beautiful weather and landscapes do not leave these places all year round. There is everything here so that tourists can relax in the highest class. Local farms breed a wide variety of animals: from crocodiles to elephants and tigers. Fans of architectural monuments will easily find Buddhist temples for themselves.

The guide, which you can download completely free from the link below, will introduce you to the entertainment available to visitors to this paradise. In it you will find information about the beaches and. Life here does not stop even at night - clubs await those who want to have fun until dawn. Tourists from all over the world flock here to have a good time.

Download our guide now and you will have a faithful companion and informant in just a few minutes. You just need to click on the link below, and the computer will do the rest for you.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is undoubtedly rightfully called the cultural capital of Thailand. This is the main tourist center located in the north of this beautiful country. Here you will have the opportunity to visit various and ancient temples, admire the rich nature, and also taste the temptations of shopping and relaxing in nightclubs. Plan your trip ahead with our Chiang Mai e-guide. Click on the link and get a true guide to this amazing city full of mysterious antiquity and modern technology.

The guide contains sections covering all places, worth a visit. Seven centuries of history fit into this city, organically intertwined with modernity. Thanks to the guide, you can find out where to meet famous women with long necks, belonging to one of the local tribes, and how to buy a paper umbrella, which is especially popular here. You will also find information about where to go with your child.

Phuket Island

Phuket is the largest Thai island. The Andaman Sea and straits surround it on all sides, giving vacationers the opportunity to enjoy its beaches. The soft sand of the beaches and tropical vegetation will leave few people indifferent. On the eastern side, next to it there are many small islands, for relaxing in solitude and away from the hustle and bustle of the main beaches. Snorkeling enthusiasts will find a diverse underwater world, sensitive to the movements of the swimmer. This heavenly place has everything you need to relax in the warm sea waters.

In the guide you will find everything you need to know about the island and its attractions. With one click of the mouse you will start the download process in order to experience the beauty of these places in absentia and plan a visit.

Koh Samui

Located in the Gulf of Thailand Koh Samui. Beaches with white sand attract tourists from all over the world. Numerous bays reliably protect them from the tyranny of the sea. Impenetrable jungles coexist with cultivated palm trees.

Koh Samui is a haven for lovers of outdoor recreation wildlife, fans of diving, surfing and other water activities will find entertainment here.
You will need a guide to this island so that you know in advance which of the beaches is best for you. He did not ignore restaurants, bars and nightclubs, which you can also find on this wonderful piece of land.

The PDF format is ideal for making the guide convenient to take with you. Download it now in just seconds.

Krabi Province

The beaches with the whitest sand of Krabi Island are famous all over the world; here you will see amazingly beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Tourists are looking more and more closely at this resort every year. There are maximum opportunities here to spend an active and eventful vacation away from the bustle of the city. Our guide will help you create a travel program in order to feel as comfortable as possible and not get confused by the abundance of places to visit.

You will learn about the place where the film “The Beach” was filmed, where you can stay up at night and have fun until the morning, which islands you should definitely visit. Download our guide, and it will become your faithful travel companion and advisor on this island, where you will spend an unforgettable time.

Download the guide to your laptop, phone or tablet. Use it without an Internet connection.

Briefly and to the point, how to organize an independent trip to Phuket. Useful tips and relevant information for tourists. Where to buy tickets and book a hotel? How to get from the airport and rent a bike? What to see on your own? When to go and which beach to choose?

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Our review of independent holidays in Phuket

We love Phuket for its good beaches and that elusive flair of tropical laziness that covers everything. Thai people are very relaxed and optimistic.

We lived in Phuket three times and always came on our own. Why is this better? We're not saying that vacationing on tour is bad - often it is! It’s just that when you travel independently, you have more freedom of choice: you can move to another beach or change a hotel, eat in different restaurants, live not for 7-14 days, but while your visa is valid. However, if you prefer not to plan anything or the vacation is very short, choose a package.

How to get to Phuket on your own?

(Photo © kurt.clifford / Flickr.com)

How to get from the airport to the beach?

Optimally - by minivan for 180 baht directly to the hotel! You can find cash desks on both sides of the terminal exit. There are a lot of buses, they depart as they fill up. There is not enough space not only for people, but also for luggage - but it is cheap. You can use them to get back to the airport - you will see transfer announcements more than once.

There is also a bus for 120 baht to the major beaches, but we never got on it. Runs on schedule.

Taxi is an expensive but comfortable option. We ordered a car on Kiwi Taxi from Patong to Phuket airport for $25. They provided us with a whole minivan for two - we drove like kings.

(Photo © grolli77 / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)

Visa to Thailand

Are you planning to vacation in Phuket for no more than 30 days? Then you. At the border they will put a stamp in your passport. If you want to spend more time, get a visa in advance - in Russia or neighboring country. We applied for a Thai two-month visa in Malaysia (Penang).

You can also apply for a visa-run once, and only then receive a tourist visa. Numerous visa wounds, as before, no longer apply - the requirements have become more stringent.

When is the best time to go to Phuket?

The high season on the Andaman coast is from December to April. That's when Phuket is crowded, especially (including Chinese). There are short periods of rain, mostly in the evening or at night, but this is rare.

From May to November is the rainy season. The waves are rising, the sea is muddy. The weather is unstable: there may be several sunny days in a row, and several rainy ones. If we get lucky! You should not swim in the sea: debris and jellyfish wash up, and rip currents appear.

Advice: do not swim if there is big waves and there are red flags.

Which beach to choose?

This is an important question not only for those traveling to Phuket on their own, but also for package tourists. The quality of your vacation depends on the choice of beach. Decide what you want: privacy, vibrant nightlife, a relaxing family vacation?

All the beaches here are good - choose according to your taste! , and universal - it all depends on the area of ​​the resort. But with less popular or small beaches it is more difficult; there are nuances there. For example, Nai Harn is wonderful, but there are only expensive hotels on the beach itself. Read the link below for an article about all the Phuket beaches we visited - our tips and reviews.

How to book a hotel in Phuket on your own?

We like Phuket for its huge selection of accommodation - from modest guest houses for $10 per day to villas and luxurious resorts. Booking a hotel in Phuket on your own is very easy - on Booking.com. Find villas and apartments on Airbnb.

Great option for a long stay: stay for a while in a hotel or resort, and then explore the surrounding area on a bike in search of houses for rent.

Holidays in Phuket during the low season are cheaper: hotel prices can be halved. Also, hotel prices greatly depend on the distance to the sea. During high season, book accommodation in Phuket several months in advance before the best options disappear.

Food prices. Where to eat?

It is believed that Phuket is more expensive than other islands and resorts. But the prices are reasonable - it all depends on your needs. Almost everywhere you can find inexpensive food for locals for 50-100 ฿ per dish and .

Prices on the beach are higher than in the depths of the resort: in a cafe a dish costs 150-200 ฿, in a restaurant the average bill is about 500 ฿. On the second and third lines it is already significantly cheaper: in a restaurant or cafe a dish starts from 110 ฿.

Advice: The cheapest place to eat in Phuket is in and on.

Sights of Phuket on your own

Most often in Phuket, tourists do not bother with organizing and take excursions. We prefer independent holiday- it's more exciting.

What to see in Phuket yourself? Yes, that’s it, if there’s a desire! Some interesting places can be visited by songthaew (buses) or taxi, but this is inconvenient and expensive. It is much easier to rent a bike or car if you have a license.

To search for attractions in Phuket, use the application:

  • Beaches. Some are very beautiful: Nai Harn, Banana Beach, Kata Noi, Yanui, Ao Sein, Mai Khao.
  • Observation platforms. We were at Phromthep Cape, Windmill Viewpoint and Karon Viewpoint, view of three beaches.
  • Entertainment. There is a zoo, an aquarium, a dolphinarium, parks, gardens, and farms. Extreme: "Flight of Hanuman", elephant rides.
  • Show. The most famous are the transvestite shows Simon Cabaret and FantaSea.
  • Temples scattered throughout the island.
  • Islands: Similan, Phi Phi, Racha, James Bond, Coral. Some you can visit on your own - just find someone who will take you. Mostly the islands are visited on a tour.

Our advice: Organize your own excursions around Phuket! Why do you need to walk in a crowd?

Bike and car rental

There are more rental offices in Phuket than massage parlors or bars. But this only applies to bikes - with cars it’s more difficult. You can rent a car on the Skyscanner Car Hire website from 700 baht per day. Keep in mind that traffic on the roads is chaotic and expressive.

We rented a bike on the website. Cost - 250 baht per day. A real find because the owners passports are not taken as collateral. This is very important for us (and for many people). Do not trust documents to strangers! There are many horror stories on the Internet about scams of tourists who trustingly gave up their passports. But the owners of the bikes can also be understood: tourists crash their vehicles and fly home without paying a deposit. That's why they started asking for a passport.

Tips for renting a motorbike in Phuket:

  • A driver's license is needed (there is a fine), but no one asks for it.
  • Do not give your passport as collateral.
  • ALWAYS take photographs of any damage to the bike.
  • Don't ride without a helmet.
  • Do not park near the red and white markings - the bike will be chained, they will demand that you pay a large fine, or they will take you to the impound lot.
  • Don't drive - the roads are mountainous and the turns are sharp.
  • If you have little driving experience, practice on safe roads.

Read about independent travel on a motorcycle.

(Photo © linvoyage / flickr.com / License CC BY 2.0)

Money and ATMs

Exchange offices in the major resorts of Phuket (Patong, Kata, Karon) are everywhere; changing currency is very easy. The rate at exchange offices is very good. If you are changing a large amount, we recommend walking down the street and comparing the rate at several exchange kiosks to choose Best offer. Come to Thailand with dollars or euros; changing other currencies, including rubles, is not profitable.

Another option to get cash in Thai Baht is to withdraw money from automated teller machines (ATM). There are a lot of them in Phuket: on the streets, in shopping centers, supermarkets. All ATMs charge a fee of 200 baht per transaction. Almost all Russian banks will also charge their own withdrawal fee (usually 300-500 rubles). It allows you to withdraw money all over the world without commission.

(Photo © karnbulsuk / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC 2.0)

Insurance

Before your trip, take out insurance, especially if you plan leisure. We had free annual insurance worldwide from Tinkoff - it is given upon registration. Try it too! Suitable for those who travel actively.

Another option is to buy it on the website. The service selects the most profitable policy - we have also used it more than once.

Internet

Hotel Wi-Fi is usually good, but it's best to read reviews before booking. You can buy a local SIM card from mobile internet and use your phone as a router. We didn’t do this in Thailand - hotel Wi-Fi was always enough.

Read about our experience independent travel And .

We thought for a long time whether to write this article or not?! Will it be useful to someone or not?!

After some thought, we decided to write a short post about how you can move around the island of Phuket on your own, using public transport and on foot. This post is based on personal experience; we walked all the routes described in the article and traveled by public transport.

Why are we writing this? Getting ready for independent trip on Phuket, we naturally studied a lot of information: “What to see on the island, where to go.” After which we made a list of those places, beaches and attractions that we planned to visit in Phuket.

Also, on the Internet, there is a warning - you should not walk around Phuket, firstly, it is dangerous, and secondly, no one in Thailand walks, everyone gets around either by taxi or on rented bikes. Strange, we thought, we should check this information from personal experience! After all, not everyone has the opportunity to rent a bike, some simply don’t know how to drive one, some are afraid of renting in an unfamiliar country and the intense, often chaotic traffic on the roads of Thailand, and some simply don’t like this type transport. As for taxis/tuk-tuks, there are no problems with this, but the prices, for many, are steep.

So,

Preparing for a walking tour of Phuket

Hiking in Phuket can indeed be somewhat dangerous, but not in all cases. You should not wander into the jungle, go to dark time days or go off the road and “tourist” routes and enter the narrow streets of local residents; on such streets there are dogs that can be somewhat aggressive towards strangers.

But if you walk during daylight hours, along public roads or paved paths/roads, to attractions and beaches, this does not pose a danger.

In addition, while walking around Phuket, we were surprised to see a considerable number of people walking, running, and some riding bicycles. These are mainly European tourists.

Speaking of cycling. Yes, you can get around Phuket like this, but many of the island’s attractions are located on hills, the road to which goes uphill, and pedaling in the hot sun is not an activity suitable for everyone.

When going on walks, we advise you to wear closed clothing, apply sunscreen to exposed areas of your body, and don’t forget to wear a hat. The hot Thai sun is merciless to fair skin. It is better to go out in the morning, or in the late afternoon.

We would not recommend making long walks on foot in the first few days after arriving on the island; the skin burns quickly. It’s better to wait, get used to the local climate and sun, let your skin adapt and tan, then moving around the island will not cause discomfort. In the first days of our arrival, we could hardly endure such walking on foot, but after three weeks of stay, we could easily walk in the midday heat. ( Personal experience, not suitable for everyone)

You need to have fresh plain water, sunscreen, money and a phone with maps (navigator) downloaded to it. Swimsuit, or put on yourself, and take a change of clothes with you, if necessary, if you plan to visit the beaches.

Walking and using public transport in Phuket

Phuket public transport

Phuket's public transport is quite well developed. You can get from beach to beach and to many attractions by local buses - songthaew. Buses going to blue beaches cost on average 40 baht. These are small buses without windows and doors with benches in the cabin.

There are few direct routes from beach to beach; generally, you will have to go with a change at. Buses from Phuket Town start from Ranong Street.

There are no bus stops as such. To get on the bus, you need to stand by the road along the bus route, see your route, wave your hand and the driver will pick you up. To get off the bus you need to press the bell button inside the bus, most often it is located on the ceiling.

Phuket tourist bus routes connecting the main beaches with Phuket town

Phuket Town - Patong Beach. The fare is 30 baht. Passes by, where you can change trains, traveling from Patong to the beaches and Kata, as well as to the Wat Chalong temple.

Phuket Town - Karon Beach - Kata Beach. The fare is 40 baht. It passes by the Chalong ring, where you can change trains if you go from Kata and Karon beaches to Rawai and Nai Harn beaches. Also, this bus goes past the CentralFestival Phuket shopping center. At the roundabout near the shopping center you can change trains if you are traveling from Kata and Karon beaches to. Having reached, you can walk along the highway or through Kata Noi beach to the Karon View Point observation deck. From Karon and Kata you can walk to Big Buddha.

Phuket town - Rawai beach - Nai Harn beach. The fare is 30 - 40 baht. Passes the Chalong ring, where you can change trains from Rawai beaches to Kata and Karon beaches, as well as to Wat Chalong temple and CentralFestival Phuket shopping center. On this bus you can get to, and then walk to the famous observation deck of the same name (View Point) and. Or, get to Nai Harn Beach and visit the picturesque Yanui Beach on foot.

Phuket town - Bang Tao beach - Surin beach - Kamala beach. The fare is 40 baht. You can travel from beach to beach on foot. And between the beaches of Surin and Kamala, visit the small and lively one.

Buses run until 16:30 - 18:00 pm.

Our walking routes

Big Buddha from Kata and Karon beaches

From the beaches of Kata and Karon we go out onto the wide road Patak Rd, which runs above the beach line. Following this road, from Kata beach towards Karon, and from Karon towards Kata, along the way there will be streets going uphill, landmarks - signs “BIG BUDDHA”. These gates can also be reached by public bus"Phuket town - Karon - Kata". The path to Kata Beach is approximately 8 kilometers, from Karon a little less - about 6.5.

Next, following the signs you will need to go “through the jungle”. On the map the road ends, but in practice you can walk there. The road is dirt, but wide and quite comfortable for walking. Along the way there are houses of local residents and tourists renting houses.

Moving along this road, we will go to Elephant Station. A small farm that offers its guests elephant rides, photos + feeding the elephants, and also racing through the jungle on ATVs.

we come to the goal - The Big Buddha Phuket

Karon View Point

You can reach it from the beaches of Karon, Kata and Kata Noi. Kata Beach can be reached by bus.

From Kata Beach along the Kata-Say Yuan Rd road it is about 2.5 kilometers. Along the way, meeting cafes and hotels, as well as admiring the bird's eye views of the Andaman Sea.

and after 850 meters we find ourselves at the Karon View Point, which offers stunning views of three beaches - Karon, Kata and Kata Noi.

You can also go to this observation deck s, it’s even faster. From Kata Beach it is 900 meters to Kata Noi Beach.

Further, from Kata Noi beach, we follow the street that departs from the main road near the beach. This road ends on the map, but walking is very possible. This is what the entrance to this road looks like from the roadway near the beach.

Following this road uphill, first on a concrete road, after which the road will become a dirt road. Without turning, in about 10 minutes you can reach the wide road Kata-Sai Yuan Rd, after which, turning right, you will find yourself almost at the elephant farm - Khok Chang Kata Safari. And then, as in the first option, 850 meters and we are at the goal.

Promthep Cape and observation deck

To independently visit these two amazing attractions located close to each other, the easiest way to get there is to take the Phuket Town - Rawai - Nai Harn bus to the southern part of Rawai Beach, the landmark is the Rawai Palm Beach Resort Hotel, and then proceed on foot.

Walking distance along the road is about 2 kilometers.

Cape Promthep and observation deck

Yanui Beach

You can walk from Rawai Beach and Cape Pomthep. The distance from the cape to is 900 meters.

The road from Promthep Cape to Yanui Beach is one of the most picturesque in Phuket. As you approach the beach, beautiful views appear.

Behind Yanuy beach there is an observation deck of a windmill - Windmill view point, from which you can see Yanuy beach, part and the surrounding area.

Karon, Kata and Kata Noi beaches

The Phuket Town - Karon - Kata bus runs to Karon and Kata beaches.

From Kata Beach to Kata Noi Beach there is no distance at all - 900 meters. The path runs along the side of the road. This road is very popular among hikers; many people living on the beaches of Kata and Karon go for a swim at Kata Noi beach.

From Karon to Kata Beach it is about 2 kilometers. The path goes through. The road is convenient, past cafes, shops and hotels.

Pros of walking routes in Phuket

Stay at interesting places, noticing and discovering something new and unusual. These can be small areas from which beautiful panoramas of the beaches and surrounding areas open up. Or, along the way, admire the flora and fauna of those mysterious places. And then, sit down in one of the cafes and drink a cool cocktail or shake, admiring nature and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of Phuket beach life;

Phuket is located in the southern part of Thailand. Among the many islands, Phuket is the most large area. It is connected to the mainland big bridge, located near the western coastline.
It is a territory almost similar in area to Singapore. There are huge quantities of tin and rubber deposits, the sales of which bring good income to the islanders. Most of the income comes from well-developed tourism.
There is an interesting story behind the name; translated from the Malay language it means “hill”. In fact, if you look from afar, you might mistake it for a huge hill in the middle of the ocean. True, this region was originally called Thalang, which means “cape”. It must be said that this name has been preserved to this day in the northern provinces.
Since the 16th century, one of the main sources of income has been tin mining. Many workers and businessmen from China were engaged in the development of mines from which minerals were extracted. But when the value of tin dropped significantly, this line of activity was abandoned.
The economy is built on two main areas of activity. This includes tourism (think about it, several thousand scuba diving enthusiasts come every year) and rubber production.
Since the 1980s, sandy beaches have turned into real entertainment centers where everyone has the opportunity to relax and unwind. The most popular are Karon, Kata and Patong. Over the past ten years, after a powerful tsunami, everything here has been reconstructed.
The majority of the population are representatives of the Buddhist religion. But there is also a small part of Muslims (about 30%). A lot of residents come from China.
Timezone
In the region there is a difference of seven hours compared to Moscow; in winter there is a difference of four hours, and in summer - by three hours.
Districts
There are many small islands concentrated around. Sights are often shown to travelers during excursions. Some of the islands are available for settlement for the entire holiday period. Some islands are characterized by silence and privacy. Perfect for travelers who prefer a relaxing holiday in nature. Other islands near Phuket attract huge numbers of tourists. These include, in particular, Father James Bond and Phi Phi. Guides recommend travelers to visit He, Racha, Naka, Panyi, Yao.
Cities
The main city is named Phuket Town, serves as an administrative center. The majority of the population lives there - approximately 700,000 people.
The historical center attracts the attention of many tourists. There are many Chinese temples and buildings with a characteristic Chinese-Portuguese accent.
Another major city - Patong, was formed around the largest beach of the same name. Patong is constantly bustling with life at night; it has the status of the city's main resort. There are many shops located on the territory of the resort center, shopping centers and restaurants.
At a distance of 6 kilometers from Phuket Town there is an important town called Chalong. Chalong is characterized by the largest transport hub in the region and has a significant port.
Climate
Rains continue from late spring (May) until mid-autumn. The rainy season is accompanied by strong winds. But the bad weather does not last long. In the summer, there are very few sunny days; it mostly rains. The average temperature during the rainy season varies from +20 C to +33 C. It is not very comfortable to relax. In summer, windsurfers come here, and the cost of living during rainy periods is significantly reduced.
Connection
Communication is provided by GSM 900/1800 standards; mobile phones purchased in Russia will work. The cost of mobile calls (outgoing and incoming) here, according to many tourists, is overpriced. The territory of Phuket is included in the roaming zone of Russian mobile operators. Coverage is provided by several cellular companies in Thailand. It only makes sense to purchase company products if the tourist plans to spend more than one month on the island.
A SIM card from local mobile operators costs about 300 baht. When buying it, you must show a copy of your passport, and also pay separately for unlocking your mobile phone.
If you call using a local SIM card, the cost of the service will be cheap. However, calling abroad will still cost a little more. There are no charges for incoming calls.
There are a large number of Internet cafes where you can access the Internet by paying about 30-150 baht per hour of use. The cost of Internet services will be cheaper the further the club is located from the beach.


HOLIDAY IN PHUKET

Representatives tourism business We advise you to pay special attention to safety. Over the last period of time, the crime rate has increased significantly in resort areas and tourist centers. When meeting locals, a traveler should be especially vigilant and careful.
In summer, when the monsoons intensify in all areas of Phuket, the likelihood of drowning increases. During such periods, local police usually place warning signs on the beaches that prohibit tourists from coming here during times of danger.
When walking around the island in the evening or at night, you should stick to well-lit roads. If difficult situations arise, the traveler always has the opportunity to contact the local police. As a rule, all police officers are fluent English language, but this does not apply to local police officers. Without understanding the situation, they often take the side of a local resident, even if he is to blame.


HOW TO GET THERE

From Russian cities flies a lot charter flights. You can do it yourself, and it would be better to do it from Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.
Air Transport
The plane flies from Bangkok in about 1 hour. If tourists fly from Moscow, they will have to spend about 9 hours on the road to Phuket. Air traffic in the region is quite well established, since some tourists still prefer to get there on their own. At the same time, Bangkok offers the opportunity to explore several attractions.
The most reliable airlines providing their services:
- AirAsia. Every day the air carrier operates flights from the capital, offering passengers to pay for transportation from $53 to $70. When making a ticket reservation, you should remember that this airline does not refund tickets, the only option is replacement. AirAsia does not have the concept of adult and child tickets. If the passenger has luggage, you will also need to pay for it. Check ticket prices and other useful information each passenger will be able to visit the official website of AirAsia.
The cost of flights on local airlines will be more expensive depending on the class. There are price categories for children and adults, and costs 7600-9700 rubles.
- Bangkok Airways. Another air carrier offering its services. The planes of this carrier make several flights every day. The price is in the range of 5500-6700 rubles. Return tickets are not accepted, but it is possible to change the date or time of departure.
- Flights are carried out daily by a small aviation company Phuket Air. Planes fly from the capital airport to Phuket and back. You can take advantage of the charter services also offered by this carrier.
In addition to direct flights, tourists travel with transfers (one or two). All of the above-mentioned airlines provide services in this direction. However, the flight in this option will cost more.
Bus
You can also get there by bus, which is much cheaper than by plane. There are daily flight routes from capital Thailand. Vehicles vary in levels of comfort (of which there are 4 in total). Departure is from Bangkok South Terminal. For the fare The time of day chosen by the tourist for travel will also influence.
If we consider the cost depending on the class, then the most inexpensive option there will be third grade. Considering the tropical humid climate of the region, the trip becomes difficult for unaccustomed Russian tourists. I'm glad that the fare is low.
With the second category of comfort, the driving speed is higher and the amenities are better. Passengers can comfortably ride in soft, cozy chairs. Tickets are more expensive, the departure time is chosen as convenient as possible for each passenger. They depart from the starting point around the clock; it is more convenient to travel at night. The price is three times higher.
It’s even more comfortable to travel in first class. Carriers offer tourists single-decker and double-decker buses, the interiors of which are equipped with air conditioning and televisions. The language in which films are broadcast is aimed at most audience of tourists, but if necessary, you can ask the driver to turn on subtitles. In the first category of comfort there are 34 seats, travel costs approximately 784 baht.
For particularly fastidious tourists, VIP class routes are offered, which are vehicles with an increased degree of comfort. They have 24 seats, each seat reclining for relaxation. Equipped with air conditioning, you are invited to enjoy watching a movie on TV. Wide aisles allow you to walk around the salon. The price for a VIP bus is 920 baht. In addition to a comfortable trip, the price includes a healthy and tasty dinner.
Water transport and railway communication
This may seem surprising, but despite the close location of the sea, it is almost impossible to reach the sea. The port accepts only cargo ships and bulk carriers. But the swim is different water transport, passenger ships are prohibited. The same situation applies to railway traffic.
Automobile
If you wish, you can find a large number of companies providing car rental services. Their offices are always located in major cities Thailand.
Rental conditions and price will depend not only on the level of amenities and category, but also on the technical condition. Many people say that traveling by car is much more interesting than traveling by other means of transport. This travel option will be especially comfortable and convenient if families with children and elderly people are traveling to the island. When leaving Bangkok, you should prepare for a long journey (about 9 hours), because you will have to cover 897 km. Driving by car, you can see all the local beauties, but it is worth considering that on the streets of the Thai capital and island the traffic is quite intense, so the driver behind the wheel of the car must be quite experienced.
Prices vary, if it is an international agency, then the cost of one day is 1200 baht. In this case, it is mandatory to take out insurance. Renting a car from local companies is much cheaper, ranging from 500 baht.


TRANSPORT IN PHUKET

Transport is varied; tourists have a choice of taxis, buses and motorcycles. Possibility of renting a car, and small minivans, which are jokingly called tuk-tuk here.
Motorcycle taxis
Motorcycles are found almost everywhere. The fare for them is 10 baht and above. But passengers should always be willing to bargain for lower prices. This travel option is suitable if a tourist needs to get to a certain place quickly. But it should be understood that such transport is characterized by a low level of safety. Officially employed motorcycle carriers always wear a uniform.
Taxi
Taxi rental costs 800 baht for use up to 8 hours at a time. If the taxi is not licensed, it will have to stop at various shopping centers, for which the driver receives a voucher for gasoline or commission money. The passenger needs to very persistently ask the driver to take him to exactly the place where he needs it.
Taxi fares range from 50 baht and above. The fare depends on the distance covered and the time spent on the journey. A taxi is sometimes ordered directly from the hotel where the tourist lives, but you will have to pay a few baht extra for such a service. In Phuket, many taxi drivers operate without a license. When using their services, the price for travel should be agreed upon in advance.
Public transport
Directly on the city streets you can see several regular buses plying on certain routes. Unfortunately, they don’t go to other areas. The vehicle stops in strictly designated places; if a passenger needs to get off in the middle of the road, he can simply ask the driver.
Knock Knock
Tuk-tuk services are available in all areas. Although the main part is centered around Patong Beach. Most Tuk-Tuks are red vans, the doors are always open. No more than 5 passengers are allowed in the cabin at the same time. Tuk-tuks have four wheels (unlike Bangkok tuk-tuks, which have three wheels). Passengers agree on the fare with the driver in advance, not forgetting to bargain. The price for 10 km of road in such transport will be approximately 200 baht. If you wish, you can rent a tuk-tuk for the whole day. In this case, one hour rental will be 200 baht.
Car rental
You can also take a ride by car, fortunately, many companies provide rental services vehicle. You can rent one directly at the airport, although the cost of the service is higher. An economical option is a Suzuki jeep. A tourist will have to pay 600 baht for it. Passengers and the driver must wear seat belts. Otherwise, if stopped by the police, you will face a fine.
Motorcycles
When riding a motorcycle, the driver must protect his head with a helmet. Otherwise, local police reserve the right to issue a fine.
You can rent a motorcycle for transportation in special centers. They are located in the busiest areas of the island area. The cost of a daily rental of a Suzuki or Honda motorcycle is 150 baht or more. Before you start your trip, you need to take out compulsory insurance, the coverage applies to the whole of Thailand. Why is there a strict condition regarding the availability of insurance when riding a motorcycle? This type of transport is one of the most unsafe; insurance will protect tourists from unpleasant situations during rest, in case of an accident will provide the necessary medical care.


ACCOMMODATION IN PHUKET

Pleases with a wide variety of hotels of different types. You can rent a regular room or an apartment. For a night's stay, the traveler will have to pay a price of 500 baht or more. A monthly stay in houses with 2-3 rooms costs 7,000 baht and more. For sophisticated tourists there is a special offer - renting a villa.


ATTRACTIONS

The area is famous not only for the best beaches in all of Thailand. Rest can always be combined with an eventful cultural program. Among the most popular and sought-after attractions among tourists are the following.
Snake farm
There are three similar organizations, but the snake farm is the most popular among tourists. The main highlight of the establishment is a show lasting 45 minutes, in which poisonous snakes (various types of vipers, pythons and cobras) take part. Included in price entrance ticket coffee is also included, which you can drink after the end of the performance. Next to the snake farm there is a shop with medicinal products made from snake venom. Here travelers are offered haberdashery and snakeskin bags. After the show is over, the visitor can take a photo with the farm's pets.
Statue Big Buddha
This unique sculpture, installed near the observation deck, is located on Mount Nakaked, near Chalong. Near the Buddha statue you can admire the panorama of the western part of the Kata coast and the eastern coastal region of Chalong. Today, on the first level of the building under construction temple complex travelers will be able to see not only the temple itself, but also the monument to King Rama 5.
Pearl farm
Located on the island of Maprao Yai. Pearls are exported to many European countries. A suitable climate contributes to good nutrition for pearl oysters, which necessarily contributes to the growth of pearls. At the farm, travelers have an exhibition hall where they can learn about the tricks of production. gemstone. There is also an exhibition of pearls of various colors and shades, as well as a gallery with photographs.
Seashell Museum
A unique collection of shells collected by the founders of the museum is presented. It has about two thousand rare exhibits of seashells. Among them there are also very unusual specimens. The entire collection is located in the exhibition hall.
Monkey Mountain
Represents the hill, the top of which is considered the most high point. From the top you have an excellent view; you can see almost the entire island. It is recommended to follow safety rules; monkeys living on the mountain can bite, and more nimble ones can steal valuables. Never leave vehicles unattended. Keep your distance when feeding.
Oceanarium
It is a major research center. This establishment presents to the attention of tourists various inhabitants from sea waters. The huge pool, equipped with a long tunnel, is home to wrasses, butterfly fish, glass catfish, sharks and groupers.
Tiger Kingdom Park
It is one of the branches of the tiger nursery in Chiang Mai and has the status of an ecological park. Currently, there are 19 tigers, varying in age. In the morning and evening hours, visitors have the opportunity to take part in demonstration feeding of animals.
Bang Pae Waterfall
This waterfall is the highest. A picturesque path will lead tourists to it, and they will have the opportunity to swim in the Bang Pae pool. IN close proximity From the waterfall there is a Gibbon Rehabilitation Park, where specialists nurse monkeys left without parents or injured in the forest. Nursery workers conduct excursions during which tourists have the opportunity to learn more about the life of gibbons. Near the waterfall there is paid parking for cars and motorbikes. Access to the waterfall is also paid, and the cost of tickets varies depending on whether they are purchased for an adult or a child.
Botanical Garden
The so-called green zone, on the territory there is Botanical Garden, occupying an area of ​​1 hectare. The garden is divided into 30 departments, in which exhibits of a certain theme are exhibited.


ENTERTAINMENT

Everyone can find something to their liking. Of course, the main attraction here is the beaches. People come in the warm season to swim and enjoy the sea views. There are many interesting events taking place. Among them: festivals, holidays, gay pride parades, Patong Carnival. Other interesting options to while away your leisure time include surfing, fishing, spa treatments and diving.
Surfing
It begins in July and continues until October, when the rainy season begins in the region and windy weather sets in. For beginners just mastering the art of surfing, it is better to seek help from an experienced instructor, who charges only 1,000 units of local currency per day of work. In this case, the student also receives a surfboard for rent. You can pay more high price, while studying at a professional surfing school.
Fishing
Perhaps the most favorite activity of many travelers who come to relax. In this paradise of the planet there is the opportunity to go fishing both in the sea and on the lake. Fishing is very well developed in Phuket. For local residents, fishing is the main source of income. Fishermen even take on the role of guide, demonstrating their fishing skills to visiting travelers. Fishing enthusiasts are invited to rent a boat for sea fishing; the cost of the service for one day of rental will vary between 17,000-20,000 TNV. The price for renting a boat for fishing on the lake will be slightly cheaper, and the cost of services in both cases includes equipment for a fishing rod. Best time in order to go fishing, the period is from spring to mid-autumn. From March to November, the sea fish bite here is more active, and tourists have the opportunity to catch large fish.
Diving
Exciting entertainment offered to tourists. Numerous diving centers offer services to travelers. Equipment rental services are provided, and excursions to a variety of diving sites are regularly held. The most famous diving spots are Anemone Reef, Bida Islands, Racha Noi, Bida Islands.
Excursions
Excursion tours are varied and attractive. From the huge list of places offered by guides for visiting, even the most fastidious traveler will be able to choose the best option for himself. Here are some examples of popular places.
Bungee Jumping
The attractions traditional for the area are called, Russian tourists known as bungee. One of the bungee jumps is located near Patong Beach, on the territory where tin mines used to be located. The height of the attraction is 50 m, from it you can make both standard water jumps, and in the company of another person, with immersion in water or using a catapult. The height of the second bungee is 60 m, located in Patong Park, jumping is paid.
Flight of the Gibbon
An attraction consisting of 28 interconnected platforms connected by a multi-meter cable. Travelers move along the platforms, fastened to the cable using special mechanisms - carbines. The attraction runs through the park, total area 8000 sq.m., it is not so easy to overcome the distance between the platforms by rope, especially considering that on your way you have to cross suspension bridges over the abyss, steep spiral staircases twisted around tall trees and so on.
Thai cooking school
The Thai Cuisine School offers travelers the opportunity to master the art of cooking in Thailand. The establishment is located in the suburban part of the main island city, Phuket Town, on the west coast. The duration of school is five days, each day students have to study for five hours in a row. Culinary masters teach their students how to prepare basic Thai dishes during their classes. In addition, students will learn how to choose the right products at the market for preparing Thai dishes, and how the table is set in Thailand.


SHOPPING

Phuket - beautiful place for those who like to make a variety of purchases. A large number of shops are concentrated here, there are many shopping centers and designer boutiques. There are private shops and huge bazaars.

THAI CUISINE

The main and traditional dishes of Thai cuisine include:
- classic noodles served here for breakfast along with fresh vegetables;
- highly salted rice with chicken, rice for this dish is boiled in water along with bay leaf;
- fried and boiled noodles in various variations, cooked together with milk chicken or chicken; this dish can be purchased in many stores in the city;
- Pad Kanaa Moo Grob - a dish consisting of crispy fried pork and leafy greens;
- pineapples with cashew nuts. If nuts on the island are sold everywhere, both dried and fried, then pineapples can only be bought here, since local residents do not grow them.


CAFE, RESTAURANTS

Dishes in restaurants operating on the island are distinguished by their variety and richness of taste. Thai cuisine prepared from seafood is especially popular among tourists. It must be said that food in Thailand is spicy. Local chefs add many different fiery spices to their dishes. If you are not one of those who like spicy food, you should warn the waiter about this in a restaurant in advance.
The cost of meals in restaurants varies depending on the location of public catering outlets and their level of development. You can dine at completely different prices - from 5 to 100 dollars per serving.
I would like to draw the attention of tourists to Thai fast food. It is sold in local mobile kitchens called makashnitsy. They prepare delicious seafood and chicken skewers, banana spring rolls and noodles, as well as grilled shrimp right in front of the client. A traveler can have a delicious meal on the street for just $1.


PRICES

When it comes to the financial part, tourism in Phuket may seem quite cheap to Russian tourists in terms of its cost. You can dine at a street eatery for about 400 rubles, but a meal at a higher-class establishment will cost several times more.
If you want to ride a motorbike, you will have to pay 80 rubles. The price of a taxi here varies between 250-350 rubles, and travel by minibus from funny name knock-knock 15 rub.

I hope the article will be useful for you and will act as a guide to this picturesque place - the island of Phuket, a stay on which will leave a huge number of pleasant memories.