samui magazine

Renting a self-drive car (or motorcycle) in Phuket
If you have a few days on this island, this is the best thing you can do.

Every visitor to Phuket gets an idea of the large size of the island when driving from the airport to his hotel. This size, and the many beaches and attractions scattered widely around the island, make personal transport almost a ‘must’ for anyone who wishes to see the real Phuket. If you’re accommodated in Patong, it becomes almost essential – if you wish to see what Phuket is all about – to rent your own car, drive and get out and about.
A lot of younger people rent motorcycles - and then go. While this is a very pleasant way to get around, the first-time visitor should beware, and remember that the number of motorcycle accidents here is exceptionally high, especially on the mountain roads at the back of Patong and Kata.

Insurance:
Here comes the major warning. Rent a car with full insurance, or you risk getting into serious trouble. The surest way is to go to a well-known car rental company, all of which have comprehensive insurance for car and driver. Ask about it.

If you rent a car from the side of the street be exceptionally careful. Some who put up signs saying ‘Insurance’ might offer nothing but the compulsory 3rd party coverage. Visitors bringing one of these vehicles back with any kind of bump or scratch risk being charged exorbitant prices and sometimes face violent threats.

Be warned. We strongly recommend using well-known rental companies, and we offer a list of operators below.

Drivers Licences:
The drivers licences from most all developed countries - including European nations, North America and Australasia – are legally acceptable in Thailand. You will need to present this when renting a vehicle. A credit card will be required by most rental companies.

Driving conditions:
Thailand’s road system is remarkably good, especially in the provincial areas where many good roads are to be found with little traffic. It is thus easy to drive all around Phuket island and off into the neighbouring provinces of Phang Nga and Krabi. In fact we strongly recommend getting off the island of Phuket to see some of the spectacular scenery in the adjacent regions.

If a foreigner has trouble along the way and requires help, he will usually find the Thai people helpful, and even gracious.

Finding your way:
Find one of the many free maps available through hotels in Phuket, or get a copy of PHUKET Magazine (free in some resort rooms, or available for 100 Baht in most gift shops). Getting off Phuket is simple, and once on the mainland there are just two major routes, directly north along the Andaman coastline to Khao Lak and Ranong, or east to Phang Nga town and on to Krabi. The roads are all well signposted in both Thai and English, and there are white kilometre posts along every major road.

National Car Rent offers a comprehensive road map to the whole region with each vehicle.

Accommodation along the way:
There are plenty of places to stay when driving off Phuket. We offer suggested tours in the following pages, and also list some of the hotels to be found along the way.