​I have prepared for you a special interactive map of Phuket in Russian, where beaches, restaurants, shops, bars, entertainment, parks, gardens are marked - all the attractions of the island. You can study the map online or download it to your mobile phone or tablet to use on your trip. For convenience, click on the icon in the upper left corner, categories of attractions will open, if you wish, you can uncheck or check the box which points to display on the map.

Phuket attractions: beaches, entertainment, shops, restaurants and more

Sometimes people ask me which hotel to choose in Phuket that is closer to the attractions. This question is puzzling. Completely different attractions are scattered throughout the island. Some want to visit the temples, others want to watch evening shows, others want to look into the parks and gardens of the island, and at the same time swim every day in the good sea. In addition, if you are going for several, it will be difficult to come up with the most favorable place to stay. For a trip to the mainland to Khao Lak, or better yet, choose the northern beaches of Phuket. For boat trips, Coral is more convenient to live in the south of the island.

In my opinion, it is better to choose a beach not closer to attractions, but according to other priorities. Do you want a lot inexpensive restaurants and discos near the hotel? Or do you prefer a deserted beach? Or maybe you are looking for a beach without waves during the rainy season? This will help you find the best beach in Phuket. If you are interested in the sights of Phuket, restaurants, children's places, parks and other interesting things, download. It works offline without an internet connection. The information in it is updated first.

Tatiana Solomatina

What you can see in Phuket: ready route for 14 days

Good day, friends! Once again I return to amazing Thailand. The most visited island of Phuket pleases tourists with a variety of leisure offers. For those who love beach holiday It’s better to read other materials on my blog, but active travelers will be interested in this article.

Life is unstable now, many people going to a new place want to take in everything at once, because it is unknown whether they will have the opportunity to come again. This is exactly what I thought when three years ago I went with my family to Phuket for the first time. I wanted to embrace the immensity, see temples, islands, evening programs, etc. Moreover, organize everything correctly so that it is not monotonous.

I succeeded, although the preparation took a lot of time. I will say more, two years later I came here with my friends, took the same route and don’t regret it at all.

Now I will share my experience with you, tell you what you can see in Phuket in one trip, so as not to miss anything important. There were two routes: for tourists who find it easier to buy excursions, and for those who are used to moving independently.

The visiting program is designed to cover the most significant places of the island and its surroundings in one visit to Phuket, with the condition of alternating cultural attractions, sea recreation and entertainment. In general, the goal is to experience all the opportunities that the island offers tourists, from visiting temples to snorkeling.

Here's what you'll visit:

• Khao Sok National Park
• Krabi Province
• Phi Phi and other Andaman Islands
• Similan Islands
• Phuket itself
• Entertainment show Siam Niramid

Having completed such a program in full, you will see at least 6 completely different temples, learn the history of Thailand, get acquainted with the life of ordinary people, admire the extraordinary beauty of Lake Cheow Lan, walk through the wild jungle, watch the life of the underwater world, appreciate the untouched nature of the islands, take part in active Phi Phi's nightlife, take a breeze on a speed boat, see the life of sea gypsies, go canoeing... It's pointless to list everything, you have to experience it for yourself. Believe me, the memories of the trip will haunt you for a long time.

Since my budget is not rubber, before each new trip I calculate all the ways to organize a vacation. I was doing this before my last trip to Thailand, so I am now ready to offer you two working options, one suitable for completing the program independently, the other - as part of excursion groups. Which one is best for you - choose for yourself. How I ended up going, read below.

Excursions or on your own

I’ll say right away that we bought excursions. Before the March trip, we went through all the options, compared the cost of the route when visiting independently in a rented car, and as part of excursion groups, it turned out the same.

Surprised? Now I will explain point by point.

1. It’s cheaper to see Cheow Lan Lake with a tour because the cost of renting a boat is fixed, the more people there are, the lower the price per person. Taking a boat for just two hours to cut costs is also not an option; during this time it is impossible to see anything. Excursion groups are only 8-10 people, which is not particularly annoying.
2. Inspecting the islands by car is generally impractical. With an excursion you can see more than ten in a couple of days; on your own you will have time for a maximum of two. And it is generally impossible to get to the Similan Islands by car. Renting a separate archi speedboat for yourself is expensive.
3. Evening program - the cost of tickets from travel agencies is equal to the price at the box office. Delivery to the place is cheaper than paying a taxi.
4. Krabi, island part. It's more profitable here to do it yourself. But we chose an individual excursion because we wanted to see everything there without spending the night. The distance is long, we were afraid to waste precious time wandering around the provinces. The main attractions are cleverly hidden there, minor roads have a minimum of signs, and everyone knows how navigators work.

After carefully studying the route, we calculated the price, it turned out to be almost the same whether buying excursions or going on your own. This fact became decisive when choosing the method of visiting the planned places. As a bonus to traveling as part of excursion groups, there is the presence of a Russian guide, which is also not superfluous.

Excursion program + video

In order to see everything as part of excursion groups, you will need to come to Phuket for at least two weeks, unless of course you want to alternate trips with passive relaxation on the beach. Those tourists who come for a shorter period will have to either shorten the program or forget about the respite between movements.

6 excursions with prices:

1. Andaman Islands 2 days 4400 baht ()
2. Similan Islands 1 day 2000 baht
3. Khao Sok + Cheolan 2 days VIP 4800 baht ()
4. Mainland Krabi 1 day 2200 baht, if ind. 10 hours 20,000 baht (5,000 baht per person if four people are traveling)
5. Siam Niramid Show – 1800 baht with dinner
6. Phuket sightseeing tour – 800 baht

Prices may vary slightly depending on "economy" or "VIP". I wrote the option that we chose, it best corresponds to the price/quality criterion.

I suggest you watch a video review of some of the excursions listed above from the travel agency Chip Tour. The entire course of the program is shown there in great detail. If you want to see videos of other excursions, go to their website - http://www.phuket-cheap-tour.ru/.

Excursion to Cheow Lan Lake

Excursion to the Andaman Islands

This set of excursions will allow you to get a complete picture of this place.

Note! At least 7 days you will be busy exploring the sights. It is best to alternate the program with passive rest - a day or two excursion, a day at the sea, an excursion at the sea, etc. With such regulations, you will go home rested. As a result, cover all the most interesting things, see the island and mainland parts, get acquainted with the culture of Thailand and see the best natural places in the vicinity of Phuket.

Self-guided program

I’ll say right away that I compiled the route with the calculation of traveling by car, about public transport I can't tell you anything. The idea was to be able to see all of the above in full. The program is designed for two weeks: a week with a car and a week without a car.

First week in a rental car

The route is as follows: Phuket (2 days) – Khao Sok + Cheow Lan Lake (2 days) – Krabi mainland + islands (2 days) – Phi Phi Island (2 days) – Phuket. Only 8 days/7 nights.

1. Day – arrival to Phuket, rent a car at the airport
2. Day - rest after the flight
3. Day – departure to Khao Sok, visiting temples along the way, overnight at the Khao Sok hotel
4. Day – we go to Lake Cheow Lan, overnight in a floating hotel on the lake
5. Day – we go to Krabi, visit the temples, springs, Blue Lake, overnight in Krabi
6. Day – rent a boat and go to the Krabi islands, overnight in Krabi
7. Day – ferry to Phi Phi, island nightlife, overnight on Phi Phi
8. Day – ferry to Phuket, rent the car

Along the route, it is advisable to select and book hotels in advance so that you do not have to waste time looking for the best accommodation. The only exception is the floating houses on Lake Cheo Lan, because it will be cheaper to choose on the spot and pay as a package: boat + hotel + meals.

There will be no problems with renting boats on the lake and in Krabi; there is more supply than demand. You can also pay for the ferry on the spot, just check the schedule in advance.

I won’t write about the cost: renting a car depends on the month of vacation, the brand and insurance conditions, gasoline can be roughly estimated by mileage, and everyone’s preferences in terms of star rating of hotels are also different. Don't forget to add the cost of entry fees to attractions.

I repeat, when I made a decision on how to organize my vacation, traveling independently and buying excursions cost almost the same, the difference was 4,000 baht. But your requests on some points may be very different from mine, so you will have to spend some time on your own calculations.

Second week rest + entertainment

So I'll continue. In 8 days you will go through most of the program; only three points remain not covered: the Similan Islands, the Siam Niramid Show and Phuket itself.

It is possible to pay for a rental car to visit these places, but it is definitely not advisable; it is better to see them in another way.

It’s easier and cheaper to get to the Similan Islands as part of excursion groups, so don’t worry, just buy an excursion. You can come to the Siam Niramid show by taxi and buy tickets on the spot. It’s better to see the island of Phuket itself by going on a sightseeing tour, just don’t take the free one. On such an excursion you will not see anything except paid shops.

To complete the remaining program you will need a minimum of three days, the last 4 days being passive rest before returning home. At this time, you can organize other low-cost trips - fishing, elephant riding, water park, dolphinarium, etc.

Don't forget to book your accommodation in Phuket in advance, based on your time frame and financial capabilities.

I foresee a number of questions, so I’ll answer some of them right away, ask the rest in the comments.

• The excursion programs of Khao Sok + Cheow Lan and Krabi partially overlap. Thermal springs and elephant riding are included in both programs, although in different places. One of the temples also matches. That's why we had to choose a private one in Krabi. I didn’t want to repeat myself, but I wanted to visit both the lake and the province of Krabi. If there are more than three of you, it’s better to do like us, the price of an individual will not be much higher than the group price. If there are fewer of you, you can rent a car for one day for this excursion.
• My route is designed for children, too. There is nothing dangerous or overly complicated there. However, children are different, it is better for you to know how difficult two-three-hour journeys are for your child, how he will cope with the pitching of a speedboat, whether he is interested in local churches, etc.
• It is safe to move around Thailand on your own, but you should not overestimate your strength; think about how long you are willing to spend behind the wheel, and whether it will be difficult for you to find this or that place on the map on your own.
• When going to Lake Cheo Lan, keep in mind that you will have to swim at depth. You can’t go into the water from the shore there, there are rocks all around. This information should be taken into account by those who are afraid to swim even in a vest if they cannot feel the bottom under their feet.
• In March thermal springs, themselves are hot, they heat up so much that even getting your feet wet is problematic. Therefore, I do not recommend going there; spend time on more accessible places.
• Choose a hotel in Phuket that is closer to the airport. No need to stand in Phuket traffic jams. Khao Sok, Cheo Lan, Krabi, Similan Islands - you need to leave for all places early, so it is important to live closer to the mainland (relevant for an organized route).
• It is better to book group excursions through the travel agency “Treasure Island”. They are not intermediaries, they have their own fleet of vehicles and a large staff of sane guides. But it’s better to go on an individual excursion through Chip Tour. They have many contacts of private guides and a flexible policy for each client.
• A four-wheel drive vehicle is not required; there are no gullies or mountain roads along the route. An ordinary small car is quite enough for independent movement.
• Floating houses on the lake, which have the VIP category, differ from simple ones by the presence of a personal bathroom, and not by the interior. There are no frills there. Read more about finding housing on your own and the features of living on the lake. My review of the excursion to the lake " lost World» from the agency “Treasure Island”, see.

This is all I wanted to tell you today about what you can see in Phuket and its surroundings in one trip to Thailand. If I forgot something, I’ll be sure to add it later. It is very interesting to know your opinion. How helpful is my article? Leave comments, without your response it is difficult to move on.

You may be interested in other articles on the topic. See my review of the “11 Islands” excursion from the Treasure Island agency, there are more than 100 photos, they will allow you to get a better picture of the program in your head. I can recommend staying in Phuket in Nai Yang village. With such a busy program, you will need quiet place to catch your breath. For a complete guide to the beach with prices, read. Last time I stayed at Nai Yang Hotel Beach Resort and Spa 4*, managed to get the price with a 50% discount, really liked it. With a discount you get the price of a local one. You will find a description of the hotel.

If you find it difficult to create your own travel itinerary, write to me, I will try to help - I will answer your questions (you can via Skype). For those who do not have time, I will conduct a market analysis for the required dates, based on your wishes and financial capabilities, help you calculate your budget, book hotels, buy tickets, etc.

You don’t need to trust me with money; under my guidance, you will pay for all reservations, tickets or tours online yourself. Believe me, I will find you the most profitable option that exists at that time.

I always enjoy this kind of work, so I guarantee an individual approach to everyone. I prepare my trips scrupulously and carefully, I promise that I will treat your vacation with even greater responsibility. Read more about cooperation

Briefly and to the point, how to organize an independent trip to Phuket. Useful tips and up-to-date 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?

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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 are big waves and 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.

A 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 holidays - 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 guided tour.

Our advice: Organize your own excursions around Phuket! Why should you 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 giving a cash 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 are planning an active holiday. 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 of independent travel and.

Phuket is located in the southern part of Thailand. Among the many islands, Phuket occupies the largest area. It is connected to the mainland by a large bridge located near the western coastline.
It is a territory almost similar in area to Singapore. Present great amount deposits of tin and rubber, 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, performs functions 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 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. Level average temperature during the rainy season it varies between +20 C and +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

There are many charter flights from Russian cities. 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. Each passenger can check the price of tickets and other useful information on 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 the films are broadcast is aimed at the majority of the tourist audience, 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 desired, 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 are different if this 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 vehicle rental services. 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 the tourist from unpleasant situations during vacation, and in the event of an accident, it 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 - villa rental.

ATTRACTIONS

The area is famous not only for the best beaches in all of Thailand. Vacations can always be combined with a rich 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. The price of admission also includes coffee, 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 is a unique sculpture installed near 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 intricacies of gemstone production. 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 the immediate vicinity of 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 a 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 1000 units per day of work. local currency. In this case, the student also receives a surfboard for rent. You can pay a higher price and study at a professional surfing school.
Fishing
Perhaps the most favorite activity of many travelers who come to relax. In that paradise planet there is the opportunity to fish 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. For lovers fishing It is proposed 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 organized. 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
These are the traditional attractions for the area, known to Russian tourists 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, the total area is 8000 sq.m., it is not so easy to overcome the distance between the platforms by rope, especially considering that you have to cross suspension bridges over an abyss, steep spiral staircases twisting around tall trees, etc.
School Thai cuisine
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 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 is a great 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; you can buy this dish 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 they local residents not grown.

CAFE, RESTAURANTS

The dishes in the restaurants operating on the island are distinguished by their variety and richness of taste. Thai dishes made from seafood are 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 on a minibus with a funny name tuk-tuk costs 15 rubles.

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.