How to get to Phuket, Thailand
By Air
A fair amount of airlines now fly directly to Phuket's International Airport from many worldwide locations, making a stopover in Bangkok unnecessary, especially during the high season months (November-April)
It is still very popular for many tourists to come through the capital city of Bangkok. Domestic flights with either Thai Airways, Air Asia or Bangkok Airways run regularly through the day, 7 days a week to the Island of Phuket. Flight schedules can be found on the links below.
Flights to Thailand are competitive and frequent from a wide range of destinations around the world. We suggest the following links for the best flight searches.
www.skyscanner.net www.flightcentre.co.uk www.cheapflights.co.uk www.ebookers.com
www.dialaflight.com http://www.silkair.com/
www.bestflights.com.au Thai Airways web page
www.bangkokair.com www.airasia.com
VISA
Visitors holding a valid passport or travel documents issued by a country included in Thailand's official list of eligible countries, can enter the country by air for 30 days without a visa. If you're planning a longer stay, you must apply for a Tourist Visa, valid for 60 days, from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin. Visa extensions can be applied for at the Immigration Department in Bangkok or in Phuket.
Please note: Visa regulations are subject to change, so it's best to check with your local Thai Embassy or Consulate for details from your country.
By Train
Unfortunately there is no direct train link to Phuket, although trains go from Hualomphong Station in Bangkok to Surathani and from there it is possible for you catch a bus to Phuket.
Most tour companies can issue train tickets which include the bus transfer from Surathani. If you arrive in Bangkok there are many tour companies within hotels or in the Khaosan Road. The train journey takes about 12 hours from Bangkok with another 4 hours from Surathani to Phuket by road (coach or minibus).
Trains have different classes which range in price, according to whether the seats are in a compartment and/or whether it's air-conditioned or fan.
For train schedules/information check out www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm
Overland by Road
You can travel to Phuket from Bangkok by bus - the trip takes about 14 hours. Daily services leave from the Southern Bus Terminal in Thonburi. There are many private coach services available from almost any travel agent or hotel tour desk in Bangkok.
Most services will bring you directly to the Phuket Bus Terminal in Phuket Town, from where you can take a taxi, a tuk tuk or a local bus to most beach resorts on the island.
If you prefer to drive yourself, there are many car hire firms in Bangkok, including international rental companies such as Hertz, Budget and Avis, which offer full insurance and advice on your journey and the best route to take. The road system is good and well sign-posted, It is fairly safe to drive throughout Thailand, but great care needs to be taken when driving in busy areas as the locals are not great at following the rules!
Please be aware that you will require an International Driving Licence for full insurance cover. Make sure you check you have this cover before you set off on your journey. Documentation (licence, insurance, passport or ID card)will need to be easily accessed for police checks on route.
By Sea
Many cruise ships departing from Singapore and Malaysia include a stop in Phuket. Once you've arrived, there's a choice of cruises around Phuket Island and to other south east Asian destinations.