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Phuket, Thailand

Patong Beach, Phuket

Introduction

Phuket (pronounced Poo-get) is an island on the Andaman Sea on the western side of Thailand. It is a popular beach destination. Phuket Town was elevated to city status in 2004 so you will see it referred by both names.

Where You're Docked

Cruise ships could anchor and tender to a temporary pier at the south end of Patong (removed during rainy season Apr-Oct) or dock at Ao Makham Deep Sea Port approximately five miles south of Phuket City. Kalim Beach on the north end of Patong has also been used as a tender pier. If a shuttle is not provided at Ao Makam, you will need to negotiate with a taxi driver to get you where you want to go. The taxi mafia had blockaded traffic to the port in the past when shuttle buses were provided for passengers. Port schedule here http://cntr.ctic.co.th/pkport/data/pk_Booking.html

South Patong Pier in Google Streetview

Money

Thailand's currency is the Thai Baht (THB). ATM's tend to have a high service fee (up to 220 THB) for foreign cards. http://www.squidoo.com/bangkok-atm-and-money-exchangers You can usually get good rates exchanging your foreign currency. Tipping is not expected though small change is typically left (less than 20 baht) when dining at a restaurant. Be aware sit down restaurants may add 7% VAT and 10% service charge to your bill. You can give a taxi driver a small tip for good service and for not overcharging you.

Local Transportation

If you are in Phuket City, you can take a bus to Patong beach from the markets on Ranong Road opposite the Thai airways office. Fares are between 25-35 baht and the journey takes 20-30 minutes. Buses run only until approximately 6pm. To get back to Phuket City, you can flag a bus down by the Tourist Police Box on Patong Beach Road (Thaweewong Road) at the end of Bangla Road. Otherwise try to get a metered taxi. General rule is to avoid parked taxis and try to get one off the street but away from touristy areas.

Avoid taking the mini truck tuk-tuks since they will either overcharge or scam you. Also beware of tuk-tuk drivers telling you sites are closed and friendly locals giving advice. You will probably ending up wasting your day in a scam to sell you jewellry. Jet ski scams are also common where renters are charged for pre-existing damage.

Hotels

Search hotels in Phuket here

Sights

There aren't any sights in Phuket Town so you should make your way to the beach.

• Patong Beach - This is the busiest and most popular beach in Phuket with a busy nightlife.
• Karon Beach - A quieter beach south from Patong
• James Bond Island - Tours are offered which usually stop at Ko Panyi, a Muslim fishing village built on stilts.
• Ko Phi Phi - There are two main islands with the smaller one the setting for the movie "The Beach". Jet boat tours are usually offered from Patong.

Shopping & Restaurants

There may be a small market set up at the deep sea port when cruise ships are docked. Both Phuket City and Patong have plenty of shops and restaurants. In Patong, Jungceylon is a large modern mall opened in 2006. Banzaan Fresh Market is nearby and transforms into a night market in the evening. In Phuket Town, the main shopping area is by Ocean Mall and To Rung Night Market beside the McDonalds. Big malls just outside of Phuket City are Big C and Central Festival. Phuket Weekend (night) market is located on the western edge of Phuket City on Wirat Hong Yok Rd.

Post Offices

There is a post office in Patong beside McDonalds on the main beach road. In Phuket Town, there is a post office on Montri Rd (at Thalang Rd).

Internet

Cafes and restaurants may provide free wifi to customers.

Maps (right-click to save)

Phuket Town

https://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/phuket_map/phuket_map_town.html

Phuket Island

Patong

Weather

Phuket Weather Forecast

Suggested Port Guides

• Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur)
• Langkawi
• Mumbai
• Singapore

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