About travel to and around Phuket

• When is the best time of year to go to Phuket?

Phuket has two main seasons: the dry season, from November to May, and the wet season, from May to November. During the dry season, the monsoon winds are from the northeast and are blocked by the mainland, giving us clear skies and calm seas. This is when most tourists come and hotel rates are highest. The busiest months are December and January. During the wet season, the monsoon winds are from the southwest, meaning that they bring choppy sea conditions and leave the west-facing beaches subject to surf and dangerous rip currents. However, prices for accommodations are lower, and there are fewer crowds.

• What’s the best way to get to Phuket?

Most people fly. There are frequent daily shuttle flights between Bangkok and Phuket and direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, and Sydney. It is also possible to come over land, by bus, but the journey is long (12 hours from Bangkok) and tedious.

• Do I need a visa to enter Thailand?

The citizens of most western countries enjoy visa waivers, so that when you fly in you are automatically granted a 30-day visitor’s visa. For longer stays or for citizens of countries not on the waiver list, it’s necessary to contact the nearest Thai embassy to get a visa before traveling. For details, see the Thailand Immigration website.

• Do I need malaria pills or shots for any diseases?

Phuket is not within a malaria-risk area, so if you are coming only to the island, you will not need to take any preventative measures. For specific information, see the CDC website for travel to Thailand.

• Is it safe? What about for a single woman?

Phuket is relatively safe. Violent crimes against foreign visitors are rare. You should follow normal safety precautions as you would at home. One of the biggest risks to visitors is motor vehicle accidents, particularly motorbike crashes. We do not recommend renting a motorbike unless you are an experienced rider. (This is no place to learn.) Women should take care not to be found alone in dark, isolated areas, particularly if they have been drinking.

• Can I use credit cards? How do I get cash?

Credit cards are widely accepted, but be aware that this is a region of widespread credit card fraud. Confine your credit card purchases to major expenses such as hotel bills, dive trips, and the like. The easiest way to get cash is to use an ATM card. Bring more than one ATM account card if you can, in case you have a problem with one of them. Also there are usually daily withdrawal limits, and you may want more cash than you can get from one card. You can also bring travelers’ cheques, but they are sometimes hard to cash.

• Where should I stay?

If you are doing daytrip diving, it’s usually most convenient to stay in the southern end of the island. Dive operations offer pickup service from the major resort areas.

• How can I get from the airport to my hotel?

Metered taxis are available at the airport. Just exit the building, turn right, and walk to the end of the walkway. There you will find a taxi kiosk. You can expect to pay around USD $20-25 for a ride to the main west coast beach towns. Limo services are also available at the airport, but these are somewhat more expensive. Hotels generally offer airport transfers as well. If you request this service, a driver will be at the airport with your name on a card. Prices vary from one hotel to the next.

• How can I get around on the island?

Renting a fully-insured car is one inexpensive option, if you’d like the freedom to explore. If you just want an occasional ride, hop in a tuk tuk (a tiny, open-sided truck). These tend to be quite expensive given the distance traveled, so make sure to check the rate sheet that should be posted at area where the tuk tuk drivers line up to wait for customers.

• Will I be able to eat the food?

You will have no trouble finding food that appeals to you. Thai food is delicious, but if you find it too highly spiced, just ask for a mild version and the chef will provide it. If you prefer food from other countries, there are countless options from all over the world, including Indian, Western, Chinese, Japanese, etc.

• What is the electrical current?

The voltage is 220-240, at 50 cycles.

• What kind of plugs fit in the outlets?

Standard plugs are the two flat parallel prong type. Most outlets also have a slot for a round ground pin.

• Is the medical care good?

It is excellent. Phuket has two world-class international hospitals. For minor issues, there are clinics with English-speaking doctors in all main tourist areas.

• How much should I tip?

Routine tipping, such as at restaurants and for taxis, is not practiced. At a restaurant, simply round up the bill and leave the change. For special services, a tip is appropriate and appreciated.

• What is there to do on Phuket besides diving?

All sorts of things! You can take in the nightlife in Patong; go shopping at the tourist markets, visit the pewter factory or a jewelry workshop; you can go hiking in a national park and visit the gibbons at their sanctuary; you can spend a day at a spa; you can go sea kayaking or on a cruise around the nearby islands; you can take a walking tour of Old Phuket; you can rent a car and drive around to see the sights… the possibilities are countless. In addition, at certain times of year, such as Chinese New Year, Songkran (Thai New Year), and during the Vegetarian Festival, there are special events on the island. For details of what’s going on on the island when you plan to be here, check the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) website.

Up to   Topics

 About Courses