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Try to get a window seat if you are flying into Phuket International
Airport - the sights are simply unforgettable. Aircraft flying in
from the east follow an approach path that's smack-bang right over
Phang Nga Bay and its graphic
limestone karsts, isolated green islets and multihued fishing boats.
At both high and low tide the bay is a mesmerizing kaleidoscope
of colours and contours.
Even though the airport ranks second in the country in terms of
passenger and freight volume it is quite a modest affair and within
minutes of landing you will be in the terminal. Only a few hundred
metres to the west, the Andaman Sea laps up on Mai Khao Beach ('White
Wood') and Nai Yang
Beach.
Immigration
During Phuket's high season (December - May), when several flights
can land one after the other, queues for immigration can sometimes
be a little trying and officials thin on the ground - so be prepared
for a wait unless you're willing to elbow all and sundry aside to
get to the head of the line (but then again you're probably the
same guy who got the window seat).
On the positive side, the airport's compactness means that it's
just a short stroll from immigration and customs to the luggage
carousel and the front door.
Getting To Your Hotel
As the airport is situated in the north of the island some 40 minutes'
drive from Patong Beach,
you're going to need some wheels to get to your hotel. If you have
not already booked transportation with your hotel, don't worry -
you still have several options. All transport options are clearly
marked in English and Thai, as are taxi and minivan prices.
To make the start of your holidays that much easier, here's
a tip: If you book your hotel with Asia Web Direct or with Phuket.com
you will have the option to reserve your transfer in advance. If
you really want to travel in style we have a Mercedes Benz ‘E'
Class limousine. (Read
More or Make a Reservation...)
Taxi meter
A well-signed taxi stand is located just outside, to the right
of the main building. The taxis are red and yellow and are supposed
to use their meters but you will probably have to insist that the
driver turns his meter on instead of bargaining and haggling for
a price.
The average fares from the airport are Phuket 400 baht,
Patong 550 baht, Kata/Karon 650 baht. NB This charge is for the
taxi, not per head. The trip will usually take approximately 30
minutes to Phuket, 40 minutes to Patong
Beach, and around one hour to Kata/Karon.
Limousine taxi
A limousine service is also on hand, albeit a more expensive option
(you can buy tickets for this service on the first floor of the
terminal). The silver-grey vehicles are parked en masse directly
opposite the terminal's main doors.
They have a reputation for driving
very fast as the quicker they go the more fares they can make in
one day. If your knuckles are white after the first few kilometers
gently say, 'Cha cha, khrap' - which means 'go slow please'.
There is an hourly and inexpensive bus service to Phuket Town from
06:30 to 21:30 but none to the west coast. You can buy tickets (70
baht) at a counter on the ground floor and the grey-red-and-black
buses marked AIRPORT BUS are to be found outside in the parking
lot.
This is not a non-stop, express service: buses halt along the
way for passengers to embark/disembark. (read
more...)
Minivan
Tickets for minivans are for sale at two counters on the ground
floor (Phuket 100 baht, Patong 150 baht, Kata/Karon 180 baht). Minivans
sometimes stop off at tour agencies where you will be asked to book
a tour from which the driver makes a commission. Minivans take longer
than a taxi to deliver you to your hotel as they drop off other
passengers at hotels along the way.
Car rental
There are also two car rental counters where you can hire cars
from Avis, Alamo, National and Hertz. Please make sure to take along
your passport and driving license. Many more companies are located
just outside the airport. (see more
about car rental...)
Changing Money
There are four currency exchanges on the airport's ground floor
(and one in the departure hall) but then again they are sometimes
under siege by new-arrivals and do not offer the best rates. Better
to use one of the airport's many ATM machines (there are seven in
a row on the first floor) as the charge for a transaction is minimal.
Make sure your card has a 'Cirrus' logo on the back - good for international
transactions.
Duty Free On Arrival
Yes, go for it! Located just after immigration. A tip: wine is
expensive in Thailand but local spirits are cheap so it makes sense
to go for a litre bottle of red or white.
Disabled People's Facilities
Phuket Airport has lifts, toilets and telephones adapted to disabled
persons' needs as well as designated parking spaces.
Telephone Service
SIM cards are for sale at the airport's minimarts and if you go
to the International Service Centre on the ground floor there is
a kind lady who will set your mobile up for free. There are also
mobile phones for rent (on the first floor) and enough payphones
for an army of teenagers throughout the premises.
Internet
If you're desperate to send that email off there's an Internet
service on the first floor with silly prices - 100 baht, or US$
3 for up to 15 minutes.
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