Phuket Travel Information, Thailand

Visas

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 for one month 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. 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 Air

Several airlines now fly direct to Phuket's International Airport from international locations, making a stopover in Bangkok unnecessary, especially during the the high season (November - April.) It is still the trend for many tourists to come through Bangkok however, catching domestic flights via Thai Airways, which run regularly through the day, 7 days a week.
Flight schedules can be found on the Thai Airways web page or Tel: (02) 232 8000 (Bangkok office) or (076) 327 144 (Phuket office).

Bangkok Airways operates flights to and from Koh Samui on the other side of the peninsula. The short 25-minute flight makes a quick getaway from Phuket (the alternative is a 4 hour drive and ferry ride!) Schedules vary with the season, so check before you plan your journey.

A complete list of airlines servicing Phuket and links to flight schedules are provided here

Phuket Airport

Even though it ranks second in the country in terms of passenger and freight volume it is quite a modest aiport 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. (Click here to read about Phuket International Airport facilities as well as Airports Transfers options)

By Train

There is no direct train link to Phuket. Trains go to from Hualomphong Station in Bangkok to Surathani. From there you catch a bus to Phuket.

Most tour companies can issue tickets which include the bus transfer from Surat. The train journey takes about 12 hours from Bangkok with another 4 hours from Surat to Phuket by road.

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 contact the State Railway of Thailand Tel: (02) 220 4334. Advance tickets are available at all main stations or the Bangkok Advance Booking Office. Tel. (02) 225-0300 ext 5200-3.

Overland by Road

You can travel to Phuket from Bangkok by bus - a trip that takes about 14 hours. Daily services leave from the Southern Bus Terminal in Thonburi, with many private services available from almost any travel agent or hotel tour desk in the city.

For information on bus timetables contact the Southern Bus Terminal on Boromratchchonnani Rd, Bangkok, Tel: (02) 435-1200, 434-7192. Most services will bring you directly to the Phuket Bus Terminal in Phuket Town, from where you can take a taxi, tuk tuk or local bus to most beaches 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 routing. The road system is good and well sign-posted, but great care needs to be taken when driving in Thailand. Rules are often ignored!

Please note: An International Driving Licence is required for full insurance cover.

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. For more information please see our cruises page.

For private vessels entering Phuket waters, it is very important that all vessels must report upon entry to:

Phuket Port Control Center

2nd Floor Phuket Fishing Lodge Hotel
52/2 Moo 9 Tambon (Sub District) Chalong
Amphoe Muang, Phuket,
Latitude 7o 49' 0" N, Longitude 98o 22' 0" E,
Tel. & Fax. 66 76 381614.