They say the best way to get around Phuket is by bike. This is true to some extent, the traffic and lack of road rules in Phuket means that you really be a confident rider or know the streets well to embark on a scooter ride across town. Best time to ride is during the quiet hours (early morning). If you are thinking of renting a scooter, limit the riding within the beach areas – and don’t try to ride in peak hour along the main roads.

Bike hire usually cost approx. 350 baht a day. Fuel is purchased from vending machines from the side of the road.

Other modes of transport include Tut Tuts and taxis. Although always ask for a price before stepping into the vehicle.

2. AVOID PHOTOS WITH LADY BOYS

Now unless you are actually looking to spend a fortune to have your photo taken with the lady boys (the extortion price is usually around 500 baht), best to avoid them on the Patong strip. You’re much better off going into one of the bars, getting a beer and watching the shows for less than 1/4 of the price. However if you do get approached for a photo and simply can’t get away, you can easily get away with just offering them 100 baht. (Although a Tiger beer is only 60 Baht, and this includes a free public show in most bars on the Patong strip)

3. RESTAURANTS

No.6 is the best cheap eat in Patong. Great green curry and Pad Thai. Great value for money.

For something more authentic, Restaurant 101 is the place to go. You can try the dried fish, the hot and sour soup or the sticky rice. The one thing to remember here is that chilli means HOT HOT HOT!

4. GETTING AROUND THE ISLANDS – BOAT TOURS

There are many tours that operate in Phuket taking visitors to the outer islands such as Phi Phi, Bond etc. The pricing of these range from between $3000 – $1600 baht/person. The important thing to note here is that all these tours end up going to same the same areas, and there is no difference in the quality of food or the travel experience in any of these tours. All boats end up docking in the same area.

One thing to remember is to ask if there are additional charges for a transfer from your hotel.

Another important thing to note is that they will always try and up-sell to you at every step of tour. For example, on a snorkeling tour I took to Phi Phi they tried to up-sell flippers at the start (150 baht), then photos at each stop (200 baht), renting beach chairs and umbrellas on the islands cost 300 baht, and then of course the snacks that they sell on the beach range from between 50-150 baht. On top of this they will ask for tips at the end of the tour, making Phuket a highly commercialised island.

5. GET A TAXI DRIVER GUIDE

A good way to see Phuket in a group is to hire a taxi driver to take you around. It’s quite common for the cab drivers to hire out their services by the hour, which is also negotiable. I hired a driver to take me around for 9 hours for 1200 Baht, and managed to see all of Phuket – including the main touristy things such as elephant riding in Cha Long, the markets and temples, Phuket Look-Out points, Karong beach, Kata Beach, Phuket City for massages and the night life in Patong Beach.

The best thing about hiring a taxi guide is that they can negotiate prices on your behalf with the locals and they know the best & quickest  roads to take around town. They’re locals so they can take you to all the not-so-well-known places and their price includes cost of transport.

So that’s my top 5 tips for Phuket.

What are yours? I’d love to hear them!