How to Travel around Phuket's Biggest District - How to Get Around Muang Phuket District

Being the premier beach vacation spot in Thailand, Phuket, particularly its largest district Mueang Phuket, stands out as one of the busiest travel hubs in the country. Whether visitors are arriving for business or leisure, mastering navigation within the island's bustling city can offer significant advantages. From convenient bus services to nimble motorbike taxis, here's an overview of the public and private transport options available for tourists to explore Mueang Phuket. 

1. Stay at a Strategic Base Hotel 

Despite the many public and private transport options accessible in Mueang Phuket, there's no denying the advantage that a convenient base hotel can offer both travellers and those visiting the city for corporate reasons. Since Phuket is a beach hub for the masses, the ideal base should not only occupy a seaside location but also offer easy access to the island's main points of interest or landmarks. So whether one chooses a venue such as the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort or any of the other Phuket luxury hotels, it's crucial to gauge the distance between the accommodation provider and the top beaches, restaurants and cultural highlights on the island. Those who wish to stay in the heart of the island's biggest district, on the other hand, should stay close to bus stops and similar public transport hubs.

2. Airport Transfers

Upon arriving in Phuket, holidaymakers will find that the best way to reach Mueang Phuket and the downtown area is via a metered taxi. There are a number of chauffeured taxis available at the local airport in addition to minibuses that offer more affordable transfers for those who are not carrying too much luggage. It's necessary to keep in mind that airport taxis and even car rentals are more costly than taxi services operating within the island but there's no workaround since this is quite common in Asia.

3. Bus Services

Apart from Songthaews, buses are often considered the most efficient and affordable mode of transport for both locals and travellers exploring the island. Public buses offer easy hop-on and hop-off convenience during trips around Phuket. With nominal fares for journeys within the district and around the island, public buses are readily available in major commercial areas of the city centre, making navigation straightforward. Songthaews, converted pickup trucks, are ideal for short excursions around the island, given their fewer seats and ability to cover shorter distances. However, relying solely on Songthaews for transportation during a Phuket getaway comes with a drawback: they cease operation after 6 pm.

4. Taxi Cabs 

Unlike most Asian travel hotspots, metered taxis are accessible in Phuket's largest district and are actually less expensive than tuk-tuk rides. The only downside of counting on taxis for sightseeing and shopping trips around the island is that they are in short supply. This is why it's best to note down the numbers of taxi companies via one's hotel and make advanced bookings when necessary.

5. Three-wheelers           

As one of Phuket's unmetered modes of transport, tuk-tuks or three-wheelers are not suitable for backpackers and those with budgetary constraints. As the cost of the ride will depend on the discretion of the driver and one's haggling skills, it's not safe to assume that threewheel journeys around the island are affordable. Those who find these vehicles a novelty may want to use them for short trips in the downtown area, just for the bragging rights but other than that, it's prudent to steer clear of tuk-tuks.

Image via pickpik

6. Motorbike Taxis

While it may not be for the faint of heart or those who feel strongly about following the rules, motorbike taxis are possibly the fastest way to get around the city, even if it's not the safest. 

7. Water-bound Travel Options 

Longtail boats are a scenic means of travel accessible for those interested in visiting beaches on the island, which cannot be accessed by any other method.