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 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. |
