Top 10 Phuket Travel Tips: Island Hopping, Scooters, and Avoiding Scams

Asia

Jan 3

Written By Sophie

“Phuket is not just an island; it’s a mood. It’s where the jungle meets the ocean and chaos meets calm.”

— Unknown

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and one of the world's most famous beach destinations. It offers everything from wild nightlife on Bangla Road to silent, hidden temples in the rainforest.

However, it is also the most expensive place in Thailand, and tourist traps are everywhere. To enjoy the crystal-clear waters without overpaying for a tuk-tuk, here is your essential guide to Phuket.

1.

Rent a Scooter (But Have a License)

Exploring the island by scooter is the ultimate freedom.

The Warning: Police checkpoints are everywhere. If you do not have an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement, you will be fined (usually 500-1000 Baht). Also, always wear a helmet—accidents are very common.

2.

Skip Patong Beach for Swimming

Patong is famous, but the water is often murky and the beach is crowded.

The Hack: For turquoise water and white sand, head to Freedom Beach (accessible by longtail boat or a steep hike) or Kata Noi Beach. They are much cleaner, quieter, and more beautiful for swimming.

3.

Use "Bolt" or "InDrive" Apps

The "Tuk-Tuk Mafia" in Phuket is notorious for charging astronomical prices.

The Hack: Do not hail taxis on the street. Download Bolt or InDrive. These apps work like Uber but are significantly cheaper. You can get a ride across the island for half the price of a standard tuk-tuk negotiation.

4.

Visit Old Phuket Town

Many tourists stay only on the beach and miss the cultural heart of the island.

The Tip: Old Phuket Town is famous for its colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture. It feels like a movie set. Visit on a Sunday evening for the famous Walking Street Market (Lard Yai), where you can buy local crafts and amazing street food.

5.

Big Buddha Dress Code

The Big Buddha is a 45-meter-tall white marble statue visible from half the island.

The Rule: It is an active religious site. You must cover your shoulders and knees. Do not go in your bikini or shirtless. If you forget, they provide sarongs at the entrance, but it’s better to dress respectfully from the start.

6.

Island Hopping: Go Early!

A trip to Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island is a must, but the crowds are insane.

The Hack: Hire a private longtail boat instead of joining a big speedboat tour. Tell the boatman to leave at sunrise (6:00 AM). You will arrive at Maya Bay before the hundreds of tour boats show up. It’s worth waking up early for that "empty beach" photo.

7.

The 7-Eleven Toastie Cult

In Thailand, 7-Eleven is a way of life.

The Tip: If you need a quick, cheap, and surprisingly delicious snack, get a Ham and Cheese Toastie. The staff will heat it up for you instantly. It’s the legendary backpacker fuel of Thailand and costs less than $1.

8.

Sunset at Promthep Cape

This is the southernmost tip of the island and offers the most famous sunset view.

The Reality: It gets incredibly crowded with bus tours. The Alternative: Go to Windmill Viewpoint nearby. It offers a very similar view but with a fraction of the crowd, making it a much more romantic spot.

9.

Carry Cash (Cash is King)

While big hotels accept cards, the rest of Phuket runs on cash.

The Tip: Street food vendors, markets, and small bars do not take cards. ATMs charge a high withdrawal fee (around 220 Baht / $6-7) per transaction. The Hack: Withdraw the maximum amount allowed (usually 20,000 or 30,000 Baht) at once to minimize the fees.

10.

Avoid the Jet Ski Scams

Be very careful when renting jet skis on the beach.

The Warning: A common scam involves the owner claiming you "scratched" the jet ski and demanding hundreds of dollars in damages.
The Hack: Take photos and videos of the entire jet ski (top and bottom) before you get on, in front of the owner. This usually scares scammers away.