Travel Around Patong Beach

Walking

Getting around Patong is a breeze. It's not a big resort area and much of the entertainment, restaurants, shopping and hotels are located within walking distance of each other. Just a get a map - there are plenty in the hotels and local shops, and you'll find it easy to get around.

By Tuk Tuk

For those times when you just don't want to walk, you will see lots of tuk tuks or small open air taxis. They will pick up anywhere on the street and drop off anywhere.

Just state your destination and agree on the price before setting off!

A trip within the Patong area shouldn't cost more than 100 Baht, but for trips further afield, anything up to 600 Baht can be expected - depending on the distance, the weather and your bargaining skills!

Local Bus

If you want to explore some of the other beaches and sites around the island, take a tuk tuk or catch a local songthaew or bus. The local buses (painted bright blue for easy recognition) have their destination written in English and run regularly between 7.00 am and 6.00pm.

There are no designated bus stops, which means you have to wave them down in the middle of the street. In Patong, your best spot for catching the bus is along Phra Baramee Road outside the tourist police box.

Catching the bus is a leisurely way of getting to your destination, so don't take one if you're in a hurry. Standard cost for trips to Phuket Town or North to Kamala are approximately 20 Baht.

Motorbike Taxis

During the day and night, groups of motorcyclists can be seen on street corners or cruising the streets wearing coloured vests and trying to get your attention. These are the motorcycle taxi drivers, normally wearing green or red vests.

State your destination, and agree the price before setting off. Generally they are very reasonable but depends on the distance and your bargaining skills. Not the safest mode of transport but very convenient for short trips around Patong.

Renting Cars & Motorbikes

Private cars, jeeps and motorbikes can be hired from most major hotels, and from private dealers off the street.

If you really want to explore, having your own vehicle is the best way to go. It's important to check that full insurance cover is included and that you have the appropriate licence at hand in case of accident.

A Thai or an international car or motorbike licence is mandatory for a successful claim on insurance in case of accident.

For serious bike enthusiasts, the area around Patong has great roads and coastal scenery.

Cruise out of the town on smooth roads that bank and curve around lush mountains overlooking the Andaman Sea and visit some of the smaller areas off the beaten track.

There are bike shops in Patong that specialise in road cruisers and dirt bikes for those who want something more challenging than the traditional Honda Dream favoured by most tourists and locals. Check out the shops along Rat-U-Thit Road.

A word of warning - take extreme care when riding the roads in Thailand. Not only is there a complete disregard for traffic regulations which leads to unexpected, unpredictable and dangerous behaviour on the roads, but during the rainy season, accidents occur when damp roads become slippery to ride, due to oil spill build-ups. Basically, no matter how tempting, if you're not experienced, don't ride a bike.