Originally Posted by
frappant
I'd heard the taxis would be about 700 THB or so each way.
Correct. Even rideshare services will cost you at least THB 550-600. Unless I'm travelling solo, I'd probably rent a car.
Originally Posted by
frappant
So one service, Vecay Phuket, says be at the airport 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 3-4 hours before international flights.
That's excessive. I'd say 1.5 to 2 hours is sufficient for domestic and international, respectively. Unless you have plans to explore the airport?
Originally Posted by
frappant
I am flying CNX-HKT and then HKT-SIN in February. For CNX, not a big deal, going there for a domestic flight and looks like the Old Town is like 10 minutes drive to CNX.
For HKT to Phuket town, it could be over 50 minutes one way?
Mhm. This is an accurate estimation.
Originally Posted by
frappant
Plus if it's true about being at the airport 3-4 hours early, that sounds like I'd have to depart from Phuket like 4 hours before my HKT-SIN flight?
See above. You don't need to be there 3-4 hours early. Yes, there can be queues at passport control especially during certain departing times, but it is rare for one to be spending more than 30-45 minutes at security and immigration – and in case it gets really bad, you can always ask the officials to be fast-tracked.
But, if you want my personal advice, it's best to leave your hotel 3.5 to 4 hours before the STD. Why? Because you could face traffic in downtown and thus adding precious minutes to your trip (it's bad...).
Originally Posted by
frappant
Is there something about the check in, security and boarding process at Thai airports which requires an additional hour than other airports around the world?
Thailand checks passports upon departure, like most countries. Security requires you to remove shoes (and that slows everyone down)
but on certain travel days I have not been asked to remove my shoes, to date I'm still trying to figure out why the inconsistencies exist.