Driving in Phuket - Safe?
 

I've read mixed reviews on driving in Thailand, and wanted to know of anyone's thoughts and experiences on the topic. We will be staying in Phuket for 9 days and it may be at the JW which is at the very north end (not near anything from what i've read) so don't want to rely on cabs the entire week as I here that can be a challenge in itself.

Thanks again for any advice, comments....

Renting a car is a good idea - Phuket is a big island and cabs usually are extortionate. I rented a car for my last trip 2 years ago and I found driving easy - traffic was relatively light (I went all over the place where you'd expect a lot of traffic e.g. Phuket Old Town, Patong etc). Roads were good, wide and there are usually multiple traffic lanes, traffic signs were clear, layout is uncomplicated, other drivers are not crazy. The only place where you'd have to take it a little easy is driving up the west coast where the road is single-lane and snakes around a bit. Really the biggest challenge for me was driving on the other side of the road.

You have a couple of choices on what vehicles to rent - I picked the cheapest option (and probably the most challenging drive) - a Suzuki jeep which was a 2 seater. Probably 15 years old. Broke down once at the side of the road. But no problem - called up the rental agency and in 20 minutes, they were there with a replacement jeep. An adventure, I'd say. But you can pick a newer car (sedan) like the Honda City which should be more more pleasurable to drive.

Finally the rental pickup and dropoff was easy. Guy met me at arrival hall with a sign with my name, walked 50 meters to the parking lot, signed paperwork. Armed with a map, off I went. I rented from Pure Car Rent (http://www.purecarrent.com) and found them great to deal with. I paid perhaps 700B a day with insurance (IIRC)

Thanks for the info - much appreciated it.... still not sure what we're going to do but have some insight at least. Driving on the other side of the road would be something to get use to for us too. Maybe we'll rent for a few days at least so that to go out and explore.

Thanks again

Budget has a branch at the JW Marriott.

Perfect!

Thanks again

How 'bout a scooter? You can add a bit more adventure to your trip by going on two wheels. On my third trip to Phuket I was so annoyed with the extortion rate of the cabs that I decided to rent a scooter. I had the clerk show me how it works (I'd never driven a motor bike before) and five minutes later I was grinning like a madman as I scooted along the road. It's now my vehicle of choice when on holiday.

FYI, traffic deaths is the major cause of tourists deaths and serious injury. Passing on blind curves is common and plenty of drunks on the road at night.

Thanks glob99 - we actually have a friend of the family who travels there every couple years for business and they have also said the same thing... it's too bad cab fares are expenseive, but that may be the way to go.

Thanks glob99 - we actually have a friend of the family who travels there every couple years for business and they have also said the same thing... it's too bad cab fares are expenseive, but that may be the way to go.

Motorbikes/scooters are very dangerous - there are numerous fatal accidents every day in Phuket and I would strongly recommend renting a car if you want to get around the island.

I have been driving in Phuket for almost 3 years now and find that very defensive driving is the best approach - also don't forget that as a "farang" (foreigner) you will automatically be at fault should any accident occur, no matter how minor.

I would NEVER advise ANYONE to get a scooter. I have a house in Phuket and have seen - myself seen- MANY dead tourist on the roads. Averages 2 or 3 a week it seems.

Rent a car, the driving is easy, and enjoy the island. You need a one for sure if your up @ the Marriott.

Agree with the first part regarding a scooter. Awful things at the best of times; on Thailand's roads a hundred times worse.

I can't agree with your sentiment that a westerner is always considered at fault in any traffic accident. It's an oft spouted myth, but anecdotal evidence from friends (thankfully I've yet to have to put it to the test myself!) has shown it not to be true.

I meant to imply that in my, and work colleagues experience, a foreigner (non-Thai), regardless of race, is usually seen as being at fault in the first instance, although this attitude could be changing.

Having dealt with many of these situations in the course of my work I feel it is important to highlight this issue so that in the (hopefully) unlikely event that it occurs, visitors are well-prepared and able to obtain the proper assistance to resolve the matter.

Yeah - I don't think we'll be getting scooters or motorbikes. My husband had an accident in the Carribean many years ago on one and would never rent one again. As for renting a car I still have mixed feelings given various things I've read. It sounds like the driving is aggressive at best, and driving on the other side of the road just adds another element to it. I think we may just have to suck it up and take cabs and shuttles everywhere. The good thing is at least the JW is on points, so will help with cost.

Thanks for all the info