Perfectly Phuket & Khao Lak

Although Phuket is hardly developed by Western standards, there’s a strong sense of entrepreneurship and ingenuity among its people. Look out for crafty DIY-versions of everyday items around the island. Chances are you’ll see roadside rubbish bins fashioned from old truck tires, sun-loungers built out of leftover piping, and dumbbells shaped from spare concrete slabs.

Getting there

Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.

Planes: Phuket International Airport is Thailand’s second busiest (www.phuketairportonline.com). Charter flights connect to dozens of long-haul destinations but fewer scheduled airlines make it here. However, connecting flights from Bangkok and plenty of other domestic (Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai Air Asia, OneTwoGo) and regional (Malaysian Airlines, Korean Air, Air Asia, SilkAir, Tiger Airways) carriers arrive and depart with relentless regularity.
Trains: There’s no rail service to Phuket. Buses travel from the Southern Bus Terminal in Thonburi, Bangkok, but the journey is a back-straining 14 hours. There are more costly and comfortable VIP buses, but it makes far more sense to hop on a one-hour no-frills flight.
Automobiles: Navigating around Phuket by car is manageable with the help of a decent map. Roads can be treacherous so don’t scrimp on insurance. Take the Thep Kasatri Road from the airport and follow the signs to Phuket town. Motorbike rental is a possibility – if you can stomach the 10,000 accidents a year statistic.

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