Driving in Phuket

Road Rules & Survival Tips for Driving in Phuket

Driving in Phuket is certainly an experience and by far the best way to see the Island's amazing scenery.

But be warned, driving in Phuket is not for the faint-hearted!

If you are planning on driving a car or motorbike in Phuket, ensure that you have an international driver's license for the type of vehicle you plan to rent, and travel insurance.

The next step is to decide if you would prefer to drive a car or ride a motorcycle.

We prefer to hire a car; however, in recent years, we have also hired motorbikes.

Cars are a much safer option for driving around the Island; however, they are also more expensive to rent.

Only hire a motorbike if you have plenty of experience, as Phuket is definitely not the place to learn how to ride, and always wear a helmet if you don't want to get a fine.

Before you head off on your travels around the Island, check the petrol gauge, as some cars and bikes are rented out with an empty tank.

If you think driving is an experience, wait until you pull up at the service station and have to work out what fuel to use.

Fuel that is available throughout Thailand is 91, 95, gasohol - E10 and diesel.

If you are riding a motorcycle, you can use either 91 or 95, and most cars will take either 95 or gasohol-E10.

Petrol stations are plentiful in Phuket, except in Patong, where we could only find one, which was an Esso petrol station that is located on Phra Barami Road at the northern end of Patong.

Many local shops and roadside vendors also sell small bottles of motorcycle fuel.

When driving in Phuket, you drive on the left-hand side of the road, or should I say that is where you are supposed to drive. Many Thai drivers drive on the wrong side of the road; however, this is not recommended.

Tips for Riding or Driving in Phuket

Most road signs are written in English as well as Thai; however, it's a good idea to look up the road signs and brush up on what the different road markings mean before you hit the road.

Speed limits vary across the island from 60 km in built-up areas to 120 kms on the main highway.

Some drivers don't seem to take too much notice of the speed limit; they have one speed, and that is "flat out". Whilst most drivers have good driving skills, they can be very unpredictable.

Overtaking on the inside, or running red lights, is very common practice in Phuket, along with motorcycles weaving around through the traffic. Always expect the unexpected when on the roads and always be vigilant whilst driving in Phuket.

The main roads in Phuket are quite good; most of them are flat, with a few areas that are quite steep.

The legal age for driving a car in Phuket is 18 years, although to ride a motorcycle up to 110cc it is only 15 years of age. If the motorcycle is over 110cc, the legal age is raised to 18 years.

What type of Licence
When driving anywhere in Thailand, it is compulsory to have a valid driver's licence from your own Country, as well as an international driving permit or a Thai licence.

If you hire a car or motorcycle and you don't have a valid international driver's licence, and you have an accident, your insurance policy may be invalid.

Drink Driving
Remember that if you decide to have a couple of drinks, don't ride or drive. If you do happen to have an accident while you are under the influence of alcohol, chances are your travel insurance will not cover you.

Every vehicle must have a tax sticker and third-party compulsory motor insurance.

Some cars in Phuket have red registration plates and are not permitted to drive at night or leave the province in which the vehicle is registered.

Driving around Phuket is not that hard during the day, but be aware that it is more challenging when driving at night, especially when it is raining.

During the day, we have never had any problems navigating our way around the Island; landmarks are easy to find, and the maps are easy to read. However, driving or riding at night, with wet, slippery roads and dimly lit streets, gets a bit tricky.

A couple of things you should be aware of when driving in Phuket.

If you see another vehicle flash their headlights, don't assume they want you to make a maneuver; flashing lights mean for you to get out of the way.
When driving on the highways, if you get caught behind a truck. If the truck driver indicates to the left, that means it is safe for you to overtake. If they indicate to the right, it means that it is unsafe to overtake.

People will overtake anywhere; it doesn't matter if it is on a bend or a hill.

However you choose to explore the Island, let's stay safe while riding or driving in Phuket.