Taking tuk tuks around Phuket

Tuk tuks are synonymous with Asia and Thailand isjourney that takes between 10-15 minutes will likely
particularly fond of the gas-guzzling mode of transport.cost around 200-300 baht.
Although they are noisy and loud as well asWhat to see in a tuk tuk?
uncomfortable they remain on the things to do onTuk tuks are best used for shorter journeys and
many visitors’ travel itineraries and a trip to Thailandsimply for the novelty factor rather than as a means
without a ride on a tuk tuk just wouldn’t be theof getting around. They are more useful in places such
same.as Bangkok where the traffic is heavy and noisy
Tuk tuks are widely available throughout most of theanyway and you simply blend in with the crowds but in
tourist regions of Phuket but few will be found outsidePhuket where the sun is shining and the beach can be
of these main areas. This is because they are not aadmired from many roads; a noisy, bumpy tuk tuk
cheap way to travel so locals will shun them in favourshould be savoured for the trip back to your Phuket
of songthaews (local buses) or scooters. Many Phukethotel late at night.
hotels offer tuk tuk rides close to their entrance area.Tuk tuks are fun for those travelling with children as
What to expect from a tuk tuk?riding one is somewhat of an experience. Your Phuket
Tuk tuks are noisy so be prepared for ahotel is a good way to organise a tuk tuk journey and
non-conversational journey once on the go! The seatsthey are ideal for using for the following journeys:
are generally quite comfortable although the rides areShort journeys
often bumpy as eth small machines feel every holeLate night journeys
and nook in the road. Tuk tuks have a roof and a backEarly morning journeys
rest as well as seats to comfortably hold two people,Novelty rides
three at a squeeze, and the sides are open.To get to and from your hotel
Where to find a tuk tuk?To get to and from the beach
Visitors wanting to enjoy an authentic tuk tuk ride canAs a way to see the local sights such as the main
find them in places such as Patong, Karon and KataBeach Road
and the odd one will be available in slightly lessTuk tuks are not great for using to get between
crowded regions such as Rawai. They are usuallytowns as the distance takes its toll on both your ears
found dotted along the side of the road and driversand your backside. If you do choose to use a tuk tuk
can also be flagged down if driving past with noto get from Patong to Kata or Karon or to Central
passengers.Festival shopping centre, you can expect to pay
How much is a tuk tuk?almost the same for a single journey as for a return
Due to their popularity with visitors looking for a tasteas drivers are limited to pick up passengers in set
of ‘authentic Thailand’, tuk tuks in Phuket areplaces meaning if they make a long journey they will
quite expensive although compared to a cab in thehave to return empty handed unless they are taking
Western world it is still cheap. Be prepared to pay foryou back.
the ride rather than just the journey cost and a typical