Is it safe to drive around Island??
2006-11-15 12:32:41 · 11 answers · asked by str8shootar 1 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Thailand
If this is your first time in Phuket (or Thailand for that matter) I would advise NOT to drive there. There are road rules but people just drive the way they please and you will find the other road users intimidating and downright scary. Last statistics I read was like more than10,000 people get injured on the road in Phuket each year - many of them foreign tourists on motorbikes. You might be in a car but you have a high chance of hitting other foreign tourists!
I am sure you will drive carefully but you still could be involved in an accident because of other drivers ( I have seen first hand a father, mother and a very young child standing between them on a motorcycle seat - none were wearing a helmet, overtaking a bus going up a hill)
It's your choice.
Regardless - enjoy Phuket - you will have a great time
2006-11-15 17:45:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) advises visitors NOT to rent a car on Phuket Island. (You find this advise in the free booklets that are given to foreigners in hotels or on airports).
Their main reasons are:
- There are many car accidents on Phulet island;
- IF you get involved in an accident, fingers will point at you, the foreigner, as the one that caused the accident;
- If people get hurt (or worse) you may end up in prison, and Thai prisons really are very unpleasant places.
So, I advise you not to rent a car there.
2006-11-16 06:00:29 · answer #2 · answered by hasekamp 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in short yes it is safe but be prepared to vent your road rage before you begin.
also you will need to have a international drivers license.
and finally stick to the road rules (speed limits etc) the thai police will try and fleece you for a on the spot fine if you are not careful.
good luck and enjoy yourself in phuket paradise
2006-11-15 14:33:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not neccesary. Get a hotel on the beach and everthing is in walking distance. Taxi's are cheap too. The only time you need a taxi is to go to another beach. Then try to find a beach you like. I suggest Karon beach
2006-11-16 16:09:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't call it real safe. Just be very,very careful since there the drivers here almost don't obbey any rules.Watch out for the motocycles they drive fast in any directions...You'll see it for yourself. If you don't feel comfortable I rather move around by Taxi or Tuk-Tuk.
2006-11-15 15:04:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes,its safe. I been there over 9 times and love the place.
2006-11-15 14:32:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, in fact you can drive to nearby Phang-nga and Krabi provinces for quieter beaches and lovely scenery. I will say this will be a good option.
2006-11-16 16:15:16 · answer #7 · answered by peanutz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doing the Phuket dance .
2016-03-28 21:54:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch out for the phukarewe natives.
2006-11-15 12:40:43 · answer #9 · answered by sunnymommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
better avoid, in case of accident, even insured, you will have problems and have to pay a lot, everybody, lawyers, police, etc...
a story on internet where somebody had to pay 5000 usd for non responsible accident
2006-11-16 12:31:00 · answer #10 · answered by efrenchinkrungthep 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋