Where to Drive in Phuket: Day Routes by Car

The routes differ in length and time of day. Half a day is enough for the Big Buddha with Wat Chalong or for the Old Town. The south is best driven in the afternoon, ending with sunset, while the northern beaches and Phang Nga take the whole day.

The route follows the southern bays: Kata Viewpoint overlooking three beaches, Nai Harn and Ya Nui beaches, Windmill Viewpoint and finally Promthep Cape. Promthep is the most popular sunset spot on Phuket, so by evening its car park and viewpoint fill up.

The road to the cape is narrow and winding, and at sunset it is busy with scooters, buses and pedestrians. Where to slow down on this stretch is covered in the article on Phuket's dangerous roads.

• Kata Viewpoint → Nai Harn → Ya Nui → Windmill Viewpoint → Promthep Cape
• Fill up before the south in Chalong or Rawai

The 45-metre Big Buddha stands on a hilltop, and its terrace looks out over Chalong and Rawai. From there, drive down to Wat Chalong, the island's main temple. Both are free to enter. The climb to the statue is in full sun, so come in the morning or towards evening.

Both places share the same dress code: shoulders and knees covered, so shorts, vests and beachwear will not do. Wraps are sometimes handed out at the Big Buddha, but it is safer to bring your own sarong. Shoes come off inside temple halls.

• Big Buddha: a panorama of the south
• Wat Chalong: Phuket's main temple

Phuket Town means Sino-Portuguese shophouses, the colourful facades of Thalang Road, cafés and street art. On Sunday evenings the Walking Street food market runs on Thalang Road, and the street is closed to cars.

The centre is partly pedestrianised and the streets are narrow. It is easiest to leave the car at the municipal car park and walk, and on Sundays to arrive early and park further from the centre.

• Thalang Road and street art
• Walking Street on Sunday evenings

The northern beaches suit a relaxed day: Surin, Kamala and long Bang Tao with the Catch and Dream Beach clubs. On the way is Boat Avenue with cafés and shops.

The airport is in the north of the island, so the route ends neatly at the terminal: pick-up and return at HKT airport cost ฿0. Allow time for the drive, the car inspection at return and check-in.

• Surin → Kamala → Bang Tao
• Lunch on Boat Avenue, then the airport

The MonkeyCar rental contract allows driving in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi provinces, the insurance is valid there too, and no separate approval is needed. Going beyond these provinces is possible only by prior agreement, as set out in the rental terms. The insurance applies if the driver is named on the contract and holds an IDP.

The nearest trip is Phang Nga Bay: over the Sarasin Bridge to the limestone karsts, Wat Bang Riang temple and viewpoints. The drive and parking at the pier are covered in the article on driving to Phang Nga, and the longer trip in the one on the road from Phuket to Krabi. Cars do not go to Phi Phi or the Similans, so the car waits at the pier: where to leave it.

• Phang Nga and Krabi: no approval needed
• Beyond these provinces: only by agreement with MonkeyCar