The best way to travel from Bangkok to Phuket bangkok vs phuket

The best way to travel from Bangkok to Phuket (Photography:)

Thailand is a tropical paradise that offers incredible experiences to adventurous travelers. Whether you’re exploring mega-cities like Bangkok or relaxing on an island off the coast of Phuket, you’ll have experiences like no other in the world. Most travelers to Thailand hope to see as much of the country as possible during their trip, and there are plenty of transportation options that can help with that. To get from Bangkok to Phuket, you have several choices.

Bangkok vs. Phuket

Bangkok and Phuket are two very different destinations, but both are absolutely worth a visit. In Bangkok, you will have the opportunity to see how people live in this metropolis. Explore temples, such as the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, or take a cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market or stroll along Sukhumvit Road, sampling pad thai and other delicious street food.

Phuket is nothing like Bangkok, but it is where many people go to experience Thailand’s beaches. Some people use Phuket as a starting point for other nearby islands, such as the Phi Phi Islands. Otherwise, plan to stay around Patong Beach, which has a bustling nightlife with resorts, restaurants, bars and easy access to outdoor activities like zip lines and scuba diving.

Fly from Bangkok to Phuket

By far the easiest way to travel from Bangkok to Phuket is by flight. Several airlines – such as Nok Air, Thai Airways and Thai Lion Air – operate daily flights between the two cities. Best of all, tickets are quite cheap and can even be bought at the airport. Round-trip tickets are only $40 and the flight only takes about an hour and 20 minutes.

Take a train with a bus connection

It is possible to travel by train from Bangkok to Phuket, but it takes a long time. There are also no direct trains. Passengers board the train in Bangkok at Hua Lamphong station, drive to Surat Thani city, and from there take a bus to Phuket. The train ride takes about eight hours, and the bus ride adds another five hours to the journey.

Many budget travelers choose this option because it’s usually cheaper than flying and you get to see a lot of Thai scenery along the way. The trip costs about $40 for a first-class sleeping car on the train and a connecting bus ticket. This route can be much more comfortable than other forms of land transport as the bus is usually air-conditioned.

Go on a long bus ride

Travelers on a budget can travel from Bangkok to Phuket entirely by bus, but they will be riding a hot bus until 4 p.m. This saves money and maybe even time compared to the train and bus option, but buses have a reputation for being uncomfortable.

For the best chance of comfort, book a bus through a private tour company, such as Phuket Travel Service, which offers buses that are cool and spacious, not stuffy and crowded. This costs around $20. Please visit the bus company’s website before booking as this option is popular and can fill up quickly. Also, avoid buying your ticket in areas that cater to tourists in Bangkok, such as Khao San Road, as you may be scammed.

Hire a private driver

If none of the above sounds appealing to you, opt for a private driver to take you from Bangkok to Phuket. Of course, this option is the most expensive, starting at around $370. But it guarantees that your ride will be clean, cool and uncrowded.