What should you know about using a car to get around Phuket? What is the impression of the island’s traffic and roads?

Generally, people travel short distances around Phuket by motorbike — it’s quick and convenient. But if you have a big group or a family, you should consider renting a car.

To make your road trip smooth, keep a few things in mind:

● Be prepared for heavy traffic. Patong and the roads between beaches often get congested, especially during peak hours.
● Drive more carefully than you do at home. Phuket has left-hand traffic, lots of scooters, narrow streets, unexpected turns, hills, and sections with winding roads.
● Plan your parking. In busy tourist areas, parking spaces are limited. You can use shopping mall parking lots.

Basic requirements when renting a car

● Get an international driver’s license (category B) in advance.
● Before renting a car, take photos and videos of the vehicle from all sides, including all scratches and dents, so there are no issues later.
● Always wear a seatbelt. Police pay close attention and issue fines for violations.

Where are the traffic jams in Phuket?

There are several “hot spots” on the island where traffic is particularly heavy. It’s important to keep this in mind when planning your trip.

● Patong. The tourist heart of Phuket. Roads in Patong are often overloaded during peak hours, and it’s especially recommended to avoid Patong Hill Road in the morning and evening.
● Chalong. The Chalong Circle roundabout is one of the busiest crossroads, connecting routes to southern attractions, piers, and beaches.
● Phuket Town. The island’s central area, where many routes intersect. Heavy traffic occurs in the morning and evening.
● Kamala, Karon, and Kata. Traffic jams may occur during high season when tourists travel between beaches.
● Main highways. Thepkrasattri Road (Route 402) is one of the key routes. According to the police, it often gets congested due to a large number of vehicles, especially trucks.

Peak hours in Phuket:

● Morning: around 7:30–9:30, usually on roads from the airport toward Phuket Town and the beaches.
● Evening: around 16:00–18:00 or 19:00, especially on routes from Chalong, Patong, and the west coast beaches toward the island’s center.
● Midday (around 11:00–12:00) can be busy on central roads, especially during high tourist season.
● Truck movement hours: truck traffic is restricted from 6:00 to 9:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00, which also affects overall road load.

A road trip around Phuket will bring you a lot of impressions. Look for travel ideas in the Beaches, Viewpoints, and Attractions sections.