Phuket Transportation:

For local expats there is a love hate relationship with getting around in Phuket. When we're not in a rush we love the coastal roads, the absence of huge concrete fly overs, 5 lane motorways and noisy trains and can laugh at the crazy Thai driving.  When we're in a rush it's a different story. The driving here is indeed without logic. The locals start riding mopeds just about as soon as they can walk and learn the rules of survival through repeated near misses and accidents. The survival rule for visitors and expats is to simply assume the person in front, to the left, to the right or behind you is going to do something completely crazy. Forget fast driving, the best thing to do is put on some soothing music, drive slowly and accept it is going to take some time to reach your destination. 

For visitors to Phuket there are a number of options for getting around the island:

1. Local taxis. Comparatively expensive and of course not always available when you need one.
2. Hire car. Ask the villa owner if they can make a recommendation. There are several hire car companies in Phuket but often through local connections a hire car can be provided at a much lower rate.
3. Moped hire. Mopeds are easy to hire, but are strictly for the brave or is it the foolhardy!  Moped riders keep all the local hospitals profitable.  
4. Villa/Apartment owner's car.  Sometimes as part of the property rental package a car will be provided.  For the high end luxury properties sometimes a chauffeur is also provided as part of the package. 
5. Bicycle. Often property owners (especially in the Laguna area) provide bicycles. The hot weather and local driving habits make cycling only an option for short distances.

For people who are planning to stay in Phuket for a while it is often worthwhile buying a car. Due to the tropical weather, new cars hold their value surprisingly well and with car loans easily available from the main dealers most people buy a brand new car on a 3 year loan arrangement.