Driving in Phuket: 14 Essential Tips for Tourists

1. Left-Side Driving: It's Easier Than You Think

Thailand drives on the left, with the steering wheel on the right side of the car. The first 30 minutes feel strange, but most people adapt within an hour. The trickiest part? Turn signals are on the right, wipers on the left — the opposite of what you're used to.

2. Take It Slow on Day One

Don't plan a cross-island drive on your first day. Pick up your car, drive to your hotel, and get comfortable. Try a short trip to a nearby beach or market to build confidence.

3. Roundabouts Go Clockwise

Since you're driving on the left, roundabouts flow clockwise. Give way to traffic already in the roundabout (coming from your right). The biggest roundabout on Phuket is at Heroines Monument — take it slow your first time.

4. Watch Out for Motorbikes

Motorbikes are everywhere in Phuket — on both sides, in the middle, and sometimes coming straight at you. They don't always follow traffic rules. Always check mirrors before turning and keep a safe following distance.

5. Phuket's Hills Are No Joke

The road from Patong to Karon (Patong Hill) and the road to Kata Noi feature steep inclines and sharp curves. Use low gear when descending, keep your speed under 40 km/h, and watch for buses swinging wide on turns.

6. Fuel Stations Are Everywhere

Phuket has plenty of gas stations — PTT, Shell, Bangchak, and Caltex are the main brands. Fuel costs around 35–40 THB per liter for petrol. Most stations are full-service. Tip: fill up before heading to the northern part of the island where stations are sparser.

7. Speed Limits and Enforcement

Speed limits in Phuket: 60 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on highways. Police use radar guns, especially on the bypass road (Route 402). Fines for speeding start at 500 THB.

8. Parking in Phuket

Shopping malls (Central, Jungceylon) offer free parking. In Phuket Old Town, street parking costs 20–40 THB per hour. Never park on yellow-red painted curbs — your car will be towed.

9. The Rain Changes Everything

During the rainy season (May–October), roads become slippery within minutes of a downpour. Reduce speed by 30%, increase following distance, and turn on your headlights. The most dangerous time is the first 10 minutes of rain when oil lifts from the road surface.

10. U-Turns Are Normal

Phuket's main roads have designated U-turn points. Don't be surprised if your GPS tells you to pass your destination, make a U-turn, and come back. It's the standard way traffic flows here.

11. Night Driving: Proceed with Caution

Some roads have poor lighting, especially in the interior. Stray dogs are a real hazard at night. Stick to main roads after dark, and use high beams on unlit stretches (but dip them for oncoming traffic).

12. Google Maps Works Great

Google Maps is accurate and up-to-date in Phuket. It handles the left-side driving correctly and knows about most one-way streets and U-turn points. Download the offline map of Phuket before your trip.

13. What to Do in an Accident

If you're involved in an accident: stop the car, turn on hazard lights, take photos of everything, call the Tourist Police (1155), and contact your rental company. Do NOT move the vehicles until police arrive, unless they're blocking traffic dangerously.

14. Enjoy the Drive

Phuket has some stunning coastal roads — the west coast from Surin to Kamala, the viewpoints above Kata and Karon, and the quiet roads through rubber plantations in the interior. With a rental car, you'll discover a Phuket that package tourists never see.

Need more information? Check our complete car rental guide or browse our cost comparison of car rental vs Grab/taxi.