Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Renting a motorcycle or motorbike can be a high-risk proposition. Thousands of people
are injured or killed every year on Phuket's highways. If you must rent one, make sure
you at least know the basics and wear a helmet.
There have been late-night motorbike muggings and stabbings on the road leading from
Patong to Hat Karon, and on the road between Kata and the Rawai-Hat Nai Han area.
Random sexual assaults on women can happen as well. Women should think twice before
sunbathing topless (a big no-no in Thailand anyway) or alone, especially on an isolated
beach. It can also be dangerous to run alone at night or early in the morning.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Local hospitals are equipped with modern facilities, emergency rooms and outpatient-care
clinics. Both of the following, which are near Phuket Town, have hyperbaric chambers:
0 7625 4425;
www.phukethospital.com
; Th Yongyok Uthit)
Reputedly the fa-
Bangkok Phuket Hospital
(
vourite with locals.
Phuket International Hospital
( 0 7624 9400;
www.phuketinternationalhospital.com
; Th Chalermprakiat)
Inter-
national doctors rate this hospital as the best on the island.
METERED TAXIS
To escape Phuket's 'taxi mafia' (an organisation of overpriced chartered cars that are often the only means of
transport in the beach areas) get the phone number of a metered taxi and use the same driver throughout your stay
in Phuket. The easiest way to do this is to take a metered taxi from the airport (one of the only places where
you'll find them) when you arrive, then take down your driver's phone number. Metered taxis are found about
50m to the right as you exit the arrivals hall.
TOURIST INFORMATION
The weekly English-language
Phuket Gazette
(
www.phuketgazette.net
)
publishes inform-
ation on activities, events, dining and entertainment around the island, as well as the latest
scandals.
Phuket Wan
(
www.phuketwan.com
)
is frequently juicier - and more news-
worthy.
WEBSITES
Jamie's Phuket
(
www.jamie-monk.com
)
A fun insider's blog written by a long-time Phuket expat
resident with excellent photos and travel tips.
One Stop Phuket
(
www.1stopphuket.com
)
A user-friendly travel guide and internet-booking referral
service.
