If you’ve heard stories about Phuket, you already know: the beaches are stunning, the food is delicious, but the traffic can be frustrating. With only a few main roads and lots of visitors, getting from one side of the island to another often takes longer than expected.
But don’t worry — with a bit of smart planning (and the right tools), you can avoid wasting time on the road and still see all the highlights of Phuket. Here’s how.
Phuket is an island, and most roads are single-lane. During rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–6 PM), it can feel like everyone is on the road at once.
An attraction that looks “only 10 km away” on the map might actually take 30–40 minutes to reach. Many first-time visitors try to fit too much into one day and end up spending more time in a car than on the beach.
Planning to visit Big Buddha, Patong, and Old Town all in the same afternoon
Not checking how far attractions are from each other
Underestimating weekend traffic when locals are out too
Instead of zig-zagging across the island, explore one area per day. For example:
Do Patong Beach + Jungceylon Mall + nightlife in one trip.
Visit Chalong Pier, Big Buddha, and Wat Chalong in the same day.
Beaches are great in the morning or before sunset.
Temples and viewpoints are best before 10 AM (cooler and less crowded).
Markets are lively in the late afternoon or evening.
Some side roads can save time, but they’re not always easy to find unless you’re confident on a motorbike. That’s why having a curated map makes things easier.
We created a special Google My Maps for Phuket visitors. It shows:
All the paid attractions included in the Phuket Travel Pass
Famous landmarks, temples, beaches, and viewpoints nearby
Suggested clusters so you can easily see what’s close together
👉 This way, you don’t need to guess. Just open the map, check what’s near your hotel or current location, and plan your day around the attractions in that area.
Enjoy beaches, shopping, and nightlife — everything within walking distance.
Explore colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings, museums, street art, and local markets.
Visit Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, viewpoints, and then head out for an island tour.
Great for surfing, family beaches, and easy access to viewpoints.
All-in-one ticket: Skip buying separate tickets every time.
See more in one area: Combine free sites like temples with paid attractions.
Less stress: No need to think “what’s next?” — it’s already curated for you.
Start early: Beat both the traffic and the heat.
Walk when you can: Some areas (Old Town, Patong) are best explored on foot.
Mix indoor and outdoor: Visit a spa or museum in the middle of the day when traffic is busiest.
Traffic is a reality in Phuket, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. With smart planning, our curated Google My Maps, and the Phuket Travel Pass, you can see more attractions, save money, and enjoy the island the way it’s meant to be experienced.
👉 Check out the map before you go out each day, and you’ll always know the best place to head next.
Getting to Phuket is easy and exciting! ✈️ You can fly directly into Phuket International Airport (HKT) from many major cities around the world, or catch a short domestic flight from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or other parts of Thailand. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also arrive by bus or ferry from nearby provinces. Once you land, it's just a short ride to the island’s beautiful beaches, vibrant towns, and hidden gems.
