Driving Routes Around Phuket
People rent a car on this island for the roads, not for the parking space at the hotel. Four routes, each of which fits into a day, with an honest description of the driving: where the bends are, where you will have to go slowly, and when to set off.
Обновлено 10 сентября 2026 г.
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Driving the west coast from south to north takes longer than the map suggests: winding roads, scooters and tour buses.
The most interesting places to reach by car sit off the taxi routes — the viewpoints, the quiet beaches of the north, the temples inland.
Below are the routes in detail, with tips on the best places to start from.
A classic day by car: set off early for Promthep Cape in the south, then through Rawai to Chalong, up to the Big Buddha, and back along the west coast in time for sunset.
Longer trips off the island — Phang Nga, Khao Lak, Krabi — take a whole day each way. For those it makes sense to take a car with power in reserve, or the option with a driver.
Each route below is covered separately: how long it takes, where to stop, and what to bear in mind along the way.
The south in a day: Nai Harn, Ya Nui, Promthep
The most compact and the most scenic route. From Kata the road winds up past the viewpoint above Kata Noi, then Nai Harn with its lake, then the tiny bay of Ya Nui under the cape, and finally the top of Promthep.
The road
The winding section is narrow with sharp bends, but the asphalt is good. In dry weather any car handles it; in a downpour it is wiser to go round through Rawai and Chalong.
When to go
The whole island drives to Promthep for sunset and the car park fills an hour before. Either arrive early, or do the route in the morning — then it is empty and the light is soft.
On the way stands the windmill with its viewpoint: from there you see Nai Harn and Ya Nui at once.
СоветThe descent from the winding road is where brakes overheat most often. Come down in a lower gear rather than on the pedal.
The north: empty beaches and turtles
Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao are the quietest part of the island. Mai Khao runs for eleven kilometres, and even in high season you can walk it and meet nobody.
The road
A flat highway with no mountain bends, the calmest route for a newcomer at the wheel. Twenty minutes from Bang Tao, about an hour from Patong.
What to bear in mind
Part of the coast belongs to a national park, so there is no development — and almost no cafes either. Bring water and food, especially in low season when some places are closed.
From May to October the northern beaches have strong waves and currents — you cannot swim everywhere, so watch the flags.
The east: Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, the Old Town
The cultural route and the best option for an evening. The climb to the Big Buddha is the longest continuous mountain road on the island, with a viewpoint at the top over Chalong Bay.
Wat Chalong
The main temple on the island, fifteen minutes from the foot of the hill. A large free car park, which fills up on festival days.
Phuket Town
The Old Town with its Portuguese-era buildings, narrow streets and markets. Twenty minutes from Chalong on the highway. The road back in the evening is empty — which is what makes this route work for the second half of the day.
The passes of the west coast
Not a destination but the road itself. Three stretches that are worth renting a car for: the pass between Kamala and Patong with its viewpoint at the top, the winding road from Kata to Nai Harn, and the climb above Karon with a view over three bays at once.
How to plan it
Driving the whole west coast north to south — from Bang Tao to Nai Harn — takes about an hour and a half of moving time without stops. With stops at the viewpoints it is a full day.
When
Early in the morning: the viewpoints are empty, the light is better and there is no traffic. By evening in high season the stretch before Patong is at a standstill.
ВажноIn the rainy season the bends turn slippery and the water runs down the road in a sheet. If a downpour catches you on a pass, wait ten minutes at the viewpoint rather than driving down through the water.
Частые вопросы
Which route is simplest for a newcomer at the wheel?
The north: a flat highway with no mountain bends and calm traffic. Leave the south and the passes for your second or third day.
When should I go to Promthep for the sunset?
Either arrive an hour before sunset or do the route in the morning: in the evening the whole island drives there and the car park is full.
How long does it take to drive the island north to south?
About an hour and a half of moving time without stops. With stops at the viewpoints, a full day.
What should I take with me to the north?
Water and food: part of the coast is in a national park, there are almost no cafes, and in low season some places are closed.
Are the winding roads dangerous?
The roads are in good condition but narrow and steep. Come down in a lower gear, and in a downpour take the flat route round instead.
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