The island of Phuket is located in Thailand’s southern Peninsula about an hour flight from Bangkok. And for anyone who likes riding motor scooters, this place is paradise. One minute you’ll be riding along the coast surrounded by beautiful beaches surrounded by some of the clearest waters you can find anywhere in the world, and the next minute you’ll be climbing up a mountain road with dense rainforest vegetation creating a canopy over you as you drive. This island has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty, exhilarating displays of Thai culture, top-notch cuisine, and a party scene that is unrivalled in the Southeast Asian islands.
Phuket has a mystical quality that can be felt as soon as you set foot on the island that will immediately make you feel both at ease and ready for adventure at the same time. But if you really want to experience Phuket in all its glory, the very best way to do so is by renting a motor scooter. While Phuket is one of the larger islands off the Thai coast, it’s still small enough that you can ride around the entire perimeter of the island in just one day. Renting a scooter gives you the freedom to go places you can’t get to by bus or with a tour group, and it allows you to move at your own pace and be the master of your own island adventure. Plus, renting a scooter in Phuket, or anywhere in Thailand for that matter, is extremely cheap compared to countries in Europe or North America.
As you can see, renting a motor scooter in Phuket won’t hurt your wallet, and it’s truly the best way to make the most out of your experience on the island. So if you do decide to get a scooter, you’re going to want to know where you should take it. Well, here you go! The 9 places to go by scooter in Phuket, Thailand:
Kata Noi Beach
Not far from the overly-touristy Patong Beach is beautiful Kata Noi Beach. Here you can enjoy the clean white sands and soak up the sun, or take a dip in the pristine turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. If you fancy a cocktail or a bite to eat while you’re relaxing, head on over to After Beach Bar & Restaurant for food and drinks that are cheap and delicious!
Karon Viewpoint
Just a short drive south of Kata Noi is one of the best views on the entire island, Karon Viewpoint. You can take your scooter right up to the top of the hill and gaze out over the bays of Phuket’s western seaboard. If you’re traveling with your significant other, this would be a great place to plan a picnic or watch the sunset.
Big Buddha
You can’t visit Phuket and not take a ride up to the island’s most famous landmark, the Big Buddha. You can see the massive statue from almost anywhere on the island as it sits atop Nakkerd Hill watching over Ao Chalong Bay, but actually making the pilgrimage to the base of this massive statue is the only way to get a real idea of just how magnificent it is. This is the third largest statue in all of Thailand, and it holds great religious significance for the people of Phuket.
Wat Chalong
On your way down the hill from the Big Buddha, take a stop at Wat Chalong, the most important and most impressive of the 29 Buddhist temples on the island. This temple is dedicated to two monks who led the citizens of Chalong district against the Chinese rebellion in 1876, and grounds surrounding the temple are filled with ornate religious statues. The temple itself is an architectural wonder, with an incredible cascading roof and unbelievable attention paid to the small ornamental details.
Simon Cabaret
After your day of visiting religious sites and finding your inner peace, get some tickets to Phuket’s most amazing and outrageous performance, Simon Cabaret. Filled with hilarious antics and spectacular colors, “Thailand's most famous ladyboy show” is truly a unique experience. You can read all about it and book your ticket on their website.
Banzaan Fresh Market
If you’re hungry, looking to buy some new clothes or a souvenir, or if you just want to take in the bustling daily life of Phuket, Banzaan Fresh Market is the place to go. This indoor market is a rainbow of different colored fruit, dresses in the traditional Thai style, exotic seafood, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. You don’t even have to buy anything here to have a great time! But if you’re looking to make a few purchases, you won’t have to spend big bucks. Everything in Banzaan Fresh Market is pretty affordable.
Surin Beach
While many people choose to stay in the southern region of Phuket, there’s a whole lot to see up in the north as well. And if you’ve a rented scooter, it should be no problem at all to take a day trip up to Surin Beach. This long stretch of beach has incredibly white sand, plenty of spots for snorkeling, and best of all, peace and quiet. For the most part, you’re probably only going to have to share the beach with a few locals. Other than that, it’s all yours!
Sirinat National Park
If you keep traveling north past Surin Beach, you’ll reach Sirinat National Park. This small coastal park is a great place to get outdoors and enjoy the sounds of nature. The park is home to some beautiful coral reefs, nesting sea turtles, and over 130 different species of birds. Foreigners have to pay 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children to enter the park, a small price to pay for how much enjoyment you’ll get out of your visit.
Bang Pae Waterfall
Not far from Sirinat National Park is Phuket’s largest waterfall, Bang Pae Waterfall. Hidden deep in the shaded forest, this place is perfect for escaping the heat and dipping your head under the falling water. And if you don’t want to get wet, simply enjoy the view and the calming sounds of the cascade.
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