Phuket by Rental Car: A 3-Day, 2-Night Road Trip

Phuket is one of the most rewarding places in Thailand to explore by car. Beaches, viewpoints and the old town are all within 30–60 minutes of each other, and with your own wheels you set the pace — no waiting for transfers or haggling over every ride. This plan covers 3 days and 2 nights, picking up and returning the car at Phuket airport.

Before you go

• Pick up at the airport — our Phuket branch is at Phuket International Airport, open 07:00–22:00. If your flight lands outside those hours, you can add after-hours service when booking (an extra fee, shown before you confirm).
• Book at least 4 hours ahead and upload your documents in your account beforehand for a faster handover.
• Phuket is hilly, especially between Patong, Karon and Kata. On steep descents use a low gear (L or B on an automatic) rather than riding the brakes.
• May to October is the rainy season. Showers are usually short but heavy and roads get slippery — slow down and leave more distance.

Day 1: Airport → north-coast beaches → your hotel

1. Collect the car, walk around it taking photos or a video, and note the fuel level before you set off.
2. Stop at Nai Yang and Mai Khao beaches, just minutes from the airport and much quieter than the south — a good place to unwind after the flight.
3. Drive south to check in. Choose Patong for nightlife, or Kata–Karon for a calmer stay.
4. For dinner, try seafood or southern Thai dishes at a local restaurant near your hotel.

Day 2: Big Buddha → Wat Chalong → viewpoints → Promthep Cape

1. Head up to the Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill in the morning. The road is steep and winding — take it slowly, and dress respectfully.
2. Visit Wat Chalong, Phuket's best-known temple, not far from the bottom of the hill.
3. Spend the afternoon at Kata or Kata Noi beach, then stop at the Karon Viewpoint, which overlooks Kata Noi, Kata and Karon bays.
4. End the day with sunset at Promthep Cape. Parking fills up quickly in the evening, so arrive about 45 minutes before sunset.

Day 3: Phuket Old Town → Khao Rang → return the car

1. Check out and drive into Phuket Old Town to see the Sino-Portuguese shophouses on Thalang Road and Soi Romanee. Use a car park and explore on foot — the old-town streets are narrow and roadside parking is limited.
2. On Sundays, the Lard Yai walking street market runs on Thalang Road in the late afternoon and evening.
3. Drive up to Khao Rang viewpoint for a view over Phuket Town before heading to the airport.
4. Allow at least an hour from town to the airport, including refuelling and the return check — more in the evening rush.

Handy tips

• Return the car with the same fuel level you received it with. There are several petrol stations near the airport; a missing fuel level is charged per level.
• Phuket has a lot of motorbikes. Watch for bikes passing on both sides, especially at junctions and roundabouts.
• Thailand drives on the left, and everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt.
• Keep valuables with you or out of sight — don't leave them on the seat when parking at the beach.

Ready to go? Pick a car at our Phuket branch below — starting prices come from our latest catalogue and include unlimited kilometres.