Traveling To Phuket | Don't Make These Mistakes #livelovethailand

Summary

This video offers 12 essential tips for travelers visiting Phuket, Thailand, helping them avoid scams and make the most of their trip. It covers transportation options, accommodation advice, tour bookings, food recommendations, and navigating Phuket's nightlife. The vlog emphasizes the importance of making informed choices to avoid overspending and common tourist traps, while also highlighting the beauty of Phuket's beaches, activities, and vibrant atmosphere. With these tips, viewers can enjoy a memorable vacation while being cautious of potential challenges.

Takeaways

• ✈️ Phuket offers amazing experiences, but it can also turn into a frustrating trip if you're not aware of important tips and potential scams.
• 🚖 Transportation from the airport includes options like taxis, minivans, and buses. Minivans are good for solo travelers with light luggage, while buses are cheaper but run less frequently.
• 🚫 Avoid minibus vendors trying to sell tour packages at the airport and politely decline their offers.
• 🏨 Choosing the right hotel in the right location is crucial. Paying a little extra for a 4- or 5-star hotel around the beach or nightlife areas can make a big difference in your experience.
• 🏍️ Transportation around Phuket can be expensive, especially taxis and tuk-tuks. Walking or renting a motorbike is recommended to save money.
• 🏝️ Tours are available everywhere, but avoid booking them from hotels. Walk around and compare prices at different tour desks, and always check what's included to avoid extra charges.
• 🍽️ Phuket dining can be pricey, especially at resort restaurants. Look for affordable yet quality options by checking menus beforehand and avoiding high service charges.
• 🛍️ Phuket is not the best place for shopping; Bangkok is better for that. However, you can still find souvenirs and some reasonable items at markets if you bargain.
• 🏖️ Phuket’s beaches and activities are a highlight, but be cautious of scams and safety concerns. Prioritize safety over risky experiences.
• 🌃 The nightlife in Patong is vibrant and crowded. Explore the clubs, bars, and pubs but avoid getting lured into overpriced places, and stick to main roads to avoid scams.

Q & A

What are some of the main reasons to visit Phuket?

Phuket offers tropical shores, beautiful islands, a vibrant nightlife, and a variety of activities, making it a popular vacation destination.

What transportation options are available from Phuket Airport to the accommodation?

Travelers can choose between taxis, minivans, and buses. Minivans are frequent and cost-effective, while the airport bus is cheaper but operates only once an hour.

What should solo travelers or light travelers do for airport transportation?

Solo or light travelers should opt for minivans or buses as they are cost-effective and available every 15 minutes.

What advice is given about booking tours in Phuket?

Avoid booking tours through your hotel. Instead, check the local tour desks around town, where prices are more reasonable and often offer package discounts.

Why is it important to choose the right hotel in Phuket?

Choosing a hotel in the right location ensures a better vacation experience. Hotels around the nightlife and beach are not expensive, and paying a bit more for a 4-5 star hotel can make a huge difference in comfort.

What are the transportation challenges in Phuket compared to Bangkok?

Phuket lacks affordable transportation options like Bangkok. Taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbike rides are expensive, so renting a motorbike or walking is recommended to save money.

What are some tips for eating affordably in Phuket?

While fancy resorts and restaurants can be expensive, there are affordable dining options along the beach and main roads. Always check the menu and prices beforehand to avoid high service charges.

Is Phuket a good destination for shopping?

Phuket is not ideal for shopping, especially compared to Bangkok. However, some street markets and souvenir shops offer items at reasonable prices if you bargain.

What precautions should be taken when participating in beach activities in Phuket?

Be cautious of scams and pricey offers for beach activities. Always prioritize safety, and avoid activities that seem risky or unsafe.

How can tourists avoid scams in Phuket's nightlife?

Tourists should explore the nightlife by walking around and checking the mood of bars and pubs. Avoid following guides or entering places with suspiciously cheap offers like '60 Baht drinks,' as the actual cost inside may be much higher.

Outlines

00:00

✈️ Essential Travel Tips for Phuket

This paragraph introduces Phuket as a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches, nightlife, and activities, but warns that without proper knowledge, the trip could be disappointing. The author promises to share 12 essential tips to help travelers enjoy their time in Phuket and avoid common scams. The first tip involves navigating transportation options at the airport. Unlike Bangkok, Phuket doesn’t have an airport link, leaving travelers with choices like taxis, minivans, and buses.

05:05

🚕 Transportation Options from the Airport

This paragraph focuses on transportation tips from the airport. Solo or light travelers should consider minivans or buses, which are cost-effective and run frequently. Minivans drop passengers near their hotels but make stops to try and sell tours. Travelers are advised to avoid these sales pitches. Buses, while cheaper, run only once an hour and are a good option if you're not in a hurry.

10:08

🏨 Booking the Right Hotel

Choosing the right hotel in Phuket is crucial for a good vacation. The paragraph advises against booking cheap accommodations in undesirable locations, which could negatively impact the trip. It recommends spending a little extra for a better hotel, particularly near the nightlife and beaches. Good hotels are not too expensive, and booking quality accommodations can prevent issues like receiving a room that doesn’t match online photos.

🛵 Transportation Tips for Phuket

In Phuket, transportation is more expensive compared to Bangkok. Metered taxis and affordable tuk-tuks are not common, and even short rides can be costly. Walking is suggested when possible, and renting a motorbike can be a good alternative to save money. For those who don’t want to drive, staying near popular attractions is advised. Negotiating prices for rides is important to avoid overpaying.

🛳️ Booking Tours and Packages

This paragraph offers advice on booking tours in Phuket. Travelers should avoid booking through hotels, as prices may be higher. Instead, they should explore local tour desks for more reasonable prices and potential discounts on packages. It's important to check exactly what's included in the tour to avoid unexpected extra charges later. Scams are common, so caution is advised when booking tours.

🍽️ Food and Dining in Phuket

Dining in Phuket can be expensive, especially in resorts or high-end restaurants. However, affordable food options are available along the beaches and main roads. Travelers are advised to check the menu and prices before ordering, as some restaurants may have high service charges. Striking a balance between fancy and affordable dining options is important to avoid overspending on food.

🛍️ Shopping in Phuket

Shopping in Phuket is not as good as in Bangkok, which is the better destination for shopping. However, for travelers unable to shop in Bangkok, there are still options in Phuket. Street markets and malls offer goods at reasonable prices, but travelers should always bargain to avoid overpaying. Phuket is not known for shopping, but it’s a good place to pick up souvenirs.

🏖️ Beach Activities and Scams

Phuket's beaches are its main attraction, offering a variety of activities beyond swimming. Tourists will encounter numerous offers for activities, but should be wary of scams and high prices. Safety should be prioritized over getting the perfect photo. Travelers should only engage in activities they are comfortable with and avoid risky ones.

🌙 The Nightlife in Phuket

Phuket's nightlife, especially in Patong, is vibrant and loud, with pubs, bars, and clubs coming alive after sunset. Tourists are advised to explore the area, grab drinks, and enjoy the atmosphere, but to avoid following anyone or being guided into unknown places. They should also avoid clubs with misleading signs advertising cheap drinks, as they often result in much higher costs.

🎉 Conclusion: How to Enjoy Phuket

Phuket is a fantastic vacation destination, full of fun activities, nightlife, and scenic beauty. However, it can also be expensive and rife with scams if travelers are not cautious. By following the tips mentioned, using common sense, and being aware of potential pitfalls, visitors can avoid negative experiences and have a wonderful time in Phuket.

🙏 Final Thank You

The final paragraph wraps up the vlog with a thank-you note to viewers, encouraging them to subscribe for more travel content. The author wishes the audience a pleasant trip to Phuket and hopes they enjoyed the vlog.

Keywords

💡Phuket

Phuket is a popular tropical island destination in Thailand, known for its beaches, vibrant nightlife, and tourist attractions. In the video, it is highlighted as both an exciting and potentially tricky place for travelers, with tips on how to enjoy it while avoiding common tourist pitfalls.

💡Transportation

Transportation in Phuket differs significantly from Bangkok, as there are no airport links or cheap tuk-tuks. The video discusses the various options like taxis, minivans, and buses, advising travelers on how to avoid expensive or inconvenient choices, such as the importance of negotiating taxi fares and choosing minivans or buses for budget-friendly travel.

💡Scams

Scams in Phuket are a key concern for travelers, as the video frequently advises on how to avoid being overcharged or misled, particularly in areas such as transportation, tour bookings, and nightlife. Avoiding scams is a recurring theme, with specific tips like not buying tours from hotels and staying away from overly cheap drinks in clubs.

💡Accommodation

Choosing the right accommodation is emphasized as essential for having a positive experience in Phuket. The video suggests staying in four- or five-star hotels near nightlife and beach areas to ensure quality and avoid discrepancies between advertised rooms and actual rooms. It also warns against relying too much on photos and reviews.

💡Tours

Booking tours in Phuket is a common tourist activity, but the video advises against booking tours through hotels or falling for aggressive sales pitches from minibus vendors. Instead, it suggests checking multiple tour desks for better prices and ensuring that all costs are included upfront to avoid hidden charges.

💡Nightlife

Phuket's nightlife, especially around Patong, is described as lively and vibrant, with numerous bars, pubs, and nightclubs. However, the video warns of potential scams in nightlife venues, advising travelers to avoid following strangers or entering bars that advertise unrealistically low prices for drinks.

💡Food

Food in Phuket ranges from expensive resort dining to more affordable beachside restaurants. The video advises travelers to find a balance between luxury and affordability, noting that some restaurants charge high service fees. Checking prices and menus beforehand is recommended to avoid overspending.

💡Shopping

Phuket is not known for shopping compared to Bangkok, but the video mentions that some reasonable shopping options exist, particularly for souvenirs. It advises travelers to bargain at street markets to avoid paying inflated prices.

💡Beaches

Beaches are one of Phuket's main attractions, offering scenic views and various activities like swimming and boating. The video encourages travelers to take part in these activities but also stresses the importance of safety and avoiding overpriced options.

💡Common Sense

Common sense is a recurring theme in the video, where the narrator advises travelers to use their judgment to avoid scams, make wise choices about accommodations, and save money on transportation. By following simple tips and being cautious, travelers can avoid the negative aspects of Phuket.

Highlights

Phuket could be your best or worst trip depending on how prepared you are.

Choosing transportation from the airport is crucial, with options including taxis, minivans, and buses.

Minivans are a good option for solo or light travelers, offering reasonable and fixed prices.

Airport buses are a cheaper option, operating every hour, but are slower than minivans.

Avoid minibus vendors trying to sell you unnecessary tours and packages upon arrival.

Selecting the right hotel in the right location is key to having a good vacation experience.

Transportation in Phuket can be expensive, with no cheap tuk-tuks or motorbikes, so renting a bike or walking can save money.

Always negotiate transportation fares as Phuket is not like Bangkok where prices are fixed.

Tour packages can be reasonably priced but always check what is included to avoid extra charges during the trip.

Phuket's food options range from fancy resorts to affordable beachside restaurants, but check service charges before dining.

Phuket is not ideal for shopping compared to Bangkok, but some markets offer reasonable souvenirs if you bargain.

Phuket's beaches offer numerous activities, but always prioritize safety over thrill.

Phuket's nightlife is vibrant, especially around Patong, but be cautious of scams and overpriced drinks.

Avoid entering places that advertise extremely cheap drinks, as you might end up paying much more.

Conclusion: Phuket is a great destination if you're cautious, aware of scams, and follow basic travel tips to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Transcripts

foreign [Applause]

[Music] traveling to Phuket in Thailand could be one of the best trips in your life because

of its tropical Shores beautiful islands activities nightlife and more but at the same time it

could be your worst trip if you don't know some essential things before arriving to this

Tropical Paradise this whole business [Music] in today's Vlog I am going to give you 12

tips that if you apply them you are going to enjoy the best of Phuket and at the same

time avoid all the scams or let's say mistakes that could spoil your vacation so sit back

tight and enjoy the ride

[Music] first thing first things start at the airport and once you arrive and pack your

bags either from International or domestic flight you must choose which transportation

to take in order to reach your accommodation and transportation in Phuket is not like Bangkok

you don't have airport link which is the best thing it can be at an airport so what are

the choices taxis minivans and buses [Music] [Applause] [Music] here is the trick if you

are a Solo Traveler or let's say light traveler with only one luggage then go for minivans

and bosses minivans are available almost every 15 minutes the prices are fixed reasonable

so according to your hotel location you book and that's it the bus will take you to your

hotel area and drop you to the nearest point so most of the time it will be some steps

away from your hotel [Music]

the second choice is the airport bus here you have to avoid all these Mini Bus vendors

and walk out from the airport once you are out you will see these buses that will take

you to the city or the famous spots check the route enter the bus and this is cheaper

than the minibus but it operates every one hour so if you are not in a hurry this is

the best choice

[Music]

the minibus will stop along the way and tell everyone to get out enter an office to take

some information here they will try to sell you tours and packages avoid them no need

just tell thank you and that's it because later I am going to talk about where to book

your tours in Phuket [Music] everything

booking the right hotel at the right location is the most important thing because if you

stay at the wrong hotel in a wrong area then your vacation is not going to be a good one

so choose carefully my advice to you hotels are not expensive in Phuket especially the

ones Around The Nightlife and the beach so by paying some money more and getting four

five-star hotel is better than the cheaper ones trust me it makes a huge difference don't

believe all the picks and reviews you can see a room and get another type of room so

by booking good hotels you will avoid this you can watch my Vlog where to stay in Phuket

and get an idea about the hotels and locations [Music] [Applause]

[Music] transportation in Phuket and especially in all the islands are expensive if you don't

know how to choose or what to choose no meter taxi no cheap tuk-tuks even no cheap motorbikes

the shortest ride can cost you around 200 Thai baht which you can walk in 5 minutes

so if you can walk walk it if not then get a motorbike rent it and you will save and

if you don't like to drive stay near the attractions so that you won't need to pay a lot and one

more thing before you jump into any kind of Transportation negotiate the price otherwise

you might pay a lot remember this is Phuket and not Bangkok [Music]

here we come to the tours you will see a lot of tour desks everywhere starting from your

hotel well first thing don't book it from your hotel just as after checking take a walk

and check the tour desk around usually the prices are reasonable and if you buy a package

you can get discounts the two ranges between 1500 to 3 000 Baht always check what is included

inside the tour because many times you can be asked to pay extra charges once you are

at the tour so be careful check your list well and avoid any scams

[Music]

[Music] now coming into food options Phuket is not cheap and if you want to attend fancy

Resort or restaurants then prepare to pay well after all it's an island for a vacation

but that doesn't mean that there are not affordable options many restaurants along the beach and

the main road offer good food with reasonable prices but always check the menu and the prices

before you jump in some restaurants might charge you high service charge so that's another

thing to be aware of finding a balance between affordable choices and fancy places will be

a wasting if you don't want to spend all your budget on food

this will be the last call

[Music] 20 minutes

[Music] shopping in Phuket should not be an option for you if you are visiting Bangkok

because Bangkok is the best place for shopping but if you don't have the chance to shop in

Bangkok then there are some options in Phuket add the most you can find good things with

reasonable prices so my advice to you start from the most and do your shoppings there

after that if you are wandering around at the Street Markets bargain because you will

get very high prices so use your skills and buy what you need not more than that in one

word Phuket is not for shopping but some souvenirs might be okay

[Music]

now that we talked about food options shopping and basic stuff let's talk about the best

parts the beautiful Shores and the activities around Phuket without its beautiful Shores

words nothing and there are lots of activities to do besides swimming some betting so once

you enter the beach you will be surrounded with offers and activities now if you like

go for it but be aware of scams and pricey options and also safety must be a priority

not the picks that you will carry home because the only one responsible for your safety and

Thailand is you so things you cannot do it don't do it [Music] foreign

[Music]

what is Phuket without the nightlife if you are staying in Phuket specially around Patong

then get prepared for The Nightlife once the sun goes down then things change in Phuket

the pubs the bars the nightclubs the crowds wandering around the music and the loud noises

from everywhere so what to do of course to check them about how to avoid the scams my

advice to you have a walk around check the mood grab some drinks check some clothes pubs

net clubs but never follow anyone or Guided by anyone another thing stay on the main walking

Road don't enter places where you can read the sign 60 Baht for a drink and once you

go inside you will end up 10 times more than that so if you want to know more you can watch

my Vlog about the scams in Phuket down [Music]

everything now as a conclusion Phuket is a wonderful place to have some vacation and

enjoy the activities The Nightlife and more but if you don't follow the tips and be cautious

it could be the opposite of that because it's crowded full of scams and unfortunately if

you don't know where to stay and what to spend then it will be too much expensive so by following

the simple tips and using your common sense you can avoid all the negative things and

have a nice vacation I hope you enjoyed this Vlog and if you are heading to Phuket have

a nice holiday thank you for watching subscribe for more from live love Thailand thank you

everything everything [Music]

thank you [Music] foreign [Music]