Rent a car

hi,

How much would be average price for a rent-a-car? we%26#39;ll be staying in Sarojin which is 90 minutes drive from Phuket and I think it would be usefull to have a car if we want to see Phuket, what do you think? or will the taxis be more cost-effective? And what side of the road do they drive there?

thanks.

Rent a car

Have a look at big companies Avis Hertz etc. More expensive but safer re insurance. Dependant on when you go and how long you rent for - approx 1000 - 1600 baht per day. You need a International Driving Permit (see earlier post - driving licence) and they drive on same side as North Cyprus, but a bit more hectic than Kyrenia.

You can hire a car and driver to do sightseeing or just see how it goes and hire a car for a couple of days later on.

Rent a car

for the same price you could hire a taxi with driver each day , so no risk(1000-1600bht)

We stayed at Le Meridien khao Lak, next door but one to the Sarojin last April/May and hired a car for 4 days (Toyota Vios Auto). It Was a Budget rental through AsiaTrails.com and cost 1400 thb a day. Thoroughly enjoyed the flexibility of doing what we wanted, when we wanted. We had a day touring the National Parks, beaches and waterfalls South of Khao Lak, 2 days to Phuket (one touring, one shopping) and a day down to Phang Nga Bay (longtail out to James Bond Isand etc.) and Phang Nga Town (Krabi would have been a comfortable hour further on).

We are returning to Le Meridien next March for 3 weeks and hiring a Toyota Vios Auto from and to the airport from Airport Car Rent for 650 thb a day including insurance. Bearing in mind that it would cost us 400thb return from the hotel into Khao Lak every night (where the restaurants and bars are much cheaper!!), the hire car is a good cost effective solution.

Driving around Khao Lak is pleasant and easy. Same side of road as us. Just keep your wits about you if you visit Patong and Phuket Town.

To emphasise a previous post if you do hire, take an International Driving Licence with you even if hire company says you don%26#39;t need one. You W.ILL need one if you have an accident even if it is not your fault! They only cost 拢5.50 through the AA or at certain Post Offices

Hi Arandora, we%26#39;ll be renting a car when we get to Phuket next week. Renting a 1.5L automatic sedan from Budget in Patong and returning it in Krabi will cost us 1590baht a day, including insurance. It seems a bit more expensive than what you had stated. Do you have the websites for those companies you have rented/are renting from? Budget also told us that we do not need a international driving licence. Also, how long would it take for us to drive from Phuket to Krabi, while stopping along Phang Nga briefly for sightseeing? How much should I budget for gas? Thanks!

The price difference is quite small - might depend on the season as well. I agree that the Int%26#39;l license is a MUST. Doesn%26#39;t matter what they say - get one. You will be much less worried should you have an accident.

The drive from Phuket to Krabi is about 2.5 hours - driving at a sane pace, checking out the scenery.

Budget for gas? Yikes?! Maybe one tank for the round trip - possibly B800-900 or about US$25?

I ALWAYS recommend Budget - as a family member had an accident in a Budget rental - and they were great!

That%26#39;s really helpful! Thanks Tedkarma :)

Thanks all for the information.

Arandora, do you have mailing address or web address for the Airport car rental company?

I%26#39;m thinking of renting a car for 3 days. But not sure if we can get and international driving licence here. Hopefully we can, if not, we%26#39;ll just have to drive very carefully. :)

Hi elvie4ek,

Go to the Airport Car Rent link on phuketindex.com/vehicle/carrental/index.htm and you can contact them by Email from there as well as accessing their website. There are other Phuket car rentals there also if you want to get competitive quotes.

As for International Driving Licence, I had to get one when I visited your beautiful country (love Kyrenia!) so I would be surprised if you can%26#39;t get one there. Perhaps a local car rental outfit will advise you.:)

Don%26#39;t forget that the price of fuel has rocketed in Phuket this year so needs to be taken into account. I wouldn%26#39;t want to drive there as you do see some erratic driving skills! I think it depends on how much you want to go out - if only a few days, it%26#39;s more economical to hire someone like Mr Mor who charges about 1600-1800 for the day and all the hassle is removed!

Hi, I checked with Mr Mor 2 weeks ago and a trip from Phuket to Krabi would cost us 2800baht (2 travellers). That%26#39;s a bit steep for me.