Logistics · Destination Guide
An Andaman basecamp for reefs, wrecks, and limestone island day trips
Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 16 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most travelers fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT), the island's main airport for domestic and international flights. From HKT, you can reach the main resort areas and Phuket Town by road transfer. Phuket is also a common gateway for ferry and speedboat routes to nearby islands (Phi Phi, Krabi coast) and for dive-boat departures from Chalong Pier and other marinas.
Phuket International Airport
HKT • VTSP
32 km • 32 km drive
Phuket's primary airport and a major gateway to Southern Thailand. Most visitors connect via Bangkok or fly direct on regional routes.
Transport: Private taxi or van transfers, Hotel shuttles (where offered), Public bus and shared minivans (limited routes)
Krabi International Airport
KBV • VTSG
170 km • 170 km drive
A practical alternative if you are combining Phuket with Krabi or planning a Phi Phi based itinerary, though it adds a longer ground or sea transfer to Phuket.
Transport: Private van transfer, Ferry and speedboat combinations via piers
Phuket is easiest with a plan for getting around:
Thailand requires most non-Thai nationals to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before entry. The TDAC manual states submission is required for all non-Thai nationals and should be completed 3 days in advance of arrival.
Visa rules depend on nationality. Thailand has a published visa-exemption scheme for many countries (with specific stay limits) and visa-on-arrival options for others. Always confirm your current eligibility and allowed stay length with an official Thai embassy or consulate before you fly.
Thai Baht (THB)
Cash is widely used for markets, small restaurants, taxis, and some tour add-ons like park fees. Cards work well at larger hotels and many dive shops, but keep cash for piers and day-trip logistics.
ATMs are common in resort areas and Phuket Town. Expect per-withdrawal fees and plan fewer, larger withdrawals to reduce charges. Carry a second card if possible in case one fails.
230V • 50Hz • A, B, C, O
Thailand commonly uses plug types A, B, C, and O on a 230V / 50Hz supply. Many hotels have mixed sockets, but a universal adaptor is still a good idea. Make sure chargers are dual-voltage if your home standard differs.
Communications
Local prepaid SIMs and eSIMs are easy to buy at the airport and in towns, with strong coverage across most of the island. Remote offshore areas depend on the boat's radios and the operator's logistics rather than mobile signal.
Language
Thai is the main language. English is widely spoken in tourist and dive-industry areas, especially around Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong, and Phuket Town.
Insurance
Carry travel insurance that explicitly covers scuba and freediving, plus evacuation and hyperbaric treatment. DAN-style diving coverage is common among visiting divers. If you plan to rent a scooter, confirm your policy covers motorbike use under local licensing rules.
Packing list
