Phuket is a great base, but the best sights around it are spread out. Phang Nga Bay's limestone karsts are about an hour north, and Krabi's beaches and viewpoints are a longer drive east. Public transport and tour minibuses run on someone else's schedule. A self-drive rental lets you leave when you like, stop at roadside stalls and bring the whole family along. This guide covers what a rental costs, how to plan both day trips and how to collect your car at Phuket International Airport.
Why Self-Drive Works for Phuket Day Trips
Thailand drives on the left, just like Malaysia, so Malaysian drivers will feel at home straight away. Main roads between Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi are paved and well signed, with plenty of petrol stations. Fuel and parking are easy to find at most attractions. Renting also saves money for groups. Splitting one car between four people is usually cheaper than booking two separate tours.
Car Options and Daily Rates in Phuket
All prices below are per-day rates in Thai baht (THB) from live Phuket listings on MT Car Rentals. Rates vary by date and rental length, so check the final price on the booking page.
- Toyota Corolla Altis: from THB 700/day, a comfortable ride for highway driving.
- Toyota Yaris: from THB 800/day. A compact car that is easy to park.
- Honda City: from THB 1,000/day. A sedan with a decent boot for luggage.
- Honda WR-V: from THB 1,000/day. A compact SUV with extra ground clearance.
- Toyota Veloz: from THB 1,300/day, a roomy seven-seater for families.
- Mitsubishi Xpander HEV: from THB 1,500/day, another MPV for larger groups.
Security deposits on these listings are typically around THB 3,000, though some listings ask for more and some are zero. Cash is always accepted for security deposits. Longer rentals usually bring a lower daily average, so check the multi-day price if you are staying a week. Each operator lists its own terms, delivery fees and area limits in the Important Notes section, so read it before you book.
Day Trip 1: Phuket to Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga is the easier of the two trips. Head north over the Sarasin Bridge and follow Route 4 into Phang Nga province. Allow roughly 1 to 1.5 hours each way depending on where you start. Most visitors head for the boat piers that run trips among the bay's limestone islands, and the scenery on the way is worth stopping for. Start early. Mornings are cooler, car parks are emptier and boat queues are shorter.
A Yaris, City or Corolla is plenty for this route. Keep the fuel topped up before you leave Phuket, as stations get sparser near the piers.
Day Trip 2: Phuket to Krabi
Krabi is a longer day. Expect roughly 2 to 3 hours each way, depending on traffic and which part of Krabi you are heading to. Popular stops include the viewpoints and beaches around Ao Nang and the temples and town centre. Because the driving time is longer, leave around sunrise and plan to be back on the road before dusk. Unfamiliar rural roads are harder to read after dark.
For this trip, a Veloz or Xpander HEV gives passengers more space for the long ride, while the WR-V handles uneven roadside parking comfortably. Share the driving if you have more than one licensed driver. Note that the minimum age on each listing applies to every driver, and the rental start date is what counts.
Some operators limit where the car may be driven, for example to Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi only. The Important Notes section on the listing will state any such limit, so confirm it before planning a longer route.
Picking Up at Phuket International Airport
Phuket International Airport is a listed pick-up location on MT Car Rentals, so you can choose it when you search and book. Details such as the exact meeting spot, any delivery fee and waiting time vary by operator, and your operator will contact you before the rental to arrange the handover. You are welcome to reach out to them directly using the number provided on your booking.
A few tips for a smooth collection:
- Enter your flight arrival time accurately when you book. If your flight is delayed, email us with your new arrival time so the pick-up time can be updated.
- Bring your passport and driving licence. ASEAN-issued licences are accepted on their own. Non-ASEAN licences must be accompanied by a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). Probationary licences are not accepted.
- Check the car with the operator at handover and note any existing marks.
- The fuel policy is like for like, so return the car with the same fuel level you received it with.
MT Car Rentals uses an area-based model. You may return the car to any location within the same area as your pick-up, but not to a location in a different area. Plan to return to a Phuket location. The car also cannot be taken across the border out of Thailand.
Practical Driving Tips
- Use a phone mount and offline maps in case signal drops in hilly areas.
- Watch for motorbikes, which are common on Thai roads and often filter between lanes.
- Respect speed limits and keep to the left. Fines apply in Thailand just as at home.
- Carry small baht notes for parking and tolls.
- Take photos of the car at pick-up and return for your own records.
Book Your Phuket Rental
With rates from THB 700/day, a self-drive car turns Phang Nga Bay and Krabi into easy day trips on your own schedule. Choose Phuket International Airport as your pick-up on mtcarrentals.com, compare the available cars for your dates and read the Important Notes before you confirm. Your Thailand road trip starts the moment you land.
