Getting from Ao Nang to Phuket: A traveler review

Find the ride you need in

Ao Nang to Phuket is a popular route for travellers in the South of Thailand. Here’s how to grab a last minute transfer.

Phuket, Thailand

Ao Nang, Krabi to Patong beach, Phuket, is a very popular route to take when in the south of Thailand. So much so, that prices can fluctuate, especially during the high season, so it’s important to grab a bargain. Here’s how we managed to search the web for a last minute transfer from Krabi to Phuket.

Searching to find transport the night before we wanted to leave

When we first arrived in Ao Nang, Krabi, we initially decided to book three nights at the J Mansion Hotel with the mindset going in that we might extend for another night or two, depending on how much fun we would have. We had a fun and relaxing three days in Krabi, however, we decided to pack up and head for Phuket.

Patong Beach, Phuket
Patong Beach, Phuket

It was on the night before check-out the following morning, and we opened up the Bookaway website to organize transport for the next day. Unfortunately, due to our late booking, buses and minivans weren’t available for our dates, so our only option was to book a private 3-seater car. We decided to go with the Andaman Taxi transfer.

Door to door drop-off

We have to admit, we were a little unprepared when we started arranging our point to point transport as we didn’t even have a hotel booked for Phuket. However, a great feature of the website is that you can hold off inputting a specific destination until the car picks you up. All you have to input is the general area. Patong beach, in our case.

Private minivan from Ao Nang to Phuket, Thailand

9-seater minivan to ourselves

Our driver arrived at the reception to pick us up 15 minutes earlier than arranged, which was fine by us. We walked to the car and were initially confused. It was a minivan, not a 3-seater. Nonetheless, it was still a private transfer and it included the same amenities for no extra cost; leather seats, air conditioning and free water.

We showed the driver our hotel location. He logged the address into his map and off we went. It was a 9-seater minivan to ourselves, so of course, our feet got their own chairs. The ride was flat and smooth, but not very straight. So many turns and bendy roads that I think it caused Jake a little sickness. He slept most of the way and I had my head in my phone. At times when I lifted my head up, the scenery was pleasant. We passed local market stalls, rows of rubber trees and lots of scattered palm trees. Before we knew it, we were hugging the coastal road and taking in the views of the never-ending blue sea.

Katie and Jake of Untold Wanderlust on their way from Ao Nang to Phuket
Katie and Jake of Untold Wanderlust on their way from Ao Nang to Phuket

Arriving in tourist-filled Phuket

As we arrived in Phuket three hours later, the traffic built up in front of us and slowed us down to first gear. Groups of foreigners on motorbikes started to appear on the road. We knew we were close now. Eventually, we got to the Patong beach area. Our hotel was tucked away down a quiet side street. Our drive went above and beyond to get us to our destination with 5-star service. Easing our way passed pedestrians and parked bikes, we arrived at the front door of our hotel in Phuket, the Roar Inn Hotel.

As always, Bookaway never fails to provide a stress-free experience when it comes to overland travel. Hotel hopping across Thailand has become so much more efficient since our recent change to online purchasing of transport, through Bookaway. It’s one less thing to worry about when backpacking.

Posted September 19, 2019
image of blog writers Katie and Jake
Katie and Jake of Untold Wanderlust
Nature enthusiasts who love nothing more than traveling to off the beaten path destinations around the world. Budget travel is our thing. Currently aiming to travel to every country in the world and write about it on our blog Untoldwanderlust. When we’re not on the move, we’re hunting down a bargain, sampling local beers or chillin’ in our pjs tucking into a film.
image of blog writers Katie and Jake