Autorent Phuketis

Yes, across the Sarasin bridge — most owners include this in the standard terms with no extra charge. Mention at pickup that you're planning Krabi or Phang Nga. The insurance covers the whole of Thailand. It's one of Phuket's main advantages — you effectively get access to the entire southern coast.

At most popular beaches (Patong, Karon, Kata, Nai Harn, Kamala) there are paid parking strips at $1–1.50 per day with a local attendant. Free parking is available at the less-visited beaches: Mai Khao, Sirinat, Mai Thon. Hotel car parks are usually free for guests; restaurants on production of a receipt.

In terms of road access and reaching the rest of the island, Bang Tao and Karon are the most convenient. Quick to the airport, 20–30 minutes to the southern beaches and Phuket Town, parking at most hotels. Patong has plenty of options but the heaviest traffic. Nai Harn is quiet and scenic, but further from everywhere else.

Yes, and it's one of the main reasons to take a car on Phuket. Phang Nga is 1.5 hours, Krabi 2.5 hours, Railay and Ao Nang 3 hours. Roads are surfaced, and the navigation is reliable. Petrol on the mainland is cheaper than on the island — refuel after the bridge.

The main complaints concern smaller outfits along Bangla Road in Patong, unbranded rentals near Kata and Karon beaches, and Thai private operators with no website. TakeCars owners are vetted: name, photo and reviews from previous guests are visible. The deposit is always cash or card, never your passport.

From HKT to Patong — around 50 minutes via the west coast or 40 minutes through the 402. To Nai Harn (the southern tip) — 1 hour 20 minutes. To Bang Tao — 25 minutes. To Phuket Town — 35 minutes. Add 20–30 minutes during rainy-season traffic in Patong.

For the hilly roads (Kamala–Patong, Chalong–Rawai), a car with a 1.5-litre or larger engine is more comfortable. Toyota Vios, Honda City and Mazda 2 cope well. For lots of southern and mountain driving, a Honda HR-V, Yaris Cross or Mitsubishi Xpander handles better. 1.2-litre models need sport-mode shifts on the climbs.

Leave it at the pier in a manned car park. The Ao Nang pier (for Koh Lanta) and Rassada pier in Phuket (for Koh Phi Phi) have car parks at $3–5 a day. Don't leave anything in the boot, take valuables with you, and let the owner know the car will sit at the pier for a few days.

At hotels with their own car parks, yes. At beach car parks with an attendant, yes — but don't leave anything valuable in the cabin. Street overnight parking in Patong is not recommended: minor damage from tuk-tuks and scooters happens, and occasional break-in attempts. A hotel with covered parking is the safest option.

Yes, with some owners — typically an extra $30–60 depending on the drop-off point (KBV airport or Ao Nang). Check at booking, not all owners offer this. Alternative: drop at HKT and pick up a fresh car in Krabi — sometimes cheaper than the one-way fee.