NO TAXI MAFIA! | DIY travel tip to explore Phuket without being ripped off!

If you are based on one place on Phuket, after a few days, you'll probably want to explore! But getting a taxi to each different place can be expensive and inconvenient. So when I found out that you can hire a van with a driver for 2 or 4 hours using the grab app., I thought I'd give it a go!
What I hadn't factored in was the horrendous traffic in the afternoons. But I still got to see a few places. Come along for the ride!

[@sandgroper1980]

Great way to get about hiring the "Grab" for a few hours. I'm a big beach guy and the ones you visited looked beautiful ! Another great video BC 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks, SG. I really believe if there's not much traffic, then hiring for a few hours becomes great value for money. When you get bored, your driver is waiting to take you wherever you fancy going next! Completely stress free because he drops you before searching for somewhere to park. We were just a bit unlucky with the traffic this time, but not a big problem!

[@drewcorry5056]

Excellent all around

[@balloonchaser]

It's very kind of you to say!

[@WalkingmanPattaya]

Beautiful area, beautiful beaches. Like the idea of a van rental as well BC ⛱️. Nice to see how the other half lives...or vacations 😂👌

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Ric. Was nice to get out of Patong beach for a change! Patong is number one for nightlife, but the beaches further north are definitely superior. Going to try the van hire idea in other places. It's got potential!

[@bigbopper6311]

looks like you had a fun trip with traffic jams. no loos and elastic length beaches. thought things like that only happened to Mr Egg.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, BB. I had a much longer list of places to visit, but the traffic jams put paid to that! Still think hiring a car and driver is not a bad idea. Just don't do it during rush hour and high season! As regards lack of toilets, at least I didn't have to jump in the sea!

[@thecryptostrategist2433]

300B to go to the end of the Soi. Sounds like a deal. I think your strategy for getting around is quite viable if you plan to go to various places in one day. Good find. I also loved the captive audience comment in that restaurant. I have had some unpleasant experiences like that on islands.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, David. The taxi mafia is definitely alive and kicking at patong beach. For me, an app like grab is always likely to be a better option. And being able to book the driver for 2 or 4 hours is so convenient. Driver was a nice guy, too! I guess all beach restaurants are similarly priced, but sometimes you just look at the menu and sigh!

[@conradmuellerify]

Mai Khao Beach is good for plane spotting.

[@balloonchaser]

I didn't know that! Thanks for the info!

[@Russ12189]

Your co-star is a Hansom Man 😂

[@peapaulofthailand6539]

Lol 🤣 he needs help 😉

[@balloonchaser]

By comparison, I'd have to agree with you!! Then again, might you be slightly biased?

[@peapaulofthailand6539]

@@balloonchaser I would hazard a guess that the ladies called you both Hansum Man ka 😉

[@balloonchaser]

@peapaulofthailand6539 Yeah, when me, Russ and Shrek go for a night out, we all get called handsum. Paul, even if you tagged along, we might get the same reaction!