Cruise Port in Phuket - Are Taxi's Readily Available.

[Thomas J]

We are arriving in Phuket on the Norwegian Jade on December 11, and December 12.  The cruise line offers only 4 excursions all very lousy.  We are looking to take a taxi to see other things.  Are Taxi's readily available at the cruise port?  One person said that they were not allowed at the cruise port and therefore difficult to find.  For anyone familiar with the port, I would appreciate knowing if that is true or not. 

[stevenl]

As mentioned earlier, very, very likely you'll be docking at Patong. And from there is a wide choice of taxis available. At the cruise port there will also be taxis, at least at disembarkation time, but you're captive audience, so prone to being (way) overcharged.

[DrDave]

As stevenl mentioned, your ship will most likely be moored in Patong Bay and passengers will be shuttled between the ship and a small seasonal pier via tender boats. This is where the majority of cruise ships "dock" during high season (which started Nov 1st). The pier is located at the southern end of Patong Beach, and is within reasonable walking distance of the touristy areas of Patong Beach - shopping, bars, restaurants. (It's also very convenient if you'd like to spend some time on the beach).

 

To go further afield, there will be plenty of "taxis" looking for customers along the beach road at the end of the pier. These are generally silver colored minivans, and there will also be "tuk-tuks" (converted mini-pickup trucks) trolling for business.  Be sure to negotiate the price before you start a journey or tour, and be advised that taxis and tuk-tuks are notorious for charging obscenely high fares.

 

As mentioned earlier, your ship will probably be moored in Patong Bay, but I'd suggest you ask whether you'll be docking at the deep water port (which is very much out of the way), or mooring in Patong Bay when you board the ship.

 

[Thomas J]

Norwegian Jade.  From what I understand, we will be mooring at the Deep Water port. 

[Old Croc]

Phuket Port is usually a quiet commercial port for cargo vessels. It is away from most tourist areas and it would generally be difficult to find taxis there. However, as pointed out, if a cruise ship (or visiting Navy) docks there, the taxi hoards will descend to rip off their captive passengers with excessive prices to get to where the action is.

In high season, starting very soon, the prevailing winds mainly come from the east, or north east, making Patong Bay a calm and  preferred anchorage for cruise liners.  However, if your ship does berth at the port there would be transport available to take people around the Island. The main ferry terminal, where vessels depart to Phi Phi several times a day, is near the city. You may be a little late to get an organized tour to the Islands, but could still get a regular ferry to where you want to go.

 

 

http://www.phiphi.phuket.com/schedule.htm

[shy coconut]

Even if the taxi fares are a rip off (how much are you talking about for a days round trip?)

It is highly likely to be cheaper than one of the uninspiring excursions offered by the 

cruise company.

 

 

[stevenl]

Wherever your boat moors, please report back here, you can take a ferry to phi phi, get in on the action and spend the night there, and head back again by ferry the following day.