Hello everyone,

I am trying to plan a 2-3 day trip to Phuket in the next week or two. I would like to travel comfortably (pregnant and 2 small children, so a bathroom is a must:), but I also would like to stick to a modest budget.

Here is what I have so far:

1. Flying direct with BKK: For the next week or so, it's a minimum of 6,000 baht round trip per person, including my 3 year old.

2. Ferry+flying with Air Asia from Udon Thani-- flight ticket is not much cheaper, not in this high season I guess, plus you have to worry about transportation from the pier to the airport (which I read nightmares about), and/or spending a night who knows where.

3. Train. After my research, I realized there are no trains that go to Phuket (or close) from Samui.

4. Car. AVIS and Budget car rentals start at 1500 baht a day for a small car (plus car seats plus gas) plus ferry charge. Another cheaper car rental from the airport told me I can only take their most expensive 4-wheel truck out of the island, close to 2,000 baht per day:) Personally, I would love a cross-country road trip, but I can't use a big rental company option because I lost my driver's license and the local car I'm renting now can not be taken out of the island.

5. VIP Bus. None of the offices I went to (999, Sombat, a few others without a name with a Thai name I can't read) have a VIP bus to Phuket, like the super comfy one you can take to Bangkok (24 seats I think, a bathroom, screens, huge chairs that recline into almost beds).

6. Minivans are horrible, and service is even worse, you can almost expect to be put on different unexpected vehicles, told to get off in the middle of nowhere, wait around for hours without knowing what's going on, etc.

7. Bus. As far as I've read, Phantip bus sounds reliable, though slow (they stop to pick people up and drop them off all trip long). They replied right away after I emailed them, and told me they even have a toilet on the bus, all for 450 baht one way (free for my kids), and they can even pick you up for 200 baht more. http://www.phantiptravel.com/Routes_Bus_Services

So, for me personally, the bus sounds like the best option, but I still cringe at the thought of being on the road with the kids from around 6:30 am till 4pm or whenever the bus will make it there. Is there anything I missed? Any other options/suggestions/personal experience/advice?

Thanks!

Rent a car with driver, or ask who from Samui is heading to Phuket in that timeframe and has some seats available in their car. Make a good offer and I'm sure there will be takers.

Taxi?

Rent a car with driver, or ask who from Samui is heading to Phuket in that timeframe and has some seats available in their car. Make a good offer and I'm sure there will be takers.

Any idea where to rent a car with a driver and how much it would run? I've never done it before, if we go to Phuket for a few days, where will the driver sleep, etc? It's like renting a person for a few days, do I have to take care of him?

About getting a ride, we're a family with 2 little kids, I wouldn't wish it upon anyone:)

Taxi?

I feel like I'm being ripped off every time I get one on the island, I can only imagine their rate to go to another island.

If you know an honest, affordable, reliable taxi service in Surat Thani, I'm all ears.

Taxi?

I feel like I'm being ripped off every time I get one on the island, I can only imagine their rate to go to another island.

If you know an honest, affordable, reliable taxi service in Surat Thani, I'm all ears.

Taxi's on the mainland use a meter. Don't know anyone in Surat I'm afraid. Getting to Surat and doing it from - to there would be your best bet though. I'll send a couple messaged to friends and see if anyone can help.

Taxi?

I feel like I'm being ripped off every time I get one on the island, I can only imagine their rate to go to another island.

If you know an honest, affordable, reliable taxi service in Surat Thani, I'm all ears.

Taxi's on the mainland use a meter. Don't know anyone in Surat I'm afraid. Getting to Surat and doing it from - to there would be your best bet though. I'll send a couple messaged to friends and see if anyone can help.

12k door to door return I have been told, which is not too bad in my view. 3k each.

If you want to go down the taxi route I recommend you do a google search on Phuket taxis and call them and ask for a pick up at Donsak.

I have done the same going to Koh Lanta a few years ago...I think the price I paid then was around 2500 Baht one way.

Best of luck!