Planning
Phuket Travel Essentials: Hotels, eSIM, Insurance & Tours
By the Phuket Motorbike editorial team · Updated 2026-10-23 · 4 min read
Quick answer
Your scooter is only part of the trip. These are the extras we recommend sorting before you land, with the booking sites we use ourselves.
Where to stay
Kata and Karon suit first-timers with calm beaches and easy scooter rental. Patong is the nightlife hub. Rawai and Nai Harn are quieter and good value for longer stays. Old Town suits food lovers.
Get connected before you ride
An eSIM gives you mobile data on arrival. You will want offline-ready maps and a phone mount on your bike.
Insurance
Choose a policy that explicitly covers scooter riding with a valid license. Read the exclusions before you buy.
Tours and ferries
Phi Phi and James Bond Island trips are easier by organised tour than by scooter. Ferries connect Phuket with Krabi, Koh Samui and the Phi Phi islands.
Recommended for this trip
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Booking.com
Compare top-rated Phuket villas and beachfront resorts near Patong, Kata, Rawai, and Bang Tao.
Agoda
Often the cheapest rates on Southeast Asia accommodation with instant confirmation and cash-back perks.
Airalo
Land with 5G data already active so Google Maps is ready the moment you hop on your scooter.
SafetyWing
Flexible nomad medical insurance covering scooter riding accidents when properly licensed. Essential for Thailand.
GetYourGuide
Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Bay, and Phang Nga marine park speedboat tours bookable with 24h cancellation.
12Go Asia
Book speedboats and ferries from Phuket to Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Samui, plus airport minivan transfers.
FAQ
What is the best area to stay for scooter riding?
Kata, Karon and Rawai have calm roads and plenty of rental shops nearby.
Do I need a Thai SIM?
No. An eSIM or a tourist SIM from the airport works well for navigation.