Phuket International Airport

 
Phuket is Thailand's largest island, a idyllic site for the country's premier international beach resort. Much of the island's charm is that the ocean facing west coast is lined with a series of bays where white sand beaches span between rocky points. This makes for a series of relatively intimate places rather than one big unbroken stretch of sand lined with high rise hotels and packed with people.

Although it's Thailand's second-busiest airport, Phuket is a far cry from the massive new airport in Bangkok. The terminal is quite small by comparison, and there is as yet still only a single runway. The terminal buildings are for the most part just two stories high. Arrivals on the ground floor, while the check-in counters and departure lounges take up most of the second level.

Technically, there are two terminal buildings, but the second is only used for international flights in the high season (November to March). All check-ins and other services are accessed through the old terminal building. The main building is three stories high. The first floor is dedicated to arrivals, while the second is used for departures, with check-in counters and departure lounges. The third floor has all the airline offices and a large restaurant operated by Thai Airlines.

Services at the airport are adequate, although this is not a place that you'll want to spend much time unless you have to. Transportation to and from this airport is the most expensive in all of Thailand. A taxi here will set you back at least twice as much as the same trip in Bangkok.

For information about what to see and do around Phuket, see the Asia for Visitors guide to Phuket.