I will be in Kata, Phuket next week and thinking of renting a car and going around and I have a few questions

1.) How much can I expect for car rental a day?
2.) What documents do I need to produce when renting a car? Passport, driving license?
3.) Any interesting and scenic places(perhaps off the usual tourist track) for me to drive to?

Appreciate any other tips and suggestions.

thanks

We hired a car last year in Kata through the hotel we were staying at (Kata Beach Resort) they assured us that it was safe insurance wise.
Not sure what country you're from but according to RACV in Australia you need an International driving licence to hire a car in Thailand.
We thoroughly enjoyed our ride around the island and over the bridge to mainland Thailand.
The biggest tip we can give you is watch out for the locals on motor cycles...they appear from nowhere.
Cheers Geri

You can hire rght at the airport, across the road form the entrance, expect 1,000-and up depending on what car you want. You will be able to get one from the hotel ur staying at but the cheapest wll be on the beach road in Karon or Patong beach or phuket town.
All u need is any drivers license and show ur passport and then give them a copy. You should have an international license but i have been here for over 20 years and still use my us license.
Make sure it car has FULLinsurance and then do a sight inspection with the person ur renting from and make note of any and all dents/scraps etc.
Check it has good tires and a spare.

Phuket is great for driving but PLease be aware they drive english syle, (opposite us side) and there are 1,000 and 1,000 of motorcycles on the road and not on ewill be paying any attention.

Difficut to get off the toursit track as the island is not that big but a side trip OFF the island to Phang Nga and krabi ( only 200 km away) is a good day trip

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Thanks guys for all the suggestions and tips !

Hopefully I can get an international driving license in time.

Thinking of driving up to Khao Lak. Please suggest any places to drive to. Looking for nice scenery and away from the maddening crowds and traffic.

thanks

a tip do not leave your passport a lot of places will insist be we will never do this i would leave a copy. That should surffice. I have heard tales of whee passports have been left and then they insist that you have caused some damage and won'rt return your passport.
Jax

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Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

2 years ago in Kata we paid 700 baht per for a little Suzuki Carribean that was just big enough for 4 adults. I would think that 900-1200 would get something decent. The hotels quote 1500 baht plus. There is a little travel agent across the road from the entry to the Kata Beach Resort between the 7-11 and a few little shops. I booked through her and she arranged for the car to be dropped off and picked up....easy

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800 baht should be your target figure.

Around Phuket I would drive to Nai Harn and just beyond for some views (Nai Harn is also a great beach but be warned about dangerous undertows as many people lose their lives there). Also, on the ride up round the tip of Phuket in Rawai you will find the greatest pizza restaurant (OK, not authentic Thai but run by two Italians) and nearby inland is the famous Dons; well worth a Sunday lunch. But also there go to Friendship Beach; it is a hotel with restaurant and bar anyone can eat / drink at an beachfront with a view of the islands - perfect!

I would also use the car to liberate yourself from tourist area shops and spend some time in Phuket Town itself; if you need some directions / advice, let me know.

Khao Lak is nowhere near as nice as it used to be with so many hotels there now (which unfortunately bore the brunt of the tsunami; they point straight to where the quake originated). Personally I would take the time for a drive to Krabi IF you have some days spare.

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Thanks everybody for all your replies

Looks like I may not have enough time to get my international driving license. Do these car rental places provide drivers as well. Can you recommend any.

We have hired all over Thailand and never had an international driving license or been asked for one. Dave has a straight forward UK one.

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Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

thanks jaxw17,

I read that it was better to get one in case of accidents and insurance claims.

I am off to Phuket tomorrow !